At the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Paramus, a unique and beloved tradition of monthly horse racing events hosted by a dedicated group of local veterans and volunteers has been bringing residents together for more than two decades.

The tradition began over 20 years ago when Steve Eldridge’s father was a resident at the home. Impressed by the quality of care his father received, Steve wanted to give back. With the support of the Knights of Columbus in Little Falls, he helped launch this simple but engaging activity starting with just a $50 budget and a small group of about 10 residents.

Over the years, the event has grown into a highly anticipated monthly gathering. Today, with support from American Legion Post 108, where Steve now serves as Commander, as well as the Knights of Columbus in Fairfield and generous community donors, the budget has expanded to $200 each month. Participation has also surged, with more than 50 residents regularly joining in the fun.

The format is simple but exciting: residents select a horse, and volunteers draw numbers from a bingo cage to determine how the horses move along the track. Cheers build with each draw until a winner is declared, with residents earning a share of the pot.

Beyond the friendly competition, the impact is clear. Volunteers describe the event as a chance for residents to connect, stay mentally engaged, and enjoy a lively, social atmosphere. Most importantly, it’s something residents look forward to, and without fail, volunteers are asked each month if they’ll be back again.

Thanks to the dedication of these great partners, the answer is always yes.

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