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The 13th Annual Preakness Party will be held May 20th at historic Millmont in Wake with views of the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay.
The Rappahannock Community Educational Foundation will operate out of Middlesex County on Preakness Day, May 20, when the 13th annual Preakness Party, RCC/EFI’s primary fundraiser, takes place at historic Millmont in Wake. Owners David and Marilyn South look forward to the festivities at their historic home which was built in 1810 on a hill overlooking Mill Creek. Its location affords views of the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay, and it is the place to be on Preakness Day!
“It is a high-quality fun opportunity to help the college,” said RCC President Elizabeth Crowther. Funds raised help to support the work of the Foundation that is now providing more than $430,000 annually for scholarships. “This event has helped the foundation grow from $1.5 million to $9 million in assets,” she added.
In addition to the horse race, there’s a ‘best hat’ contest, silent and live auctions, heavy hors d’ oeuvres provided by area restaurants, an open bar, three wineries, and four large screens that will provide a live feed of the race for all to see.
Sarah Dillard Pope, Dean of college advancement, said the restaurants donate the appetizers at no cost to support the Educational Foundation, and other area businesses step up to sponsor the event. She said the Preakness Party netted $695,000 over the years. These unrestricted funds are used for professional development grants for faculty and staff to attend conferences or take classes that may not be in their department budgets, student scholarships, and other needs brought to the attention of the Foundation.
The Preakness Party is a great opportunity for the community to support fundraising efforts that benefit the college, its students, faculty and staff. The $100 ticket provides lots of fun for a good cause all wrapped up in a day at the races (and half of the ticket price is a charitable, tax deductible donation).
For additional information and ticket order form visit rappahannock.edu/foundation/preakness-party.