Attendees of a past Charger Derby, dressed in theme, enjoy conversation with food and drink.

Race horses will raise money for student scholarships at the Hillsdale College Women Commissioners’ fifth annual Charger Derby Nov. 9 in the Searle Center.

The Charger Derby fundraiser features 12 simulated horse races and includes a silent auction, cash bar, and appetizers. All proceeds go toward the Women Commissioners scholarship fund, currently totalling more than $4.7 million. Doors open at 7 p.m., with horse races starting at 7:45 p.m. 

More than 40 students have received scholarships this school year, totalling $268,000, according to Women Commissioners. 

“We make a positive impact on students, and that’s why we do it and why we are so eager to make the events a success,” board member and event co-chair Sue Zbozen-McAlpine ’86 said.  

At the Charger Derby, friends and employees of the college, alumni, and community members gather for a night out at the races, dressing up according to the theme. Many of the women come wearing wide-brimmed hats, and some of the men come wearing suits. 

“My favorite part is getting dressed up for a fun night out,” Jackie Sullivan, a member of Women Commissioners said. “Plus, being able to see people in the community is also really fun.”

The horse races are pre-recorded and displayed from a projector, with a live race caller following along. When the caller announces the winner of the race, the attendee with a bid on the winning horse wins a prize. 

“It’s very lively,” Sullivan said. “Everyone is at round tables, excited, wanting to cheer for their horse.”

During the entirety of the event, attendees can bid on prizes in the silent auction. Many of the items are donated by friends of the college or professors, Sullivan said. 

“A lot of them donate,” Sullivan said. “Professors will do paintings, paint scarves, give a tour of the cemetery while going through historical facts.”

Tickets cost $30 per person or $40 when purchased at the door. For an extra $25, attendees can buy a horse, and for an extra $250 they can sponsor a race. Those who are unable to attend the event in person can still participate in the auction by registering for a bidder number on the Women Commissioners’ website. 

“We are really thankful for all our sponsors whether they donate prizes, sponsor a race, or buy a horse,” Sullivan said. 

As a previous scholarship recipient, Sullivan said the event helps expand the Women Commissioners’ scholarship fund and provide more scholarships for students like her. 

“It enabled me to continue my education at Hillsdale and took a financial burden off of my parents,” Sullivan said.