CLEMENTS, Md. — Big hats, bold ties and high stakes made their way to Bowles Farm on Saturday evening as the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad hosted its annual Kentucky Derby Watch Party, which included a $10,000 grand prize raffle fundraiser.
Guests gathered in Derby fashion, bringing color and charm to the rustic Southern Maryland venue. The event offered attendees a night of food, drinks, games and a live viewing of the Kentucky Derby — all in support of the squad’s ongoing building renovation campaign.
At $100 per ticket, the fundraiser offered participants a seat at the table and a chance to win raffle prizes ranging from $100 up to a grand prize of $10,000. The final ticket, and biggest winner of the night, was drawn live, with the lucky recipient celebrating among friends and family in attendance.
“The event was a tremendous success for the volunteers who had less than three months to plan the party and sell raffle tickets,” said Barbara Wible, president of the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad. “We contribute the success to the support of our families, friends and generous donors.”
Attendees weren’t just there for the race. Derby-themed games, including a money wheel, added to the evening’s excitement, and many arrived in colorful attire and fashionable hats that brought the spirit of Churchill Downs to Southern Maryland.
The fundraiser, held annually on the first Saturday of May, serves as a cornerstone effort to raise money for the renovation of the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad’s headquarters. Organizers credited the success of the event to a committed team of volunteers, generous donors and local sponsors.
Donations and in-kind support were provided by several local businesses, including W.M. Davis Inc., Shore United Bank, Griffin’s Flooring America, Leonardtown Collision Center, Inner Peace Therapeutic Services, Burch Oil, Bradford’s Neighborhood Market, Guy Distributing and Chesapeake Wholesale.
More fundraising events are on the horizon for the squad, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. A bluegrass music night is scheduled for June 14 at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, followed by a cornhole tournament on July 26 at Action Lounge in Leonardtown, a change from last year’s event at Hill’s Store. The venue change ensures the tournament can continue rain or shine.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad, a dedicated team of community volunteers providing emergency medical services to residents of the Hollywood and Leonardtown areas since 1975.
“We’ve outgrown the building we have, so we need to expand,” said Wible. “We’re planning to demolish the 2002 addition and replace it with a larger structure that will give us more crew space, two additional ambulance bays and a much-needed new roof.”
Funds raised will support a major renovation project at the rescue squad’s headquarters, which includes demolishing a 2002 addition and constructing a larger space for crew quarters and equipment.
For more information or to support the renovation fund, visit HVRS.org.
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