CHESTER - In October owners, trainers, employees and jockeys at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort raised more than $5,000 as part of the Races for Wishes event benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern West Virginia and 8-year-old Abigail Gilman was the recipient of that wish.
Gilman and her family attended a party at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort in the Clubhouse on June 22 and received her itinerary for her trip to California to meet a Disney celebrity.
In addition, she visited the winner's circle and presented the trophy to winning owner and trainer Gary Welsh and jockey Luis Rivera.
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Through the efforts of owners, trainers and jockeys at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort, 8-year-old Abigail Gilman recently took a trip to California in order to fulfill her wish of meeting a Disney celebrity. Taking part in a presentation prior to her trip are, in front from left, Elijah, Abigail and Sammy Gilman, and in back, jockey Luis Rivera, horse owner Gary R. Welsh, Dr. Tina Cutone and Dr. Rachel Gilman. -- Contributed
She also received a trophy of a race horse, a program signed by all of the jockeys in the race and goggles for her and her brothers.
Gilman loves music and planned to present her "song book" full of lyrics that she has composed to the celebrity. She also planned to visit with cousins who live in California.
"This has been a wonderful party that highlights the generosity of our community and shows those who donate what it means to 'Share in the Power of a Wish!'" said Make-A-Wish volunteers Kendel Rutherford and Mary Ann Atwell. "The owners, trainers and jockeys who participated in the Races for Wishes event last fall were able to see the excitement on Abigail's face as she presented the trophy and prepared for her wish trip, that is what our organization is all about!"
