Although the Triple Crown is over, local horse racing fans enjoyed an exciting racing event here in Roanoke. The Beta Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. sponsored its third “A Nite at the Races, Inc.” as a fundraiser for its scholarship and community service programs.
Participants were given an amount of play money to place bets on horses for ten races. The program listed a brief description of each horse who was competing. After bets were placed, the odds were announced and exciting race videos, from actual previously recorded racing events, were played. The participants cheered enthusiastically during the racing videos. Several of the races were photo finishes or come from behind wins making the activity even more exciting. Winners headed to the “bankers” to receive their payouts, which was more play money.
At the end of the evening, participants were able to use their play money to bid in the auction of numerous valuable items. The auction turned out to be almost as exciting as the racing as the audience eagerly competed for coveted items, often narrowing down to two competitors who engaged in a bidding war. New this year was many “As Seen On TV” products.
Mistress of Ceremony, the dynamic Cynthia Coles, kept the crowd engaged and Kia Sherman served as DJ, spinning old school and line dance music in between the races and the venue staff served a buffet of race-friendly food.
All who attended spent an entertaining evening of friendly competition.
Joyce Bolden serves as fundraising chairman; Pamela Edwards is, president.
