Hats, Horses and Heavy Betting

by Laurie Caswell Burke

 

Hats, horses and heavy betting rocked the Murphy Farm at the Quechee Club on May 3 as folks sipped mint juleps and strolled around bidding on an impressive array of silent auction items. Guests bid on 25 items including a week at an oceanfront Nantucket home, a private guided hiking tour of the Adirondacks that finishes with a barbeque and cocktails, and two box seat tickets to the Montreal Canadians with an overnight stay in Montreal. Additional items included a stunning bowl from Simon Pearce and an exquisite table linen ensemble from Cricket Radio.

Offering something for everyone we were able to raise $8,000 with the auction alone and more than $13,000 over the course of the whole event. All the proceeds go towards our scholarship program to carry on the Stern Center’s commitment to make services accessible for families in communities throughout Vermont and the Upper Valley.

We’d like to extend a special thank you to our event sponsor Ned Redpath of Coldwell Banker Redpath & Co., Realtors. Events like this that raise funds enable the Stern Center to expand its scholarship program for families in need to make our evaluation and instruction services more affordable.

Our hat judges, Susie Hastings and Mary Selby, were charged with awarding the most unique hats prizes, surveyed the gathering fashionistas and their toppers with a careful eye. Stern Center’s Director of Professional Program’s, Janna Osman, won first prize for her black veiled fascinator. A close runner-up was a whimsical hat donned by Dr. Dolores Podhajski LeConche who traveled from Connecticut for the event and left with a bouquet of roses and a smile. Dr. LeConche and an avid Derby friend traveled the furthest for this lively event and clearly were thrilled to be part of it!

When the race began, hat judge Hastings pulled her chair as close as possible to one of the large screen TV’s to hear every word and watch every step. A self- proclaimed Derby enthusiast, Hastings has been watching the Derby since childhood and has attended both Stern Center derby events, last year as a birthday gift from her children. No one seemed to enjoy the race more than she did. “It’s been a family tradition as long as I can remember,” she smiled.

California Chrome was the clear winner. The horse’s backstory was fascinating, which added to the fun. Party guest Bronwyn Dunne took away the first place prize of a Keurig for her high stakes bet on California Chrome. She strategically waited to place her bet just before the betting window closed and with some good advice from a fellow party guest, it proved to be a brilliant idea.

As the evening wound down and guests gathered up their silent auctions items, flowers and last minute nibbles, everyone spoke excitedly about next year’s Derby party. The evening offered an opportunity for the extended Stern Center family and new friends to enjoy a fun filled time and everyone agreed that this year the best horse had won!

Laurie Caswell Burke is a Major Gifts Specialist at the Stern Center. She is a writer and teacher. Skinny Dipping with Loons is her first book. She lives in Shelburne, VT.