From the Heart, Community Voices

Community Voices

From the Heart


March 6, 2025

Featured Image

As March begins, the Academy launches into fundraising warp speed with the March for the Heart Alumni & Family Giving Challenge, followed by Chemin de Fer, our largest fundraiser on May 3. March for the Heart is in its seventh year, while Chemin celebrates 51 years and this year they share a connection, thanks to generations of generosity.

In 1975, Jack Drake, began Chemin de Fer, when the idea of a casino auction was a bold new venture. Chemin de Fer, the French word for “railroad,” and also the name of a casino game played on the French Riviera, set our fundraising train in motion. What began 50 years ago as an evening of casino games and lavish hors d’oeuvres has grown to an event with stunning décor, a fabulous sit-down dinner, incredible auction items and a grand celebration of our community.

Now, Jack’s daughter, Michele Drake ’78, has pledged a $10,000 Challenge Gift during March for the Heart as a way to honor her father. Michele is matching dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 total in donations for gifts to the Jane Cannon Legacy of Love and Learning Endowed Scholarship Fund. Giving back to the Academy and helping it thrive was vital to her father and he set a strong example. Jane Cannon also epitomized generosity to the Academy and Michele’s gift will help provide scholarships to Academy students.

One of the reasons I’m giving to the Academy, even though I live so far away, is because the Academy has been such an integral part of my life, personally and professionally.

In addition, my sister attended the Academy, Denise Drake ’76, and my dad, Jack Drake, was also a big part of fundraising and started Chemin de Fer along with Jane Cannon many years ago. And my mom even attended the Academy. So it’s very dear to my family’s heart!

After graduating from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Michele moved to California to practice. She purchased a veterinary hospital in Encinitas, and later founded the Drake Center for Veterinary Care, which has served the community for more than 20 years. Along with multiple national leadership positions in veterinary medicine, Michele has lectured throughout the country. Don’t miss her video message below.

Share: