Chippewa Valley foundation races towards fundraising for grants
The Chippewa Valley Educational Foundation is betting on horse racing to help fundraise for its causes of student scholarships and classroom grants.
The Chippewa Valley Educational Foundation (CVEF) will host a Night at the Races fundraiser for the first time on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. The event will be held at Vintage House, 31816 Utica Road in Fraser. Dinner will be served at about 7:30 p.m. Only those age 21 and up can attend the event. CVEF President Christopher Gura said that if the event is successful, it could become an annual fundraiser for the foundation.
“We had been looking at doing this for a long time, but we were not really sure how it operated,” Gura said. “It became more and more popular as a fundraiser.”
Once CVEF members had an opportunity to attend a similar Night at the Races event that fundraised for a Clinton Township inclusive playground, they learned how the fundraiser worked and selected to host a similar event, Gura said.
“So prior to the race, you have information in the program. You choose a horse you want to bet on and place your bets, and when we have the race hopefully your horse will win,” Gura said.
The event will include 10 pre-recorded horse races that are narrated. Participants are encouraged to cheer on horses to win. Other entertainment participants can partake in during the event will include a 50/50 raffle and a cheer raffle.
“Individuals and businesses can sponsor the event in advance and they can ‘purchase’ a horse, and give it a name,” Chippewa Valley Schools spokesperson Diane Blain said.
Sponsorship opportunities include:
• Horse sponsorship for $25: The sponsor’s name will be listed as the horse’s owner in the race program. The sponsor can also name the horse.
• Race sponsorship for $100: The sponsor’s name will be promoted in the program and during one of the races.
• Event sponsorship for $250: The sponsor’s name will be promoted in the program and throughout the evening.
• Event sponsorship for $500 or more: The sponsor’s name will be promoted in the program and promoted at the beginning and end of every race. This also includes admission for two at the event.
The Chippewa Valley Educational Foundation is a nonprofit, 501 (c ) 3 organization that supports Chippewa Valley Schools. In 2023, the CVEF oversaw a community scholarship program that awarded over $73,000 in college scholarships. It also funded $32,050 in classroom mini-grants for the 2022-23 school year.
“Night at the Races will support our annual classroom grant program and our college scholarships for graduating seniors,” Blain said. “Winners of the race will receive cash prizes. Sponsors of the event and those that purchase horses will be listed in the event program and will be announced at the night of the event. Sponsors will also be listed on our foundation website.”
Tickets to the CVEF Night at the Races fundraiser are $50 per person. A ticket includes catered dining, and an open bar as well as entertainment. Tickets and sponsorships may be purchased at payschoolsevents.com/events/details/28320. Blain said limited tickets will also be available on event night at the door.
For additional information regarding the CVEF Night at the Races fundraiser, contact 586-943-0172 or 586-723-2240.
