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Poland Rotary hosts Night at the Races
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.Nearly 350 people went to Holy Family Parish to support Poland Rotary's fundraiser Jan. 24.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.Sieglinde Warren (left) and Alberta Klepper prepared fresh popcorn for the Poland Rotary's Night at the Races.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.Cathy Brett (left) and Jeanette Kocher volunteered at Poland Rotary's Night at the Races Jan. 24.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.Poland Rotary hosted a Night at the Races fundraiser Jan. 24 at Holy Family Parish.
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Neighbors | Elise McKeown Skolnick.A raffle containing a variety of prizes was part of the Poland Rotary's Night at the Races.
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
The cold couldn’t stop the Poland Rotary’s “Night at the Races” at Holy Family Parish Center Jan. 24.
“Our function is, essentially, to raise money for the community, local charities,” said Brandon Davis, president. “The money comes, in the money goes out. And it stays local.”
The event, now in its third year, is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers. It included door prizes, a raffle and food, including fresh-popped popcorn and a cookie table.
Participants could also wager on horse races. The minimum bet for straight race wagering was $2. There were also daily double, perfecta and trifecta races. A special auction race allowed participants to become the owner of a horse they could then name. The name they gave the horse was used in the calling of the race.
Diane Fabian attended for the second time.
“It’s a good cause,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun. And it’s good to be with all of our friends and family.”
A long table was filled with raffle prizes and a betting station was set up along one side of the room. An iPad mini was the door prize. Rotary members and their spouses volunteered at the event.
“The event’s continuing to grow, and it’s a very well recognized event in the community,” Davis said. “Very fun, too.”
He expected the event to raise at least $20,000, up from last year’s $17,000. About 350 people attended.
“There’s a lot of people that come here and support us,” Davis said.