Marc Holliday, a Thoroughbred owner, breeder and chairman of The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), and his wife Sheree, an avid and competitive equestrian, were honored Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with the John Hendrickson and Marylou Whitney Award for their generous support of the New York backstretch community at the New York Race Track Chaplaincy's 19th Annual Fundraising Brunch at the Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs, NY.
"The backstretch community is the lifeblood of any racetrack and Sheree and I are proud to support the vital work of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy," Marc Holliday said. "We are extremely honored to be recognized at this year's brunch."
As is the custom, the Hollidays were presented with a framed racing scene created by equine artist Tom Chapman from the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. On hand to assist with the award presentation was Marylou Whitney's daughter, Heather Mabee.
Together, Marc and Sheree have been avid supporters of various NY Race Track Chaplaincy programs, especially its weekly food pantry, which benefited immensely from their generosity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, they organized and sponsored a visit to SL Green's SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, the world's most immersive observatory experience with 360-degree views of New York City and beyond, for more than 85 children and family members of the backstretch community.
Marc and his team at SL Green also formed the Food1st Foundation in 2020, which has raised nearly $9 million to deliver nearly 1.1 million meals to the vulnerable and first responders across New York.
Previous honorees at the brunch have included Johnny and Leona Velazquez, Len Green, Tracy and Todd Pletcher, Andy Serling, Irad Ortiz Jr., Anne Campbell, Edgar Prado, Michael Dubb, Fay and David Donk, Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, Letty and Kiaran McLaughlin, Lisa and Kenny Troutt, Debbie and Terry Finley and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.
During Wednesday's brunch, Terry Finley, the chairman of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, announced that the organization's graduate support program has been officially named the Len and Lois Green Stride Program. The Greens provided seed funding for the effort, which begins in ninth grade and provides high school students and their families a consistent source of guidance and encouragement throughout high school and prepares them for college.
The NY Race Track Chaplaincy, which is celebrating its 40th year of operation, serves the NY backstretch and farming communities of Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, providing enrichment programs for children, teens and women, social services, recreational and educational programming, and non-denominational religious services. Additional information may be found at rtcany.org.
