About Alex TLC

Established in 2004, Alex TLC is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for those affected by Leukodystrophy. We are the only charity in the UK that provides invaluable support for anyone with a leukodystrophy, their families and carers.

Leukodystrophies are rare genetic disorders that mainly affect the white matter of the central nervous system (ie the brain or spinal cord). They affect people of all ages and backgrounds, most notably children. Leukodystrophies are usually degenerative, causing symptoms such as impaired mobility, vision, speech and hearing, incontinence, inability to swallow and loss of cognitive skills. In many cases, this sadly means a reduced or limited lifespan.

There are over 100 known types of leukodystrophy identified to date, including some so rare they only affect one or two individuals. Evidence suggests that at least 1:15,000 people are affected.

We’re delighted that you’ve chosen to fundraise for us by organising a race night, thank you!

 

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How to run a Race Night?

 

A race Night can consist of 8 to 10 races. Attendees receive a race card upon arrival listing all the race information. They can then place bets on the horses and receive tote tickets.

Race Nights are covered by The Gambling Commission Act, all monies raised must be given to a worthwhile cause e.g. a charity.

No part of the race (e.g. the form guide) can be shown until after all the bets have been placed on that race.

What you’ll need to put on your very own Race Night

• Venue
• Race Night Package, digital versions available (Available to hire or buy online)
• Tech (TV/Projector, DVD player if using a DVD)
• Tables
• Race Cards
• Pens
• Paper/ Betting Slips
• Prizes
• Microphone
• Calculator
• Raffle tickets (if having a raffle on the night to boost funds)

1. The Venue

Find a venue with plenty of space.

Get in touch with the management of local venues such as pubs, sports halls, town halls, etc and explain to them that your event is for charity. Many venues are far more generous once they know about the cause, so make sure to mention Alex TLC.

2. Entrance Fee

£3 to £5 is a reasonable price, especially if you are having to cover the cost of a hire fee on the venue.

Sell tickets in advance, don’t rely on people turning up on the night.

3. Sponsorship

Ask any local businesses to sponsor a race and perhaps name your races after the a business that has provided sponsorship.

Naming your horses.

Use the names provided on the race card, or alternatively ask people to buy a horse and name it.

If this is arranged prior to the event, it can be put on the race card, however it can be arranged on the night and the names announced by the host.

Anything from £2 to £5 is usually a fair price for a to name a horse.

If you have spare prizes, every time that a horse with an ‘owner’ wins a race you could give them a prize.

4. Race Cards

Below are templates for you to use to make your race cards. If you need any help with this, email info@alextlc.org.

Word Document download

A4 Powerpoint download

5. On the Night

Bets

• • The odds of each horse are predetermined and all bets cost the same amount the price of the bet is up to you, the usual cost is between £1 and £2 (keeping things in whole numbers makes it easier for you).
  • The odds do not determine the size of the pay-out as all bets are a Tote Pool. This means that the winnings are shared equally by each person who bet on the winning horse.
  • Half of the money bet on each race will go to the charity (this must be made known to all attendees and written on the race cards).
  • The rest of the money is shared between the winners.
  • For example, if bets cost £2 and 50 people bet on Race 1, and there are 10 winners, then Half of the money (£50) goes to the charity and the other half is divided between the winners so £5 each.
  • Bets should close a few minutes before the showing of each race.

Bookies

• • Recruit volunteers to help
  • For every 25 people attending it is sensible to have one bookie.
  • Make sure they have a float with plenty of change before the night begins and a good basic understanding of maths. A calculator is definitely preferable.

Host

• You will have to get someone to act as Host for the night. You can do it yourself or ask a friend who is good at speaking in front of people.
• This job requires them to announce each race, explain how the betting works and tell people when betting is open and closed.

If you have any questions and would like help putting on a Race Night, feel free to email info@alextlc.org and we will help as much as we can.