SARATOGA SPRINGS — For the fourth time in the past 15 years, the Alfred Z. Solomon Testamentary Trust of Saratoga Springs has provided a grant allowing the New York Race Track Chaplaincy to purchase a vehicle to transport backstretch workers at the three New York Racing Association racetracks, as well as Saratoga farms.
The vehicle provides transport to medical appointments, grocery stores and various program activities administered by the NY Chaplaincy.
“It’s hard to adequately convey the importance of having a reliable vehicle to move food, clothing and people around the backstretch area,” said Humberto Chavez, lead chaplain and executive director of the New York chaplaincy. “Mr. Solomon had a vision when he created this trust to help charitable organizations in the Saratoga area and I hope people will think of him every time they step into this van bearing his name or see it cruising through the backstretch and around town.”
The new minivan will replace one that has more than 200,000 miles on the odometer. In past 15 years, the Solomon Trust has helped the NY chaplaincy purchase a 15-passenger van and two cargo vans.
Solomon, who lived in Gansevoort and New York City, was a leader in the women’s hat industry, a horse racing enthusiast and a philanthropist. A race named in his honor on opening day of the Saratoga meet was held for the last six years of his life.
He died Sept. 4, 2004 at the age of 104. The Alfred Z. Solomon Testamentary Trust of Saratoga Springs, NY was formed in 2005 to benefit non-profit scientific, medical, educational, cultural, religious and charitable organizations by funding projects and programs in memory of Solomon.