PLANO NORTH METROPLEX (TX) CHAPTER

         “A Day at the Races XXII: Le Chapeau Affaire”

                     Sponsor Event Information

Chartered in 1989, PNMC consists of women who are influential decision makers and opinion leaders and who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the cultural and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry in North Texas. Community service has been the cornerstone of the organization's outreach, with members contributing hundreds of thousands of documented hours of community service. To fund these award-winning outreach programs, a marquee fundraising event for the Chapter, “A Day at the Races: Le Chapeau Affaire” was established in 1998 and continues to be one of the most anticipated events on the Dallas/Ft. Worth social calendar.  This year is the 21st anniversary of this event.

• LONE STAR PARK AT GRAND PRAIRIE, a 36,000 square foot venue, is open to the public 363 days a year. It is the 10th ranked major league sports entertainment attraction hosting more than 800,000 visitors each year. Lone Star Park’s 50 Day Thoroughbred Season opens in the Spring to highlight the Triple Crown: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. The Fourth Level Club House is home to the 1,200 seat Silks Special Dining Terraces and Paddock Lounge. The Fifth and Sixth levels feature 48 luxurious Penthouse Suites that can accommodate groups from 25 to 50 people during live racing. Location: Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie is located on Belt Line Road, just ½ mile north of I-30, midway between Dallas and Fort Worth in Grand Prairie, Texas. Parking: You and your guests can Self Park for $10 in preferred parking or Valet Park for $25.

• “A Day at the Races: Le Chapeau Affaire” is the annual fundraiser of the Plano North Metroplex (TX) Chapter (PNMC) Links, Incorporated. Now in its 21st year, the event emulates the Kentucky Derby, giving our guests the opportunity to showcase hats as well as watch live race events at the track. We entertain over 700 guests annually in The Silks Special Dining Terraces and the Paddock Lounge.  It’s an evening of live music, great food, and partying with a purpose with the utmost in fun and fellowship. Importantly, proceeds from this event help to fund the chapter’s Programming and Scholarships.

• Walking: Make sure your guests are prepared for the walk from their vehicle to The Silks Dining Room or Penthouse Suites. Throughout the Silks Area, it will be necessary, depending on your seating, to travel up and down steps. Therefore, comfortable footwear is encouraged for all!

• Times: Lone Star Park entry gates open at 12:00 PM; Race 1 begins at 1:30 PM. The Event concludes about 6:30 PM.

• All guests (male and female) are encouraged to wear hats and participate in the Mad Hatter Parade and Contest which allows them to showcase those fabulous Chapeaus. Participants will be provided a Contestant number, and asked to join the Mad Hatter parade that travels throughout The Silks Dining Terrace and the Paddock Lounge. A panel of judges determine the most exciting chapeau in several categories and award prizes.