“The time is always right to do what is right.”

-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Our students spent time learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message and why it still matters today. Through reading, class discussions, and hands-on art projects, they learned about using peaceful words, showing courage, and treating others fairly.

Their artwork highlights what stood out to them most, including kindness, respect, caring for others, and having a dream for a better world. We are so proud of their learning and creativity!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Libby Imperio steps down as President and Hands the reins to Donald V. Little, Jr.

The Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA) extends its profound gratitude to Libby Imperio, who is stepping down as our President. Mrs. Imperio has served as President of the BCCA Board of Directors since 2014, and she joined the Board in 2009. Her vision, dedication, and tireless advocacy for backstretch children and their families have been transformative for our programs as we Educate to Elevate 365 days a year. She will continue to serve on the Board as Immediate Past President, and as Advisor to the Executive Committee.

Mrs. Imperio has been a vital part of BCCA, helping to support the children, families, and community she has long championed. During her 12 years of service, the annual Spring Fling Hat Luncheon, held at the Garden City Hotel, was established, as well as the annual Mistletoe Madness Holiday Luncheon, held at the Metropolitan Club in NYC. She, along with the BCCA Board, launched a college scholarship program which is awarded annually at the Anna House Graduation, and she felt that BCCA’s Annual Holiday Shopping Day should be opened to the entire backstretch community, and this event went from providing Christmas gifts for 50 families to 300 families. 

For Mrs. Imperio, it has been incredibly heartwarming to see BCCA come full circle in providing programs that meet the needs of the entire family, and to play a role in that growth. With the addition of the Women’s Literacy Program in 2016, BCCA now equips backstretch mothers with tools to strengthen bonds with their children and communities. Over the years, she has been a warm, encouraging presence for these women, joining them for special luncheons to celebrate their dedication and achievements.

“My 12 years as President have brought with it so much success and growth to BCCA, and I will be forever grateful for all the support I received from the BCCA Board, BCCA staff, and most importantly, the donors for what we have accomplished together,” said Mrs. Imperio. 

Building on this strong foundation of leadership and service, BCCA is pleased to announce that Donald V. Little, Jr. has been named President of the Board of Directors. This leadership transition reflects the organization’s commitment to continuity, experienced governance, and unwavering dedication to the families it serves.

Little has served on the BCCA Board of Directors since 2016 and as Vice President since 2019. As a lifelong horseman and respected member of the Thoroughbred racing community, he brings expertise and a strong commitment to the backstretch workers and children at the heart of BCCA’s mission.

“When I was asked to become President of such an outstanding and important organization for the children and families of the New York Thoroughbred racing backstretch community, it was an easy yes! I am honored to serve and will do my best to help BCCA thrive,” said Little.

About Donald V. Little, Jr.

Donald V. Little, Jr. has served as President and Co-Owner of Centennial Farms since 1990. A lifelong horseman and world-class polo player, he has competed on three continents at the highest levels of the sport, bringing the same dedication and discipline to his work in Thoroughbred racing.

At Centennial Farms, Little oversees day-to-day operations and works closely with professional horsemen and women to select, train, and manage the racing careers of the farm’s horses. He is an active member of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and regularly attends major sales.

Little brings a long record of board service and community leadership to his role as BCCA President through his strong commitment to effective governance and stewardship. Outside of the Thoroughbred racing industry, he serves as the current Chairman of the United States Polo Association (USPA) Club and Membership Administration Committee, member of the USPA Tournament Committee, and member of the National Polo Center Hospitality Committee.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah
from Anna House to your House!

This Holiday Season, we send you our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas filled with joy, peace, and love. Because of your kindness and generosity, extraordinary moments continue to happen every day at Anna House, especially during the holidays!

Cookies with Santa

sponsored by

 
 

The magic of the season came to life as Santa arrived at Anna House in the most unforgettable way, aboard a FIRE TRUCK, courtesy of the Elmont Fire Department. As the children lined up outside in their cozy pajamas, Santa waved from the truck before greeting each child with smiles and cheer.

This year’s Cookies with Santa celebration was made possible thanks to Centennial Farms, and we are so grateful to them for their support of this special day.

Each child received gifts, thoughtfully chosen, from their very own wish lists, along with cookies, holiday treats, and a very special story read by Santa himself! These moments, full of wonder, laughter, and excitement, are what the holidays at Anna House are all about!

Thank YOU for making our dreams come true!

We extend heartfelt thanks to our wonderful Cookies with Santa supporters:

  • The Ciannello Family for donating cozy pajamas for every child.

  • Andrea Rosen for donating books to inspire a love of reading.

  • The Elmont Fire Department for bringing Santa in unforgettable style!

Because of you, our children experienced the true magic of the season.

We believe that every child is capable of being extraordinary every day!

BCCA inspires a love of learning in every child, and we are proud to see our students achieve accolades in school. Many are on the honor roll, recognized as leaders in their classrooms, and celebrated for their mutual respect of tolerance and diversity.

