WE GiVE THANKS TO YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR MISSION

November 2023

Dear Friends:

This year, BCCA launched BCCA Blooms: Nourishing Mind · Nourishing Body · Nourishing Family to help further our mission. Our goal is to Be Transformative by changing the lives of our families through knowledge and by providing the proper tools for success as we focus on the importance of establishing healthy eating habits, introducing new snack options to our children in an age-appropriate way, and expanding our garden to provide more fresh fruit and vegetables for our families.

BCCA Blooms because the programs we offer at Anna House and Faith's House have become an invaluable resource for the backstretch families and each year we see our children thrive as they continue on their road to success. This year, we were proud to offer a school-age program at Faith's House during the summer race meet. Thanks to our early childhood education program, Anna House graduates enter the local public school system at the same level as or ahead of their peers. Our program has proven successful as our graduates often earn a spot on the Principal's Honor Roll and are celebrated for showcasing their leadership skills in the classroom. Many of our families speak Spanish as their primary language so our children are often exposed to English for the first time at Anna House. A recent research study led by an MIT economist established a correlation between preschool-educated children and positive outcomes, which includes a boost in high school graduates and college attendance, and a decrease in problematic behavioral issues.

As Anna House celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, BCCA can now follow the long-term effects of providing our students with the foundation for educational success from an early age. One of our earliest graduates, Xochilt, is now pursuing a double major in Civil Engineering and Architectural Studies at Northeastern University. Our first Anna House graduate, Jonathan, has thrived in the Thoroughbred racing industry and he was recognized with the Godolphin Newcomer Award, sponsored by the New York Racing Association, Inc. last year. And, Lourdes, now in sixth grade, had a piece of art on exhibition at the Long Island Children's Museum earlier this year. Xochilt, Jonathan, and Lourdes participated in BCCA's early childhood education and school-age programs.

We are so grateful to you, our loyal donors, for your continued support of BCCA's early childhood education and school-age programs. Our one-of-a-kind organization is changing lives at the racetrack every day as we continue to expand our programs to better serve our families. Here's how you can help us continue to Be Transformative! Please consider a gift to BCCA. We invite you to join us and Think BIG for BCCA at any level because when we come together, we can make a great impact on the lives of our children and their families. We send our best wishes for good health and happiness to you and your family.

Warmest regards,