Epsom Rotaract 'St Patricks Day themed' Race Night

Top of the evening to ya!

Epsom Rotaract returned to the Kingswood Village Club for another charity Race Night. It was held two days after St Patrick's day, so Irish flags and lots of green were on display. Treasurer Mark and friend of the club Richard greeted punters outside the car park, in their own inimitable style. Mark wore a leprechaun outfit. Richard meanwhile, wore a delightful green shirt, Guinness hat and inflatable horse ensemble.

Back inside, a record number of 88 punters jammed into the club to witness the race night magic. Some were first time spectators such as members of Ewell Rotary (who wore their London Irish Rugby gear) a few new members from Camberley Rotaract and representatives from our chosen charity, Lifelites.

The Race Night did not disappoint. After club vice president Lucy made the introductions compere Marcus Welford sprang into action. Bets were placed on the races. The raffle tickets (£1 a strip, £5 for 6) sold out early, an unprecedented development.

Shortly after the 15 minute interval (when the food arrived), Rotaract's Caro won the stand up bingo, pocketing £20. The luck of the Irish must have rubbed off on Caro. The raffle was also held with many great prizes snapped up (from pricey booze to tickets to the Epsom Racecourse). Well done to Amy and Helena for their good work with the raffle!

The eighth race of the evening was another unprecedented occasion. The eight race features an auction for each horse. The bidding for each horse was the highest it has ever been, with £25 bids for several horses! This was helped in no small part by the enthusiastic bidding of Mark and Barry the barman. The winner of the race walked away with a bottle of champagne.

After Lucy and Marcus brought the evening to a close, the tidying up began. As did the counting of the money. In another unprecedented occurrence, the 2011 Race Night raised its largest amount ever - £1,126!

The money is to go towards Lifelites (http://www.lifelites.org/)  which provides education and entertainments’ technology for children in hospices. 

A big thank you to club President Anthony, for running the Race Night in his last fundraiser as a club member. Also, thanks are in order to everyone who helped out on the night, the Kingswood Village Club and Marcus who did his usual great job compering. Most of all, thank you to everyone who attended who made this event the highest-grossing Race Night in Epsom Rotaract History!