Courtesy | Anna Northcutt
The recent Charger Derby organized by the Women Commissioners at Hillsdale College has proven to be a significant fundraising success, amassing over $120,000 earmarked for scholarships. This event highlights the ongoing commitment of the Women Commissioners to support students in need of financial assistance to attend Hillsdale College.
According to Sue McAlpine, an alumna from the class of 1986, the fundraising efforts culminated in an impressive total of $123,758, all directed into the scholarship fund. This year marks the most successful Charger Derby to date.
College President Larry Arnn shared insights into the origins of the Charger Derby, revealing it was the brainchild of Jan Brodbeck, a graduate from the class of 1967. Arnn noted, “She used to live in a country club, and she moved to Hillsdale because it was more exciting. This is the kind of thing they do in country clubs for charity fundraisers. This one is for my favorite charity, Hillsdale College.”
Brodbeck believed that the Charger Derby format would be a more effective fundraising approach than the traditional rummage sale previously organized by the Women Commissioners.
Attendee Krista Piwonka described the event as featuring virtual Thoroughbred racehorses. Piwonka, along with her family, participated by “owning” several simulated horses, betting on races, and sponsoring one. She humorously recounted, “My husband named his horse ‘Holy Sheets.’ Mine is ‘Piwonka’s Dream.’”
While the horse races were simulated and displayed on large projector screens in the Searle Center, the experience incorporated live elements, such as an announcer and a bugler. Senior Alexander Lauve, who has served as the bugler for the Charger Derby for two years, emphasized the significance of his role, remarking, “For the Charger Derby, they gotta have someone to come along and play that cadence, and I’m gonna be that guy.”
Patti Bailey, who won the inaugural race of the evening, expressed her enthusiasm for the event and her commitment to supporting the scholarship program. “I am a Woman Commissioner, so I just enjoy coming to these and supporting the Woman Commissioner Scholarship Program,” Bailey said, mentioning her plans to showcase her painting prize at home.
The Charger Derby provided numerous opportunities for participants to win prizes, as described by sophomore Isaac Rukin, a student volunteer at the event. Rukin explained, “I will be giving away keys that unlock keys, one of which out of many will unlock a barn door which will lead to a $1,500 prize used for vacation purposes.” Additional prizes offered included a shotgun, an iPad mini, and various gift baskets.
Rukin also noted that all the student volunteers at the Charger Derby benefitted from scholarships provided by the Women Commissioners. Their roles included managing betting tables, selling Charger Bucks, handing out tickets, and engaging with attending guests. He remarked, “I’m excited to be here because I get to meet new people and because I get to give back for what I received.”
