Racing money for Crime Stoppers
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin- Muskoka held its first annual race night at Georgian Downs Saturday. Organizers hoped to raise about $2,600 for the organization, which provides tips for various police services in the area.

The ponies were racing and fighting crime at the same time.

Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka hosted a race night at Georgian Downs Saturday, with proceeds raised benefitting the organization's various crime fighting initiatives. And the night has already been hailed a success, with 99 tickets sold.

Seven horse blankets were also sponsored by various groups, said Crime Stoppers' South Simcoe Committee director Barb Baguley.

Organizers hope to raise about $2,600 through the event.

"It was a sweet success," she said. "We sold out our dinner tickets, we had 99 people for dinner and seven races sponsored by clubs and companies."

Blankets were bordered with the sponsoring company's name, and participants were invited into the winner's circle for a photograph with the winning horse, owner and jockey. Patrons were also treated to a buffet dinner, free racing program and a ticket for door prize draws.

Crime Stoppers is a registered, non-profit charitable organization that works with the police, media and residents to make local communities safe. The organization hosts several fundraising events throughout the year. However, this was the first race night hosted by Crime Stoppers at Georgian Downs, said Baguley.

"We were very pleased with it, everybody seemed to have had a really good time," she said.

The event was so well attended, the organization has already booked a similar race night for next year, said Baguley.