It was off to the races for the Center Street School PTA as they held their third annual Center Street night out as a spectacular "Saratoga Night at the Races."

This year's fundraising event was held at Verdi's of Westbury on Old Country Road. In addition to a cocktail hour and five-course dinner, guests enjoyed betting on their favorite jockeys as they rode their horses to victory.

Center Street's third-grade teacher/safety coordinator, Angelo Stanco, entertained the crowd with his subtle humor as Master of Ceremonies while introducing the horses and jockeys into the starting gate and announcing the five horse races.

Demonstrating their equestrian skills and proving to be good sports were some of Center Street's finest staff, including the school's principal, Edward Bellomo, riding "Mr. Ed." Throughout the evening, guests also enjoyed many chances to win over 55 fabulous raffle prize baskets and 10 grand prize baskets valued over $6,500 and graciously donated by our Center Street families, local merchants and others. Best of all, no one went home empty-handed because each guest received a gift bag worth more than $20. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to benefit the 575-plus students at Center Street Elementary School.