The Jim Dooley Center for Early Learning placed second out of six organizations in the 12th Annual Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack $30,000 Charity Cup on Monday, November 11. The second place win, based on total points tallied from the finishes of their selected horses over six races, earned the Center $6000! The winnings will be used towards the installation of a developmentally appropriate playground structure to serve children ages 3-9 years.
Thirteen representatives of the Jim Dooley Center gathered in the VIP terrace at the track including, staff, volunteers, Board members, and the Finger Lakes Health Employee and Leader of the Year awardees. The team worked together to make their picks for each race. In the end, they racked up points with three of their horses finishing first, two finishing second and one race without a win/place/show. Each race was exciting, with several horses coming from behind to win and a few very close finishes. Participants enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch and decadent desserts.
Now in its 30th year, the Jim Dooley Center for Early Learning serves 160 families each year who live and work in Monroe, Wayne and Ontario Counties. Programs include infant care through after-school care, for ages 6 weeks through 6th grade. These programs, based on age and development, are supervised by teachers with college degrees in early childhood education. Jim Dooley Center for Early Learning is licensed by the New York State Department of Social Services and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children for exceeding standards in early childhood education. Over the past 30 years, the Jim Dooley Center has served more than 5,000 children.
PHOTO CUTLINE: The Jim Dooley Center for Early Learning receives check for $6000 for their second place win at the 2019 Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack Charity Cup event. Pictured (L to R): Representing Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack - Steve Martin, Director of Marketing with representatives of the Jim Dooley Center/Finger Lakes Health team – Kim Ilacqua, Director, Marketing and Digital Strategy; Johann Earsing, Administrative Assistant, Community Services and FLH Foundation; Elizabeth Loycano, Physical Therapist/FLH 2018 Employee of the Year; Maureen Loyal, Director of Rehabilitation/2018 FLH Leader of the Year; Kathy Ryrko, Director Jim Dooley Center; Helen Kelley, Director of Development, FLH Foundation; Ruth LaBelle, Jim Dooley Center retiree; Denise Peterman, teacher, Jim Dooley Center; Laura Van Niel, New Visions Medical Career Instructor/ Chair, FLH Foundation Board; Lara Turbide, Vice President, Community Services Finger Lakes Health & Executive Director, FLH Foundation; Paula Bucklin, Marketing Specialist; Marie Bruno, volunteer. Missing from photo: Mary Lawthers, volunteer.