Len Green Issues Challenge Grant in Memory of Wife Lois

Len Green has issued a $25,000 challenge grant to raise money for the New York Racetrack Chaplaincy's Summer Enrichment Program, in memory of his wife, Lois, who passed away May 31.

The Chaplaincy's summer enrichment program provides the children of backstretch workers the opportunity to attend local summer camps when their families travel to Saratoga for work during the race meeting.

“In Hebrew tradition there is a saying which translates to `may her memory be a blessing,' said the Chaplaincy Board President Ramon Dominguez about the gift. “It is up to those of us who knew and loved the person who passed to keep their spirit alive and to remember and share the goodness they brought to the world. This is what Len is doing with this grant. He is honoring and remembering the incredible Lois Green and her love for Thoroughbred racing and the backstretch community. We are humbled and blessed, and we pledge to be worthy of this generosity as we serve those who make racing possible.”

Green said he was inspired by the $10,000 challenge grant issued by the Heider Family Foundation last week. That challenge has been met, raising $20,000 for the program.

“If people want to honor Lois and what she's done, I thought this was a great way to do it,” said Green. “Here, if it can help and other people can do it and pick up on it, just imagine what good it could do for people on the backside! I remember how important summer camp was. Lois used to work on the playground in Red Bank, New Jersey in the summer, with no air conditioning, and I would say, `why would you do that? Why don't you work in an office?' And she'd say, `I'm doing it for the kids.'”

Green said he believed things happen for a reason. “Random things,” he said. “Man plans and God laughs. So many owners never go back to the barns and see what's going on. But I met Chaplain Humberto (Chavez), and he's doing worthwhile things.”

To donate to the challenge, visit the rtcany.org webpage, or click here.