Children benefit when riders, horses hit the trails for St. Jude’s
Published 9:18 am Friday, September 19, 2014
Riders and their horses move out to the trails at Raccoon Creek Sports LLC in Sebrell. On Saturday and Sunday they participated in the annual Saddle Up for St. Jude, which raises money for the research hospital. St. Jude’s is devoted to finding the causes of and treatments for childhood cancer and other serious illnesses. — Stephen H. Cowles | The Tidewater News
SEBRELL—The horses weren’t aware, but their riders knew that as they traveled along trails at Raccoon Creek Sports LLC this past weekend, together they were helping children.
Alana Holzer of Franklin with Scotty, a retired show pony. On Saturday, they rode on the trails with parents Rebecca and Donald Holzer and their horses, Chisholm and Duchess. — Stephen H. Cowles | The Tidewater News
“Saddle Up for St. Jude” raises money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital so that it can treat youngsters with cancer and other serious illnesses at no charge to the families of the patients.
“They take care of those who can’t pay,” said Connie Mulholland, organizer. She and her husband, Mike, operate Mulholland Family Ranch in Suffolk, and have been sponsors of the fundraiser for 12 years. Previously hosted at other locations, the trail ride has been at Gayle and Bruce Phillips’ place since 2008.
Mulholland said that Southpoint Farm Saddle Shop referred St. Jude’s to her.
“When they first contacted me, I said no. I have too much on my plate. But then my husband, Michael, said, ‘Why not?’”
After giving the matter some thought, she agreed and got to work organizing an event that became the trail ride.
“You just have to got out and work the community,” Mulholland said about fundraising. “It doesn’t happen with one person. It’s not about you.”
The target for this most recent event was $10,000, but “we’d love to get $20,000, $30,000 or $40,000.”
In the past, the lowest amount has been $7,000 and the most was $30,000-plus, she added.
“It’s a two-day event and we’re at the mercy of the weather,” she said.
Mulholland said on Thursday, “We got right around $9,500-$10,000 before expenses.”
An estimated 83 percent to 87 percent of what’s generated goes to research directly so that the hospital — based in Memphis, Tennessee — can focus on finding the causes of and treatments for childhood cancers.
“When you give your money to St. Jude’s you know your money is being well spent,” she said.
The riders who came out were aware of the cause and glad to help.
“This is my first time for St. Jude’s,” said Carolyn Wheeler, who was riding Darcy. They were accompanied by Susan Pyatt with Whiskey River and Jen Raymo with Colby, all of Chesapeake.
The women said they learned about the event through a newsletter and, Wheeler added, “My friends and I decided to participate.”
Another first-timer for the fundraiser was Chantal Roemer of Courtland.
“It’s for a good cause,” she said riding atop Patron. “Hopefully, we’ll ride both days. I’m excited.”
Along with their daughter, Alana, Rebecca and Donald Holzer of Franklin are also newcomers to the local event. They stable their horses, Scotty, Chisholm and Duchess, respectively, at Bleu Fox Stables in Franklin.
“Susan Holloway of Bleu Fox Stables signed us up,” Rebecca said. “We’ve done fundraisers, but this is kind of new.”
Katherine and Skip Gardner of Smithfield are in their second year at the event.
“Someone sent out flyers,” Skip said. “It’s great that they do this. We appreciate it.”
Kathleen and Chris Windley of Suffolk said they’ve been riding the trail every year since 2009.
“It’s a great charity,” he said. “We still give. We want more and more people.”
