Friday, May 18, is the deadline to make your reservations to attend the Retama Park Race Track Chaplaincy Gala, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 24 in Retama's Terrace Dining Room. The evening, a benefit for the Retama Park Race Track Chaplaincy, will include dinner, drinks, a silent auction with many exciting things to bid on, and a keynote speech from Dr. Buckner Fanning.

Dr. Buckner Fanning is known throughout San Antonio for his unique, positive and inclusive ministry. In 1959, he came to San Antonio to begin the first of 42 years as pastor of Trinity Baptist Church. In that time, the church grew to over 10,000 members and was established as a prime example of how a church gets involved in the community. Through Dr. Fanning's leadership, Trinity created numerous local mission programs to improve the quality of life for countless groups in San Antonio. His focus on interdenominational cooperation can be represented by the fact that Trinity was the only Protestant Church in America to have a prayer service for the Pope's visit to America in 1985. Dr. Fanning and Rabbi Stahl have led several "inter-faith" trips to the Holy Land, as well.

Tickets are $65 per person and include valet parking and two (2) beverage vouchers per person. Dress code for the event is "dressy western attire."

To make your reservation or for additional information, contact Angela Cooper at (210) 651-7137 or e-mail her at acooper@retamapark.com.

As a member of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, Inc., the Retama Park Race Track Chaplaincy is part of the largest outreach network of its kindto the world wide racing community. As such, it is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation, making contributions tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The chaplaincy's funding is such that 95 cents of every dollar you donate stays at Retama Park directly helping our people. Your support is one of the ways, "that helps us help others".

About the Retama Park Race Track Chaplaincy

We have served those who serve horse racing locally since Retama's opening day in 1995, and nationally for 35 years. We take care of those who take care of the horses.

At Retama Park in San Antonio, we have 100 dorm rooms and 100 tack rooms approved for housing. Individuals, couples and families occupy most of these rooms. This gives us a resident community that can reach over 1,000 individuals at times throughout the year. A school bus picks up the school-age children at the barn gate.

The Chaplaincy holds church services, bible studies, performs marriages, memorial services, councils troubled workers and their families, and visits sick and injured workers in hospitals. We are an advocate for workers to the INS, SS, IRS, DMV and civil justice system. Our Chaplain also offers a wealth of social services to backstretch workers that include providing transportation to local stores, hosting AA meetings, Spanish/English classes, and GED classes.

Before Retama Park had opened its doors, the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) was already on the grounds providing physical, emotional and spiritual care for employees, workers and their families. Whether it is helping with medical emergencies or providing community holiday celebrations, or installing recreational equipment such as the sports courts and picnic areas, the RTCA is an active part of the community at Retama Park. Every year, we spend thousands of dollars in these and other forms of direct benevolence.

We can't do it all without your help.