Out & About: Derby-themed event benefits Redstone Highlands benevolent care

It almost looked like Kentucky Derby day as more than 300 guests in stylish headgear filed into Stratigos Banquet Center in North Huntingdon on Saturday evening.

In a way, that’s what it was.

Derby Dreams was the theme for the signature Highlands Fling fundraiser held annually for Redstone Highlands Seniorcare.

Ticket-holders were entered into a drawing for the next-best alternative to an excursion to the world-renowned horse race at Churchill Downs. The grand prize was a Dec. 10-11 trip to Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort in West Virginia for the finale of the live racing season.

The package included a two-night stay in the resort’s Grand Hotel, dinner at the LBV Steakhouse and gift cards to help with expenses.

The event included betting on previously recorded races, games, voting for best hat and best coordinated couples’ outfits, live music and dancing, silent auction, raffles and games. Dinner was accompanied by wine from Bella Terra Vineyards in Hunker and topped off with the signature chocolate and walnut Kentucky Derby pie.

“Everyone is really getting into the spirit,” said Lisa Dormire, Redstone’s vice president for mission support, as she surveyed the roomful of colorful hats and his-and-hers outfits.

The annual Highlands Fling benefits the benevolent care fund at Redstone’s senior care communities. With campuses in Greensburg, Murrysville and North Huntingdon, Redstone Highlands offers living and care options including independent-living villas, apartments, skilled nursing, supportive care and rehabilitation services.

Redstone Highlands President and CEO John Dickson donned a bowler hat — also appropriately known as a derby — to welcome guests. At his side in a wide-brimmed, feathered, pink-and-black confection was his wife, Lisa Dickson, Redstone’s corporate director of marketing and sales.

At the Fling: Vicki Loucks, Geoff and Lisa Gehring, Dr. Ed and Jean Cheppa, Keith and Karen Langston, Duane and Brenda Daniels, Don and Kim Kramer, Eric Loucks and Alyssa Kubler, Joe and Anita Janke, Thomas and Cynthia Minnick, Dave and Bethany Chase, Denny and Carol Clawson, Grant and Kim Kern, Joshua Bernacki and Skylar Sonner and, representing UPMC East, Dr. Ravi Kondaveeti, Lisa Rolnicki, Dr. Victor Prisk, Dr. Kristina Curci and Mark and Allison O’Hern.