ELORA — The Grand River Raceway (GRR) hosted its second annual breast cancer fundraiser Harness the Hope Night on Aug. 18.
Harness the Hope is a non-profit organization that organizes events and initiatives to benefit causes that enable breast cancer research, awareness and support services for cancer warriors and survivors.
They provide direct support to young women faced with a cancer diagnosis and provide much needed awareness, research, earlier detection, and improved treatments for those directly affected by or who may face breast cancer in their lifetime.
Their events can be found at various harness racetracks in Ontario and across Canada throughout each year. Learn more about them at harnessthehope.com.
GRR “painted the track pink” by having guests wear pink. They also had the opportunity to buy a pink cocktail/mocktail, peach and cherry pie (with proceeds going to Harness the Hope). Food trucks were also available.
Harness the Hope held a best dressed competition to honour the guest, horse, and groom with the best pink outfit.
“Sadly, we’ve all been touched in some way by cancer, regardless of the type,” said marketing coordinator at GRR, Louise Frost.
“Harness the Hope is about forming a community around people fighting breast cancer and raising them up, so they are stronger and fully supported to take on the challenges ahead of them.”
The Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) said they would match donations towards Harness the Hope up to $12,500.
GRAS continues to support innovation, education, economic growth, and community enabling agriculture and the environment to thrive.
Harness the Hope helps the communities they serve by ensuring those with breast cancer have the resources they need to thrive. Hosting events like Harness the Hope Night allows more funding to support resources for those facing big challenges in their personal life, their family, and in their surrounding community.
In December 2022, vice president of operations at GRR, GRAS and the GrandWay Events Centre, Katie Giddy, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her journey has been one of strength and grace. The team rallied behind her in this year’s Harness the Hope night to show their support along with all her friends and family who will be in attendance on Friday. #TeamGiddy.
Races began at 6.30pm with doors open at 5:30pm.
GRR had special guests, Tammy and Char from Studio Boutique, Lauren Roy singing the National anthem, and the Harness the Hope team who was ready to ‘out pink’ everyone!
Attendees came dressed to impress in their pink to support a great cause while watching the races.
