RJWC "Haute to Trot" event raised funds for four local charities

On May 7, the Rochester Junior Woman’s Club held its fundraiser, “Haute to Trot” at Twin Lakes Golf and Swim Club at 455 Twin Lakes Drive in Oakland Township to benefit The Friends of the Paint Creek Trail, RARA’s SCAMP Program, Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Vista Maria’s Wings Program.

The evening, chaired by club members Linda DeMarco and Bethany Perry with co-chairs Christie Pipkin and Lori Wilson, included Kentucky Derby themed food and mint juleps. Additionally, there was a “Win, Place, Show” Derby Race Raffle as well as prizes awarded for the “Best Hat” and “Best Blazer”

From arrival time, until race time, guests placed their “bets” on their favorite horse with the “Win, Place, Show” Derby Race Raffle. Followed, just after 6:00 p.m., they viewed the 142nd Kentucky Derby, followed by the announcement of the Derby Race Raffle winners.

Silent auction items, donated from local businesses, included event tickets, golf packages, sporting events, tours, around the town dining, entertainment packages, home decor, jewelry and accessories, and many more.

The funds from the event will help to support specific projects for the recipients:

•The Friends of the Paint Creek Trail’s will use their funding to support the Paint Creek Trail Educational Walkway Project which will be located adjacent to the Paint Creek Trail north of Tienken Road in Rochester Hills. The 1/4 mile walkway will be surfaced with finely crushed asphalt which is being recycled from the Tienken Road Construction Project. Along the walkway, they will have educational displays about native plants vs invasive species, trail history, wildlife, the Paint Creek, and trail etiquette. They will also build native plant gardens, and install a few benches and trash receptacles.
•RARA’s funding will support SCAMP, their summer day camp program for persons with special needs, ages 5-27, in our community. Fun, enriching activities and outings are provided for the campers along with well needed respite for their families throughout the summer months.
•The funding to the Rochester Symphony Orchestra will be used to help support their annual concert series, performed at St. Paul United Methodist Church. The RSO, led by highly acclaimed conductor Zeljko (Bill) Milicevic, is a major contributor to the active cultural and arts environment in the Greater Rochester Area.
•And, Vista Maria will be putting the funds towards their Wings Program for victims of Human Trafficking: to provide treatment and housing to domestic victims of human trafficking.

For 60 years the Rochester Junior Woman’s Club has been proud to contribute to the growth and vitality of the community through volunteer service and donation of funds to local charities and organizations. Since their inception, the Rochester Junior Woman’s Club has donated more than one million hours of community service and raised more than $890,000 to support the local community.

If you are interested in learning more information about the club please Alicia at 248-310-5979 or achenhalls@yahoo.com. You can also visit their website at www.rjwc.org or follow them on Facebook at “Rochester Junior Woman’s Club.