Oct 28, 2022
BATAVIA – Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) has received $23,605.70 to help those affected by breast or gynecologic cancer.
Western Regional-Off Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the coalition with a check Thursday morning at Batavia Downs.
On Sept. 16, a dinner fundraiser, with raffles to benefit the BCCR was held in conjunction with a night of racing. Businesses and donors located in Western New York sponsored several races that night. Some money came from the local harness racing community as some owners, trainers and drivers donated all or a portion of their earnings from the night to the BCCR. Through the dinner, donations, raffles and auctions for items, the event raised $23,605.70.
“We are privileged to have hosted this event for the BCCR,” Wojtaszek said. “The BCCR is dedicated to eradicating breast cancer through research and advocacy.
“The amount of community outreach that they do is inspiring, holding educational and support events so that members of the Western and Central New York can come together to learn and receive assistance,” Wojtaszek said. “As in year’s past, the event here was an overwhelming success. With the hard work of their staff and ours we are pleased to have raised the highest amount ever for this event.”
Holly Anderson, president and executive director of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester said on behalf of the coalition, “I am astounded by this tremendous support, which will help us empower survivors in the nine-county region of Western New York, including Genesee County.
“Though October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, we feel the support from the Batavia Downs community all year long. They entrust their friends and family members to us, assist us in making important connections within their community, and stay in touch with us on an ongoing basis,” Anderson said. “Breast cancer takes much more than ‘awareness.’ It needs ACTION throughout the year. Our friends and Batavia Downs walk the talk.”
