Second Annual Women Commissioners Charger Derby Helps Raise Scholarship Funds
HILLSDALE, Mich. — The Hillsdale College Women Commissioners hosted their second annual Charger Derby in the Searle Center on Nov. 6. The event raises funds for the Women Commissioners scholarship fund, which this year is assisting 35 Hillsdale College students.
The Charger Derby featured 12 simulated horse races called by a master of ceremonies. Guests were able to participate in a variety of ways including “horse ownership,” simulated betting, and online auctions. This year’s event attracted approximately 250 attendees with more participating remotely via online auction.
Both Women Commissioners and their scholarship recipients worked hard to make the event a success, raising over $110,000 for the Women Commissioners Scholarship Fund.
“This past year we were able to award a total of $185,400 to our students,” said Lee Tonnies, ’75, chair of the Women Commissioners scholarship committee. “We are happy to be able to help so many of these great young people.” The Scholarship Committee meets each May with the College administration to award scholarships to deserving students, based on need.
Allison Hill, ’91, co-chair of the Charger Derby committee, noted that student volunteers were just as enthusiastic as the attendees and enjoyed cheering on the races as well as helping people with questions about the auctions.
The most hotly contested auction items included two sets of custom-made Hillsdale College cornhole boards and an original watercolor and ink of Central Hall created by Clara Leutheuser Black, ’12. Professor Emeritus Sam Knecht also commissioned a piece for auction titled “Vermilion Point Creek, Upper Peninsula,” with framing donated by Deluxe Frame Shop.
Founded in 1892, the Hillsdale College Women Commissioners have raised more than $4.6 million since 1979.
View event photos here.