Hearts For Horses 'Day at the Ranch' is Fun-Filled Success

The first annual Hearts for Horses "Day at the Ranch" fundraiser raised $2,500 and was a big hit with attendees. The September 18th, 2005, event included a Tack Swap & Craft Fair, Horsemanship Demo, Barbecue, Auction and raffle. It drew more than one hundred participants and many more donated items.

"It was much more successful than we expected for our first time," notes H4H founder Julie Carpenter. "It shows how much people really care." Volunteer Toni Ford (pictured at right with Julie awarding raffle prizes.) coordinated the event in a very short timeframe. With the help of some other key people, Toni pulled the event together in only two months. In addition to a lot of her time, Toni and her monther also donated a significant number of items for the tack sale and auction.

"I just want to thank all the wonderful and generous people and businesses who helped make the day a success," Toni says.  "It warms my heart to know how many horses are going to be helped through the generous support of our local community."

Other volunteers included Bill Emerich, Evelyn Looney, Dustin Fink and Caroline Marshall.  Donors included The Feed Barn, Pine Grove Nursery, Browns Auto, Jackson Family Sports, The St. George Hotel, Kristy Whitcom, Carole Skegas, Saddles That Fit and Bill & Terry Emerich. 

The second annual Hearts for Horses "Day at the Ranch" fundraiser is scheduled for September 17, 2006.  It promises to be bigger and even better.  Anyone interested in working on the coordinating committee should contact Julie Carpenter at 209-223-4421.