Jockey Chantal Sutherland Visits Children with Special Needs at AbilityFirst in Pasadena

(April 5, 2011) Chantal Sutherland, the first female jockey to win the Santa Anita Park "Big Cap" (riding Game on Dude), visited the AbilityFirst Lawrence L. Frank Center in Pasadena today. Through 24 locations, AbilityFirst (formerly the Crippled Children's Society of Southern California), serves children and adults with developmental disabilities including autism.

Sutherland was at the AbilityFirst Center to promote this Saturday's Santa Anita Derby Day 5K. Sutherland is a member of the AbilityFirst team; nearly 800 people walking or running in support of AbilityFirst. AbilityFirst team members raise money through the Los Angeles Marathon and the Derby Day 5K. Sutherland met children, signed autographs and participated in the "AbilityFirst Derby" - children riding hobby horses.

Also at the event, Rick Arcaro, Vice President Middle Market Comerica Bank, presented AbilityFirst with $35,000 in support of the Marathon Campaign. This is the fourth year that Comerica has supported the Marathon Campaign.

To demonstrate your support of individuals with special needs living in Pasadena, Arcadia and the San Gabriel Valley, visit www.abilityfirst.org/marathoncampaign to make a pledge. No amount is too small. Every donation is greatly appreciated.