After graduating from Anna House in June 2025, Angel (pictured) tested so well that he skipped kindergarten and entered 1st grade this September. Just weeks into the school year, he scored 100% on his math test—a true reflection of his hard work and readiness. We are so proud of him!

Support stories like Angel’s through our Year End Appeal.

It was Mistletoe Madness at the Metropolitan Club!

The Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA) was delighted to host its annual Mistletoe Madness Holiday Luncheon on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. This year's event provided an unforgettable afternoon of elegance, holiday spirit, and philanthropy. BCCA was proud to recognize the PJ Callahan Foundation, Inc., Thoroughbred Industry Honoree, and William Villanova, Community Honoree, for their extraordinary leadership both within the racing industry and the broader community.

View photo gallery →

Set against the backdrop of The Metropolitan Club’s storied marble staircase, soaring ceilings, and timeless Gilded Age architecture, Mistletoe Madness offered guests a rare opportunity to step inside one of Manhattan’s most exclusive private clubs. Founded in 1891 and often referred to as the “Marble Palace,” The Metropolitan Club truly provided the perfect setting for the quintessentially unique New York holiday experience.

The afternoon commenced with cocktails and a silent auction in the magnificent Great Hall, followed by a luxurious luncheon in the West Lounge facing Fifth Avenue. A highlight of the afternoon was a special presentation by fashion historian John Tiffany, author of Dawn: The Career of the Legendary Fashion Retailer Dawn Mello. Tiffany shared fascinating insights into Mello's visionary career as the woman who redefined the fashion industry.

At the heart of the beautiful afternoon was the mission of the BCCA. Every sponsorship, ticket, auction prize, or donation helped to open the doors of Anna House at Belmont Park, and Faith’s House at Saratoga Race Course, where children receive an early childhood education and development program and school-age enrichment program, which provides them with the foundation to dream BIG while offering their parents peace of mind as they work.

The PJ Callahan Foundation, Inc., founded by the late Peter J. Callahan and his daughters, has enriched lives for more than two decades through education, medical research, the arts, and community programs, while continuing Peter's deep passion for Thoroughbred racing and philanthropy. William Villanova, President of Frank E. Campbell The Funeral Chapel, is a respected community leader and philanthropist whose decades of civic involvement, professional mentorship, and public service have made a lasting impact across the City of New York and beyond.

“Extraordinary things happen at Anna House and Faith’s House every day because we’ve established programs, in addition to our STEAM-based curriculum, which are transformative such as integrated arts, gardening, school-age enrichment, virtual learning, and women’s literacy for our mothers. BCCA recognizes that you can’t put a price on giving a child a great start in life! We offer scholarships for our children and we are now providing college scholarships for our earliest graduates! A gift of any size matters because when we come together, we can make a great impact on the lives of our children and their families as we educate to elevate 365 days a year.” Joanne K. Adams, Executive Director.

The silent auction featured an array of unique experiences and luxury items, with proceeds helping BCCA sustain and grow its educational programs. These resources allow children to explore, learn, and thrive in a nurturing environment designed to spark curiosity and set the stage for lifelong success.

Jingle Bells Ring for Backstretch Families

Celebrating a Day of Magic at BCCA’s Anna House!

The Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA) welcomed 500 children from the New York Thoroughbred backstretch racing community at Belmont Park to Anna House on Saturday, December 6 along with over 100 volunteers for BCCA’s annual Holiday Shopping Day. The spirit of the season filled everyone with warmth, excitement, and generosity that make this tradition so special each year.

Anna House was transformed into a true Winter Wonderland featuring the cozy Sugar Plum Cafe, a bustling Holiday Shop, festive decorations that brought the magic of the season to life, and a visit to Santa’s Station to meet Santa Claus! Frank of the Elmont Fire Department, who filled Santa’s boots with big-hearted cheer, had families smiling all afternoon. Children lined up to select gifts for their loved ones with the help of volunteer elves from the local community, all at no cost. Every item was brand new and selected with care, thanks to the kindness of BCCA’s donors, sponsors, and volunteers.

One parent shared the impact of the day, saying, “It means so much to our family to be part of this event. My children look forward to it every year and the joy it brings stays with them long after the holidays.”

BCCA Executive Director Joanne Adams added, “Holiday Shopping Day reflects the heart of our mission, and the generosity of our community, volunteers, and supporters ensures that every child experiences the joy of giving, the excitement of the season, and the feeling of being surrounded by love.”

This cherished event was a huge success thanks to the support of The New York Racing Association, Inc., USMC Toys for Tots Foundation, Jazwares Cares, National Charity League Inc. (Garden City Chapter), Elmont Fire Department, and the Elmont Memorial High School

and Floral Park Memorial High School National Honor Societies. Their contributions helped to make this year’s Holiday Shopping Day a bright and memorable celebration for the families of the backstretch workers at Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack.

Join our 2025 Year-End Appeal!

