Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 30, 2025
Batavia Downs Raises Over $22,000 for Breast Cancer Coalition
Batavia Downs helped raise more than $22,000 for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester during its “Night at the Races” event held October 10th in the Downs clubhouse. The evening featured live racing, a silent auction, and strong community turnout.
Batavia Downs President and CEO Byron Brown presented a check for $22,836 to coalition representatives during a press gathering Wednesday. Brown said as a public benefit corporation, Batavia Downs takes pride in giving back to the community through events like this and regular contributions to its 17 member municipalities.
Coalition Executive Director Christina Thompson thanked Batavia Downs for its “extraordinary generosity,” noting the donation will directly support people affected by breast and gynecologic cancers.
This marked the 10th anniversary of the partnership between Batavia Downs and the coalition. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Downs also lit its building and infield water feature pink throughout October.
Artists Bring Color and Message of Kindness to Batavia Peace Garden
Two local artists, Lori DeFazio and Michelle Cryer, have completed four new Peace Poles for the Peace Garden Memory Walk behind the Genesee County Courthouse in Batavia. The poles, funded through a GO Art! grant, feature bright, 60s-inspired designs and messages like “Bee Kind” and “All You Need Is Love.”
A bench honoring former board member Diana Bogue was also added to the garden. Organizers say four more poles will be created in the spring, with all eight representing unique themes of peace and remembrance.
Genesee County Scores Big in Erie Canal Lottery Raffle
Two winning tickets sold right here in Genesee County were among the top prizes in the New York Lottery’s Million Dollar Raffle, celebrating the Erie Canal’s bicentennial.
BW’s in Pavilion sold one of just fifteen $1 million tickets, while Western OTB Gaming at Batavia Downs sold one of fifteen $100,000 second-tier winners.
The special statewide raffle produced 5,505 winning tickets in all, drawn from a pool of numbers between 1,208,648 and 2,000,000.
It marks a big win locally and adds to a growing streak of Lottery luck for Batavia Downs, which has seen multiple winners at its gaming site over the past year.
HomeCare & Hospice Launches “50 | 50 | 500” Challenge to Support Local Care
HomeCare & Hospice Foundation is inviting individuals, groups, and businesses across Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyoming, and Genesee counties to join its new “50 | 50 | 500: Hospice Hope Challenge.”
Launching November 1st, the campaign aims to recruit 50 champions to raise $500 each over 50 days to benefit hospice patients and families.
CEO Melissa Sullivan says the challenge helps fund the “little things” that bring comfort and peace during end-of-life care. The effort also marks the kickoff of the organization’s 2025 Annual Appeal, uniting the community in support of vital local hospice services.
Genesee County Teams Advance in Volleyball Sectionals
In Genesee County high school volleyball sectional round one action—in Class D1, 5-seed Pavilion swept 12-seed Kendall 3-0, and 7-seed Oakfield-Alabama topped 10-seed Warsaw 3-0.
In Class C2, 9-seed Alexander fell to 8-seed Cal-Mum 3-2, while 5-seed Byron-Bergen and 4-seed Pembroke each earned 3-0 wins over Canisteo-Greenwood and Gananda.
And in Class C1, 9-seed Attica advanced with a 3-0 sweep of Eugenio Maria de Hostos.
