Norwalk Arts Center fundraiser nets nearly $20K

NORWALK — The Norwalk Arts Center hosted its annual A Night at the Races fundraiser on Feb. 13 at Eagles #711, with attendees enjoying an evening of food, games and betting on prerecorded horse races. Organizers reported that the event raised nearly $20,000 for the restoration of the Norwalk Theatre. The event was sponsored by Mid-Town Shopping Center in collaboration with Eagles #711. Twelve local businesses each sponsored one of the evening's 12 races. Guests were served a buffet dinner, beverages and homemade desserts before the races began. Participants placed $5 "win" bets on each race, with payouts ranging from $15 to $80, according to a news release. For races one through 11, participants could purchase and name a horse in advance for $25. Owners of winning horses received $100. Several winners chose to donate their prize money back to the arts center. The 12th race carried higher stakes. Horses were sold for $250, with the winning entry paying $1,500. The Barman sisters — Dina Lukasko, Bonnie Barna and Kathleen Sigsworth — won the final race with their horse, "Lil Sheil." The name honored their parents, Norb and Sheila Barman. The sisters donated the full $1,500 prize back to the organization. A rubber horse-duck pond game sold out, offering three $50 prizes. Guests whose bets did not win were entered into a "Lucky Loser" drawing for a 100 Grand candy bar prize. Daniel Stober won a pocket watch donated by Diamond Collection. A new game, "Heads or Tails," was added this year. Participants paid $5 to choose either the head or tail displayed on a horse graphic. A coin flip determined who advanced. Skip Wilde and Kim Moore were the final two remaining, and both agreed to donate the $175 prize back to the arts center. An additional flip named Moore the overall winner. Event organizer Lisa Bleile said attendance included many first-time guests. "We were pleased to welcome many new faces to this year's A Night at the Races, reflecting broad community support for the rehabilitation of Norwalk's Theatre," Bleile said. "While fundraising is always a priority, ensuring an engaging and enjoyable evening for attendees was equally important." Bleile also credited Lynn Smith, who served as master of ceremonies, with announcing the races and explaining the games. Updates on programming, fundraising and construction are available at norwalkartscenter.org.