June 13, 2008

HCC fundraiser and premier Howard County event celebrates its 21st year

What:   The Howard Community College (HCC) campus in Columbia is transformed into a festive arena for the 21st annual Columbia Classic Grand Prix, where world-class equestrians, including Olympic veterans, compete on a challenging course of obstacles, jumps, twists and turns. Special attractions include exhibitions, pony rides, a food court, boutiques, and children’s events.

Mercedes-Benz raffle drawing:  The Grand Prize winner chooses either a 2009 Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle or roadster. Other raffle prizes include Drive & Dine Deal gift certificates to local restaurants, golf packages, a wine weekend at Belmont Conference Center, Medieval Times family 4 pack, tickets to Ravens, Redskins and Terps games, a golf and spa package at Turf Valley Resort, a dinner cruise on the Baltimore Spirit, tickets for a New York bus trip, and an Ellicott City gift certificate package.  Raffle tickets are $100, or 3 for $250, and only 1,200 will be sold.

When:     Saturday, September 20, 2008 (all times approximate; rain or shine)
               10 a.m.     Gates Open
               11:30 a.m.      $10,000 Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic
               1:30 p.m.     Intermission Activities
               2 p.m.      $40,000 Columbia Classic Grand Prix
               4 p.m.      Winner's Circle & Raffle Drawings

Why:    Enjoy thrilling competition and great family fun – all while helping students enhance their lives through education. Proceeds benefit the HCC Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships for students.  HCC enrolls more than 45% of all Howard County undergraduates attending a Maryland college.

Where:    Howard Community College Campus
               10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, Maryland

Tickets:   Lawn seating:             $10 adults, free for kids 10 and under    
              Grandstand seating:   $15 adults, $8 for kids 10 and under            
              Tailgate space:           $100 (special parking, 4 grandstand seats)
               Tent seat:                   $200 each (buffet, bar, VIP parking)
               Sponsorship opportunities are available for tables of 8

Call:     For information and tickets visit www.howardcc.edu/grandprix or call 410-772-4450. Online ticket purchase is available for event and raffle.