Mice ran the race, but the Callaway Public Library was the winner at the Rotary Club of Fulton's fundraiser last weekend.
Nearly 200 people attended the fourth annual Callaway Cup Mouse Races on Friday at 54 Country in Fulton.
Proceeds are still being tabulated, but the Rotary Club of Fulton has promised a minimum of $3,400 to the library for its literacy efforts.
"Rotary International has six areas of focus; basic education and literacy is one of them," Fulton Rotary President Jennifer Books said. "We are pleased to support our public library and promote literacy."
In addition to Fulton Rotary (both noon and evening members), the Rotaract Club of William Woods University assisted with the night's activities - mouse races, mouse roulette, a silent auction, photo booth, children's crafts, soda ring toss and lucky liquor roll.
Proceeds from annual mouse races benefit Rotary's charitable work in the community. Last year, money was donated to the Adult Enrichment Center for persons with developmental disabilities. The Coalition Against Rape and Domestic Violence (CARDV) and Wonderland Camp were previous recipients.
During the races, live mice are coaxed to travel through a miniature racecourse at fast speeds, and spectators are invited to make bets. Similar to a night at the dog or horse races, each person attending receives a program at the door with the mice running in each of the 10 heats. They can then go to a betting table and place bets on the mouse they think will reach the finish line first.
During mouse roulette, participants buy a playing card for a minimal amount with the opportunity to win a large sum. The cards are placed in a circle with a mouse released in the center; the winner is the person with the card the mouse steps on first.
"We've raised about $5,000 for our community each year, but we couldn't do this fundraiser without the help of our sponsors," Books said.
Table sponsors were Bob and Mary Beth Books, Jason and Jennifer Books, Dollar General, Garrett & Campbell, Judge Carol England, LaCrosse Lumber, Mike and Debbie Laughlin, Peak Sport and Spine, Storage Center of Fulton and William Woods University.
Race sponsors were Bob Hansen, Callaway Carriers, Charlie and Jo James, Charlie and Shelly Anderson, Christian Memorial Hospital, Mary Ann Beahon, Ovid Bell Press, Rick Gohring, Riley and Lauren Hanley, and Ruthie and Phil Reynolds.
In addition, The Callaway Bank and the Fulton Sun provided promotional support, while Central Bank provided printing.
Committee members were Brittany Abbott, Charlie Anderson, Mary Ann Beahon, Jennifer Books, Bob Hansen, Ilana Holland, Ida Jacaway, Debbie Laughlin, Brenda Loeffler, Sherry McCarthy and Jan Reyes.