 
 

Anna House at Belmont Park and Faith’s House at Saratoga Race Course have become invaluable resources for the backstretch families as parents are able to head to work in the early morning hours knowing that their children are in a safe, supportive, and academically inspiring environment.

In 2021, BCCA welcomed Faith’s House to the family which completed our dream of providing our children with an educational and academically inspiring program during the summer race meet at Faith’s House and year-round at Anna House.

As BCCA continues to combat the annual rising costs of operating two child care centers and providing scholarships for our children, we continue to search for new funding sources in an effort to provide innovative programs and services for the backstretch families at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course.

 
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BCCA Helps to Make the Season Bright for Children of Backstretch Workers and their Families

The Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA) is bringing the magic of the holiday season to life once again with our much-loved Annual Holiday Shopping Day on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Anna House, BCCA’s child care center located at Belmont Park.

Each year, more than 500 children from New York’s Thoroughbred backstretch racing community experience a day filled with wonder and joy as they “shop” for gifts for their loved ones with the help of their very own elf. Every item is brand new, and no money is exchanged. The event is entirely free for families, made possible through the kindness of our donors, sponsors, and volunteers.

Anna House is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with our cozy Sugar Plum Café, a bustling Holiday Shop brimming with festive gifts, and a special visit from Santa himself. More than 100 volunteers and community members come together, dressed in cheerful holiday colors and festive costumes, spreading joy and warmth as they help to create a magical atmosphere.

Among our volunteers this year is Jazmin, BCCA’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year, an eighth grader and proud graduate of our early childhood education and development and our school-age enrichment programs at Anna House.

“When I was a little girl, the elves made Christmas magical for me,” said Jazmin. “Now I get to help to make that magic for someone else, and that’s what this day is all about.”

BCCA’s Annual Holiday Shopping Day is a day where memories are made and families experience the joys of the season. What begins with a gift during the holidays continues year-round through our early childhood education and development and school-age enrichment programs at Anna House and Faith’s House, where every child is encouraged to reach for the stars: dream BIG, sparkle more, and shine bright as they learn and grow.

Jazmin
BCCA Volunteer of the Year

This year, we need you!

You can help to make this day memorable by donating HERE or through our Amazon Wishlist, where you can participate directly by selecting and purchasing gifts from our wish list. Every contribution helps to ensure that each child experiences the joy of giving and the warmth of the holiday season.

The spirit of the holidays continues beyond our Annual Holiday Shopping Day with Cookies with Santa. Each year, our children arrive at Anna House in their pajamas for story time, cookies, and a special visit from Santa. Each child receives a gift from their personal wish list, creating a moment of joy they’ll remember all year long. Every smile tells a story of hope, generosity, and love. Each gift given and received during this special time is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make the greatest difference.

Make a Gift Today
 
 

Growing Together: How Students Learned About Communities

Our school-age students had so much fun building a cardboard village together! Each child designed and decorated their own piece, and when all the pieces were joined, a whole community came to life before them.

This project wasn’t just about paint and cardboard. It was about teamwork, responsibility, and the joy of belonging. Just like here at BCCA, where families, staff, and children all play an important role, the village reminded our students that strong communities are built when everyone’s contributions come together.


Oh, what a night it was!

Thank you to ALL of our loyal donors

for your unwavering generosity in

support of our vital programs.


We are so grateful to everyone who joined us

last night as we celebrated

2025 Honoree

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners

 
 

2025 Humanitarian Award Recipients

Herb in memoriam and Ellen Moelis

 
 

A special thank you to

Celebrity Emcee

Andy Serling

Celebrity Auctioneers

Maggie Wolfendale Morley and Tom Morley

Auctiontainer

Letitia Frye

On behalf of the children at

Anna House and Faith's House

we would like to say thank you

for making our dreams come true!

BCCA presents the

Anna House Class of 2025!

BCCA Founder and Chairman, Michael Dubb, and BCCA President, Libby Imperio,

presented diplomas to all of our graduates in front of their proud families.

BCCA is thrilled to announce that our K Prep graduate, Angel,

will be skipping ahead a grade and entering 1st grade this Fall!

We are so proud of all of our graduates and we look forward to following them

on their paths to future success.

Angel

Diamar

Ray

Sophie

Special presentations on the day included:

Presentation of BCCA College Scholarships to

Andres Garcia and Xochilt Solorio

and

Celebration recognizing Bright Horizons K Prep teacher,

Ms. Heydy Diaz, for her 21st anniversary at Anna House.

"Change the first five years of a child's life and you change everything!"

Check out more photos in our gallery below!

Photo Gallery

Happy Father’s Day from

Anna House to your House!

A very special thank you to Project Cicero for the amazing book donation for Anna House. Our fathers had the opportunity to share stories with their children and bring books home.

The generosity of community partners, such as Project Cicero, is so important to our families.

To all the amazing fathers and grandfathers at Anna House, we thank you for your love, support,

and the special role you play in lives of your children.