The odds were in favor of the Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania on Saturday night. More than 175 people attended "A Night at the Races," organized by the group's auxiliary.
There was no racetrack in Lackawanna College's dining hall, and instead, prerecorded races were projected from a computer onto a screen.
The races, purchased on discs from a company in Florida, were picked at random and no one knew the outcome. Each horse's odds were determined by Saturday's bets. In advance of the event, community members were able to sponsor horses.
At 6:30 p.m., the betting window opened, and attendees took a break from the buffet line to place their bets.
State Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich was master of ceremonies. He told people there were two rules: to have a good time and to spend money.
Proceeds benefited the auxiliary's mission, including education and supporting Arc programs.
"It's always directly supporting the people we serve at the ARC," said Donald Broderick, executive director of the Arc.
Eileen Williams, president of the auxiliary, said she was "overwhelmed" at the turnout and was unsure how much the auxiliary would earn. "Anything will be of great help to the Arc," she said.
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