Haven House Trail Ride is Sept. 17

Work is underway for the 33rd Annual Haven House Trail Ride, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 17.

The ride, which will be held rain or shine, is returning to its former location, the Ted and Cindy Evans Farm, which is now the Hillis farm. It is located in the Pinecone area on Highway 67 north.

“We’re currently accepting sponsorships, donations and door prizes,” said Haven House Executive Director Amy Tinker. “The Haven House Trail Ride has proven to be our most successful annual fundraising event.”

The fliers will be distributed in July, Tinker said. Riders will be able to get sponsors because there are a lot of businesses who help out, she said, adding Haven House doesn’t want to infringe on the businesses who sponsor them.

“We’re excited to see our riders and a lot of people we only see once a year,” Tinker said. “So many people come in, especially for this ride.”

Trail bosses will work with the Mark Twain National Forest to designate the trails.

“We start registering at 8 a.m. and the ride will start around 10 a.m.,” Tinker said.

Participation in the ride is free, with a continental breakfast, a barbecue lunch provided by Jerry Hillis, and lunch time entertainment.

Riders collect pre-paid pledges from family, friends and businesses to compete for prizes. The first three finishers will be determined by the total of pre-paid pledges presented at registration, and the selection of prizes will be based on their finishing order.

As usual, all riders who register with a minimum of $25 in pledges will receive a commemorative T-shirt, and will be eligible to win an array of door prizes donated by local businesses.

The Haven House board is grateful to all the local businesses that contribute to the success of the event.

Tinker and the board of directors thanked Drs. Rick and John Blaich, who hosted the benefit at their Black River Ranch for the past two years.

All proceeds will go toward the cost of sheltering women and children left homeless due to domestic or sexual violence in the 31-bed facility. The shelter staff provides around the clock management of the shelter and emergency hotline and advocacy for survivors.

For more information about the trail ride or about the services offered by Haven House, call 573-686-4873.