Triple Crown Belmont Stakes Race Party

by Katherine Mitchell

Many thanks to Angie Pfeiffer and Mary Finney for chairing a fun and successful Triple Crown Belmont Stakes Race party and fundraiser on the river at the historic Binford House at Fort Pocahontas.  They, along with team members Theresa  Burton,  Martha Culpepper, Claudia Sands, Christine Sweet, Anna Pfeiffer, Carolyn Walkup, John Savage, Katie Zacherle and our lovely and helpful Sherwood Forest liaison Annique Dunning, made it a special evening for about 60 guests. All had a great time on a beautiful June evening and the event was able raise nearly $3000 for the hounds,   slightly more than last year. 

 The weather was perfect, and the day was filled with hound races, wagers, and raffles leading up to the Belmont Stakes race time at 6:50 pm, won by  Arcangelo.     Steve Musso had the winning ticket for the bitch race, won by Mischief and Patrick McCarthy for the dog race won by Hercules; Julia Bowman won the horse race lottery; and many won raffle items donated and handmade by the committee members.  

Katie brought the house down with her kid-friendly snacks and an actual bouncy house--maybe the first PAH bouncy house ever. Kids loved it!  Mary's daughter Audrey Finney and fiancé Dan Worrell kept the crowd hydrated with freshly made Mint Juleps, Belmont Jewels, and beverages.  Appetizers and dinner items  were provided by committee members and delicious barbecue from  Malbon Brothers in Virginia Beach was served. Everyone looked great--including Julia Bowman whose hat had felt butterflies delicately fluttering all over it--but four awards were given for the "Most Dapperly Dressed" to Tom Vance; Alex Cromer; Martha Culpepper; and the Mussos (Steve and Merri).

Thank you Katherine Mitchell and committee for your photo contributions.  Commonwealth Artists photos are available for free download at www.commonwealthartists.net.