Boca Raton, FL – An enthusiastic
crowd turned out at Gulfstream Park’s Christine
Lee’s for The Haven Day at the Races.
Appropriately attired in “derby chic,” guests kicked
off the much-heralded afternoon by bidding on a huge
assortment of enticing silent auction gifts. Funds
raised at The Haven Day at the Races will
make a powerful difference in the lives of
at-risk adolescent boys who receive life-changing
services at The Haven that support and guide them as
they grow and develop into independent, responsible
adult members of the community.
While enjoying a delicious
Asian-themed buffet lunch, guests watched and placed
bets on the afternoon’s thoroughbred horse races.
Honorary Chairs, Peter and Anne Vegso, long-time
supporters of the programs and services of The Haven
and horseracing enthusiasts as well as owners of
thoroughbred race horses, were the inspiration for
the theme of The Haven Day at the Races.
Vegso Stables fielded an entry in the day’s fifth
race, a filly named “Entertaining.” The crowd
erupted when “Entertaining” won the race, truly
contributing to the perfect afternoon. The winning
silks, specially designed for The Haven Day at
the Races, were signed by Peter Vegso, the
trainer and the winning jockey and auctioned off to
a lucky bidder.
Special award presentations, courtesy
of Tiffany & Co. were presented to the Vegsos;
Triple Crown Sponsor, Donald and Deborah Mullaney;
and event chair Lynda Levitsky. All were thanked for
their dedication and commitment to the young men at
The Haven and for their contributions to the success
of The Haven Day at the Races. Ron Nicoletti,
Gulfstream’s popular handicapper, served as the
event’s guest emcee. Throughout the day, he thanked
The Haven Day at the Races Daily Double
sponsors: Ellis, Hodes & Goldberg, Fox Pan American
Sports, Fromberg, Perlow and Kunik, P.A., The Mack
Group,Inc., NCCI Holdings and Kenneth J. Strauss.
Don Stewart, The Haven’s executive
director, gave special thanks to Gulfstream Park
General Manager, Bill Murphy and his team for their
outstanding efforts and cooperation. He then
introduced former residents of The Haven who spoke
openly about their positive life-changing
experiences at the group home.
In keeping with the afternoon’s
theme, guests enjoyed sporting pins that
demonstrated their purchase of raffle tickets.
Raffle gifts were: an exquisite 18kt white gold
“Criss Cross” diamond ring, courtesy of Gregory’s
Fine Jewelry; a two-hour cruise aboard a new Marine
Max Sea Ray 50 ft. yacht complete with captain and
dinner for four at Blue Moon Fish Company; and a
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Gift Basket,
including an overnight stay.
The Haven, founded in 1976, is a
group home for adolescent boys, ages 9-17, who have
been placed in protective care by the State of
Florida. From their five-acre campus in Boca Raton,
The Haven provides programs designed to foster the
development of each young man’s self-esteem and
independence. In a safe, loving and stable
environment, the young men are taught the skills
necessary for them to become self-sufficient and
proud adults. The Haven is nationally accredited by
the Council on Accreditation (COA), and recently
received its fourth-consecutive four-star
rating from Charity Navigator, a national charity
watchdog group. For more information on helping the
boys at The Haven please call (561) 483-0962 or
visit
www.haven4kids.org.