York Racing Inc. and Community TAB teamed up to fund raise for the Mount Bakewell Pony Club at the annual York Cup on Sunday, November 10.
"It is great to be involved in a program that supports all concerned - the volunteers and the children who take part, and supports the club financially, and is also a way for our members to be involved in another aspect of the equestrian industry," York Racing Secretary Shelly Turner said.
"They find it hard to gain extra funds, being a small club, and this format allows them to have fun on the day, give children a worthwhile experience, and gain much needed financial funds."
"The race club sets up a marquee where the ponies are situated, along with a table and chairs for showing raffle products near the entrance gate, so they gain maximum support and interest, where they will have a donation box and various items for raffles."
The pony club supplies national accredited coaches to riders from the age of five to 25 and has now extended its membership to adult riders, as well as a section for disabled riders. The club also embraces off the track horses.
Funds raised will go towards upgrades at the pony club as well as poles for their jumps to be in keeping with national safety directions.
Community TAB, a program of Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA), will be matching the funds raised up to $2,000.
RWWA Chairman Jeff Ovens said the positive effects of the Community TAB program have been extensive for regional WA with 49 of WA's race clubs based in regional communities.
"The Community TAB dollar matching program has been in effect from early 2015, and since then has seen over $500,000 raised for not-for-profit organisations around WA through partnerships with local race clubs," Mr Ovens said.
"RWWA recognises that race clubs across WA play an important role in their community, contributing both economically and socially with partnerships like these as an example of the strong connection race clubs have within the communities in which they operate."
"Our donation to the Mount Bakewell Pony Club via Community TAB is just one of more than 50 community organisations that will be supported as part of RWWA's ongoing commitment to the WA community."
"Community TAB is proud to play our own part in giving back to the community by partnering with race clubs around WA."
Any race club that takes part in the Community TAB Race Club Community program in 2019 will also go into the running to receive a $4,000 grant from Community TAB to support their club.
