After a special Memorial Day card at 6:30 p.m., Santa Anita Park will conduct a charity poker game to support the "Folds of Honor" Foundation, the track announced in a release. Folds of Honor offers financial support to over a million dependents who have suffered because of war.
In addition to playing a full night of No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em poker and enjoying a day at the races in Santa Anita's Stretch Run Suites, players will also make a donation of $300 to charity.
Over $35,000 was raised during the event last year.
“We had great participation from horsemen and fans this past Memorial Day and we're hoping to do even better next Monday,” stated Santa Anita Vice President and General Manager Nate Newby. “Memorial Day weekend is a time for reverence for millions of veterans and we're proud to be able to honor them and their families. This is a tremendous cause and we're honored to have Folds of Honor back here at Santa Anita.”
Fans can also get an iconic 'The Shoe Wants You' T-shirt, which incorporates an image featured originally on a banner honouring famous jockey Bill Shoemaker over 50 years ago, for a $30 donation to support 'Folds of Honor'. In addition, general parking, a program, entry, and a Challenge Coin with Santa Anita and the Folds of Honor organisation are included with the donation. You can donate $10 to acquire the coin separately.
Additionally, a silent auction is scheduled to include four glass-top seats for an LA Kings hockey game, four tickets to an LA Chargers game at So-Fi Stadium with parking, a pair of Manny Pacquiao-signed boxing gloves, and the opportunity to watch a race alongside Frank Mirahmadi from the announcer's booth.
“The folded flag is to honour those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” noted Folds of Honor Senior VP and former Tehran hostage POW Rocky Sickmann. “It inspires us to help equip and educate their loved ones in need of our support. Thank you to Santa Anita Park for embracing the call by honouring their sacrifice.”