The Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund is a national organization that assists jockeys and exercise riders in their times of need. When jockeys and exercise riders are injured and are forced to miss work and lose the opportunity to earn wages that provides for themselves and their families, the Don MacBeth Fund is there to help. Worse yet, when jockeys and exercise riders are permanently disabled, the Don MacBeth Fund is again there to help. The Fund was set-up by actor / comedian Tim Conway and Judy McCarron, wife of Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron. The entire story of the Don MacBeth Memorial Fund formation and operation can be read on their home website at www.macbethfund.org.
Plain and simple, the Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund survives on fundraisers and the money donated through the generosity of horsemen and horsewomen, horseplayers, casual horse racing fans and caring people. We, the horsemen and horsewomen of the Fair Grounds, are having our yearly fundraiser on Tuesday, March 16th at the Best Western Landmark Hotel in Metairie and we'd like everyone to join us to have some fun - and of course, raise some money. Tickets are $25.00 per person and are available from any Fair Grounds jockey or by calling me (Rick Mocklin) at 504-382-9787. Reserved tables of 10 are available for $250.00. All checks should be made-out to the Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund.
As chairman and host of this year's event, I think everyone in attendance will be assured a good time with the schedule of planned activities. Doors at the Landmark will open at 6:00 p.m to a cash bar, followed by a dinner buffett served at 6:30 p.m. A silent auction, with lots of neat items on display for bidding, will open at 6:00 p.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. A 50 / 50 raffle will offer attendees a chance to win a couple of hundred dollars, with the other half going to the Fund.
A live auction will feature special items, such as a weekend and dinner for two at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino and promotions and other specialty items that should also raise a significant amount of money. The highlight of the live auction will be the offering of the "Top 12" jockeys up for bid in the 50 Yard Speedball Foot Race Classic to be run on Saturday, March 20th during the race program. Also up for bid will be the "Celebrity Starter" position. The highest bidder will actually get to press the starter's button from atop the starter's stand and send the jocks out of the gate in the Speedball Classic.
This year's fundraiser will also offer attendees the chance to win numerous door prizes. We'd like all of our guests to have a chance to win something, rather than just ask them to donate, so a container will be set-up at the door to collect ticket stubs to have periodic drawings throughout the night.
The real highlight of the night will be the Dance Contest - open to anyone in attendance. If you don't have a dance partner, we'll find you one. Harvey Jesus and Fire, one of the area's top dance bands will provide the live music and entertainment. I've been an honorary member of the band, singing with the band on a couple of Wednesday's and every Sunday night at Salvatore's in Fat City throughout this season. But for this party, I'm getting the opportunity to be co-frontman with one of the best in the business, my good friend Harvey Jesus.
If you want to compete, then make sure you bring you're dancing shoes, because the 1st place couple will be awarded a $125.00 gift certificate, 2nd place couple a $75.00 gift certificate and the 3rd place couple a $50.00 gift certificate, all from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.
At the conclusion of the dance contest, hopefully around 9:00 p.m., we plan to finish-out the night with music and dancing until 10:30 p.m. Where can you have this much fun, dinner and dancing for only $25.00?
All the important Information you need to know:
2010 Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fundraiser - Tuesday, March 16th
Best Western Landmark Hotel - 2601 Severn Ave. Metairie, La. 70002
6:00 - 10:30 p.m.
Again, tickets are only $25.00 per person and reserved tables of 10 are $250.00.
WE NEED YOU TO ATTEND TO MAKE THIS EVENT A SUCCESS.
Thanks,
Rick