Gowns soiree leads off fundraiser weekend

MATAMORAS n With the arrival of the Kentucky Derby, the Milford crowd donned gowns and black-tie for Friday night’s kickoff of the 2007 Gowns and Downs Weekend. About 125 attended the $150 a-plate gala at Matamoras’ Riverview Inn, which included what was described as an “exceptional and exciting” silent auction of 15 items, including: jewelry and fragrances, sailing and ski trips, and a cruise to Italy. Derby Day Saturday afternoon festivities moved to the home of co-organizers Ed Raarup for an afternoon buffet and entertainment. This was the fifth year of Gowns and Downs fundraising. Last year, the weekend raised $128,000 for local health services.