The fifth annual Charger Derby raised more than $80,000 Nov. 9. 

More than 200 people attended the event, which featured 12 rounds of simulated horse races, a cash bar, and a silent auction in the Searle Center. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Women Commissioner Scholarship fund, according to board member and event co-chair Sue Zbozen-McAlpine ’86.

“We are grateful for the support we received from the community, our alumni, current parents, and the college,” Zbozen-McAlpine said. “Thanks to their generosity, our scholarship fund continues to grow, and we look forward to supporting students in the future.”

This year, more than 40 students have received scholarships from the Women Commissioners, totaling more than $268,000 according to the group.

Attendees paid $25 to own a horse in a race and gave them names such as “ATO Steve,” “Lara Trump’s Kettlebells,” and “Peanut the Squirrel.”

At the end of each race, both the owner of the winning horse and three randomly-selected bidders on the horse won a prize.

The silent auction featured items such as Hillsdale College apparel, handmade quilts, vacation packages, designer purses, and paintings.

The most expensive entry in the auction — a two-night stay at the John A. Halter Shooting Center, complete with pistol and shotgun shooting lessons for up to 12 guests — sold for $6,600, according to the Women Commissioners’ website.

Junior Lulu Celecia, a recipient of a Women Commissioners scholarship, said one of her favorite parts of the evening was seeing the items for sale in the silent auction. 

“I think it’s super cool to see how many local businesses donate stuff,” Celecia said. “It’s such a small town, but there’s still a lot of people willing to help out.”

Senior Harrison Layman is a recipient of a Women Commissioners scholarship and was one of many students volunteering at the event.

“Interacting with all the people who make the Women Commissioner scholarship happen, who make it a reality and who are actually able to fund it, is a wonderful thing,” he said.

Sophomore Christine Stanton said her Women Commissioners scholarship gives her some of the assistance she needs to attend Hillsdale. 

“I am extremely grateful for the generosity of the Women Commissioners,” she said. “It makes my time at Hillsdale even more meaningful to know there are people willing to give so much just to allow some of us students to have this education.”

Celecia said the lively atmosphere of the event, including many attendees in fancy outfits, made for an enjoyable experience.

“I think what’s really the coolest is we have the most fun getting money,” Celecia said. “Show me another scholarship that has this much fun.”