PORT MATILDA — Horse racing season is heating up, and the Bob Perks Fund is getting in on the action with its annual “Night at the Races” fundraiser, scheduled for May 20 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 867 Grays Woods Boulevard, Port Matilda.
Night at the Races is an interactive event revolving around a series of 10 real horse races shown on video screens and called by a professional announcer. Guests are invited to purchase and name their own horse for $25; winning horses win $50. Attendees can also place bets at a ticket window for a chance to win real cash based on odds, just like at an actual racetrack.
“It’s fast-paced, really fun and exciting,” said Cindy Brown, executive director of the Bob Perks Fund.
This year, prizes of $25 Sheetz gift cards will be awarded for the best male and female Derby hats, so Brown encourages participants to dress up and get creative with their headpieces.
Attendees will also be able to participate in a silent auction and a “grab and go” gift card event, in which participants can buy local business gift cards for face value.
Tickets are $40 and include dinner, beverages (including beer and wine) and a commemorative glass. Tables of six, eight, and 10 can be reserved, or people can attend as individuals or as couples.
Night at the Races is one of the Bob Perks Fund’s signature events, in addition to Rock the ’80s in February. The Fund distributes money for basic living expenses to local cancer patients in Blair, Centre, Clearfield, Huntingdon, Juniata and Mifflin counties and has provided patients with over $2.5 million since it was founded in 2006.
Last year, Night at the Races raised more than $21,000, and Brown said the organization hopes to raise even more this year.
“Every dollar we give to a cancer patient is a donated dollar, and our cancer patient applications are significantly higher than they were at this time last year,” she said. “With the need being even greater than it has been in the past, we feel a sense of urgency to do all we can to bring in as much money as possible. This event is very important to the Bob Perks Fund’s long-term sustainability and our ability to help cancer patients.”
If you’re interested in attending, Brown said, you better hurry.
“Tickets are going fast and horses are selling fast, so if you want to come, don’t wait,” she said. Tickets and horses can be purchased through bobperksfund.org. Doors open at 6 p.m. with races starting at 7 p.m.
