Lynn Crawford, a current Village of Ruidoso councilman, also serves as the General Manager of the Ruidoso Jockey Club, which graciously allowed Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) to display a framed picture for silent auction in the lobby of the Club.
The picture, entitled “Winter Moon” by artist Bruce W. McElya, depicts a full moon over Ruidoso with the Sierra Blanca Mountains in the background. The piece was donated by Kathryn Walker and Marcia King.
The silent auction ended on Labor Day. The winner of “Winter Moon” was John Johns of Alto with a high bid of $400.
The Jockey Club supports The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter in many other ways, as well.
Although housed at the racetrack in Ruidoso Downs, the Ruidoso Jockey Club is an independent entity privately owned by its membership. Over the years, the Jockey Club Board has voted to support The Nest by contributions to the Racetrack Chapel, which in turn assists with the costs of medications needed by various residents at The Nest.
According to Carrie Calkins, Senior Shelter Supervisor, “The women and children who live at the Nest rely on the fund to access medication to help heal and ease their injuries from the assault. It is a very important source for our clients.”
The Ruidoso Jockey Club often employs Nest clients as a way to help them start building a work history in the hospitality industry.
By mentoring over 50 persons each year, the Ruidoso Jockey Club helps Nest residents and other community members in need of summer employment.
Many teachers, coaches and ENMU students are among those employed during the racing season.
Dave Barrett, current President of the Jockey Club Board, recently advised Lynn Crawford the membership and Board voted to support The Nest as one of its charities during the October 2012 through September 2013 fiscal year.
HEAL is grateful to the Jockey Club for its continued support.