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PARISH, NY – More than 30 riders joined together at Harmony Riders Association in Parish for the third annual “Saddle Up! For St. Jude†fundraiser trail ride June 28.
The group raised more than $4,200 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which treats and finds cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses.
In addition to the riders, many businesses from around the area donated door prizes and raffle items and many volunteers assisted with the activities.
Wayne “Joe†Bouyea and family participated as lead trail boss for the ride.
In addition, the Bouyeas donated the pig for the evening pig roast while Jim Lloyd and his trusty canine, Bandit, spent the day cooking it.
Despite the inclement weather, the day was a huge success.
Riders waited patiently for the weather to break and enjoyed each others company in the clubhouse on Harmony’s grounds.
After lunch everyone tacked up their horses and began the afternoon ride with camaraderie in the air.
Though the riders got wet before their return to camp, spirits were high and the evening’s events were looking up.
Following a trail clinic led by Bob Battles, riders and members of the public gathered for the long-awaited pig roast, door prizes and raffles.
The event was made even more meaningful with the attendance of family and friends of Zachary Dievendorf, a Fulton teenager who is currently being helped by St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in Memphis, Tenn.
This year’s “Saddle Up! for St. Jude†event was another huge success and brings the club’s fundraising efforts to a grand total of more than $13,000 in three years.
“I am so proud of all of our riders and sponsors.†said Wendy Page, the event coordinator. “Events like this are not easy to organize and carry out, but it is so worth it in the end. We are considering some new options next year to try to increase participation and awareness. We may change the time of year, the dinner that we do, things like that. But we do plan on holding the Saddle Up fundraiser again.â€ÂÂ
If you were unable to attend the trail ride and would still like to contribute you may contact Page at 342-8314 or [email protected]
A final fundraiser will be held on July 7 at the Fajita Grill Restaurant in Fulton, from 5-9 p.m.
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