American Legion Post 215, 330 Second St., Catasauqua, opened its doors Aug. 4 for a first-time event from the recently founded Please and Thank You Foundation.

“We just started this group, and this is our first fundraiser,” said Colleen Brooks, who heads the organization.

Brooks is a senior care nurse with decades of experience in the community.

She developed Williams Manor, a senior living home in Bushkill Township.

“Our home is a pay facility, but I have seen so much trauma for those living on limited Social Security that are in deplorable conditions,” she said. “Our goal is to get these indigent seniors into a better facility that can take care of them.”

Please and Thank You Foundation is not for seniors only. The community encourages random acts of kindness.

“We encourage younger people in our organization to join with us. We provide support for people who take the courage to be kind, and we have ways for our people to recognize kindness in others,” she said.

The Night at the Races fundraiser was unique. The entrance fee got you a barbecue sandwich with fixings. Participants had a couple of ways to bet on the races.

Chris Brooks, Colleen’s husband, ran the race videos. The videos were actual recorded races. The DVDs were sealed and opened once the betting began.

Chris realized after the first two races the betting public likes to see the horses trotting to the starting gate before they place their bets. Wagers were $2 on any of the 10 horses in the race. You won cash if your horse won.

The other way to bet was on the horse as an “owner.” If your horse won, your $10 owner bet became a $50 payout.

The latter process allowed people who might not have been able to make the actual event contribute. Gina Lowe was the star fundraiser. She had 80 owners lined up.

Sponsors of the charity donated 30 baskets for the Chinese auction. Sponsors included Boscov’s, DeLorenzo’s Italian Restaurant, Detzi’s Tavern, Miguel’s Restaurant & Lounge, Newhard Pharmacy, Smooch Boutique, SoMa Downtown Grill, Target, The Bayou Southern Kitchen & Bar, The Blue Monkey Sports Bar and Restaurant and The Brass Rail Restaurant.

For more information on the organization, visit pleaseandthanks.org.