At Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund’s annual Night at the Races fundraiser, you won’t find attendees just sitting around as mere spectators waiting to be entertained. At this event, audience participation is key.
This year’s fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at Church of the Good Shepherd’s parish hall in Port Matilda.
The evening will revolve around a series of real horse races shown on video screens and called by a professional announcer. The announcer will use horse names chosen by guests, who can purchase and name their own horse in advance for $25, giving them a chance to receive an “owner’s share” of the winnings if their horse comes in first.
Guests can also place bets at a ticket window for a chance to win real cash based on odds, just like at an actual racetrack. Attendees commonly arrive dressed in their best race day attire, complete with elaborate hats and fascinators; in fact, prizes are awarded for the best men’s and women’s hats.
According to Executive Director Cindy Ruble Brown, Night at the Races raised almost $30,000 in 2023, and she hopes to raise even more this year.
“Events like Night at the Races are paramount to the long-term sustainability of the Bob Perks Fund,” she said.
Founded in 2006 in memory of Bob Perks of State College, who died at age 42 after a long battle with melanoma, the organization distributes money for basic living expenses to local cancer patients in Centre County and surrounding counties. Since its founding, it has distributed over $2.7 million to cancer patients.
Brown said the organization gave away more money in 2023 than it had in any year prior, providing almost $275,000 to 424 cancer patients and their families. The organization also recently increased each 90-day grant award amount to $1,000 from the former $750 award.
“Many of our patients are simply too sick to work. … As rent costs and utilities rise, we felt it was important to continue to do all that we could to help our cancer patients avoid utility shutoffs and evictions,” Brown said. “Without our financial support, our local cancer patients would be focused on their financial burdens instead of focusing on their health and recovery.”
Tickets to Night at the Races are $40 per person and include dinner and unlimited beverages (including beer and wine). Tables of six, eight and 10 can be reserved, or people can attend as individuals or as couples. Doors open for dinner at 6 p.m., with races and betting action beginning at 7 p.m.
Tickets are currently on sale through bobperksfund.org, by calling 814-231-2692 or emailing [email protected].
