Fillies Race for Hope Saturday at Canterbury Park

The third annual Fillies Race for Hope, a day of horse racing and fundraising to benefit Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation and Pay It Forward Fund, will be held Saturday, Aug. 17 at Canterbury Park. 

The first of nine races, each exclusively for fillies and mares, begins at 1:30 pm. This day of horses and hope, presented by MHC Companies, includes three stakes races on the track and various activities during the race day.

“We are pleased to host Fillies Race for Hope once again,” Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson said. “It is an important day on the racing calendar that our fans look forward to. We are happy to be working with two great partners in Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation and Pay it Forward Fund.”

Fillies Race for Hope has generated more than $140,000 in contributions in 2011 and 2012.

Events will include a Survivors’ Parade on the racetrack – immediately following the day’s third race – where breast cancer survivors and their families will be honored.  A hat contest will be held for all racetrack attendees, and bartenders will be pouring the Lady Slipper Smash – the event’s signature cocktail. This year a 5k Walk & Trot, beginning at 10:30 am, has been added to the schedule.

Event sponsors have been generous again this year in support of the cause, donating more than 100 items for a silent auction that will be held from noon to 4:30 pm.

General admission to Fillies Race for Hope is $5. Children under 18 are admitted free. Parking is also free. 

“We encourage everyone to dress in pink to show their support on this special day of racing and hope,” Sampson said.

Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation helps financially distressed individuals and their families who have been touched by breast cancer. Since 2001, Hope Chest has provided over $1,000,000 in support for more than 2,000 breast cancer patients and their families in the Twin Cities area. Hope Chest offers emergency assistance programs to provide financial assistance for rent, utilities, transportation and delivered meals to families.

Pay It Forward Fund, a program of North Memorial Foundation, helps patients pay their bills while they undergo treatment for breast and women’s cancers. They pay essential living expenses so patients can focus on what’s really important - getting well. 

Pay It Forward Fund was founded in 2005 by a breast cancer survivor. They provide $20,000 each month in patient assistance to help patients buy groceries, pay their mortgages, heat their homes, keep their lights and water on, and repair their cars so they can drive to chemo. For hundreds of women in need, these gifts have made a difference at a time of crisis.

More information about Fillies Race for Hope can be found at www.filliesraceforhope.com.

--From Canterbury Park