by Evan Pattak, for The Meadows

Washington, PA — The 2:00 Club at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino will stage its 21st annual Chinese Auction for Charity, an event that through the years has raised nearly $123,000 for worthy organizations, on Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Meadow Lands Holiday Inn adjacent to The Meadows.

Doors open at 6 p.m., with live entertainment and hors d’oeuvres to complement the auction. Prizes can be viewed and bids deposited beginning at 2 p.m. on the day of the event; winners need not be present for the drawing.

Beneficiaries of the auction include Chaplaincy Program at The Meadows, Canonsburg/Houston Meals on Wheels, The Avis Arbor Shelter for Battered Women and Children, Canonsburg/Houston Ministerial Association, Standardbred Retirement Foundation and the Ann Monroe Foundation at New Vocations Racehorse Adoption, a program that finds new homes for retired racehorses.

Janet Campbell, 2:00 Club president, noted that spirited participation from The Meadows community will be necessary to surpass last year’s record $12,800 raised.

“Our goal is ambitious this year,” she said, “but these great organizations need our help more than ever in this difficult economy. The Meadows and our horsemen have been extremely generous in their support, and I know we can count on them again this year.”

Campbell indicated that horsemen, their families and friends may participate by bidding and by contributing prizes, which typically span a broad range.

“Some of our donors spend many hours creating one-of-a-kind gift baskets and hand-crafted treasures,” she said. “Others provide prizes related to their professions, and still others offer gift cards from local businesses. We welcome all gifts and don’t forget that they’re tax deductible.”

Prizes can be left at the offices of the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association during regular business hours or at the paddock cafe on live race days.

The 2:00 Club, consisting of owners, trainers, drivers, caretakers and veterinarians, conducts social and charitable events throughout the year, including an Easter Egg Hunt, a Halloween gala and a Christmas party for the children of horsemen and track employees.

Click here to view the complete list of prizes.