Event moves to new location at Black River Ranch Haven House Trail Ride scheduled for Sept. 19

The 31st annual benefit Trail Ride for Haven House will be Saturday, Sept. 19, at Black River Ranch, Poplar Bluff.

Doctors Rick and John Blaich are hosting the event, which will be held rain or shine.

The Blaichs are planning a ride with self-guided history and nature tours.

Haven House Executive Director Mary Ann Allen said, “For 30 years, the Haven House Trail Ride has proven to be our most successful annual fundraising event. While this year brings its epecial challenges, we have decided to go forward with the event.”

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the gaited and non-gaited rides will be at 10 a.m.

Riders will have a free continental breakfast.

Jerry Hillis of Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff will continue the tradition of providing free barbecue sandwiches for the riders.

Hillis remembers the first ride he attended as a Haven House board member.

“We pulled out cold sandwiches for the riders and I thought ‘we can do better,’” Hillis said.

Each trail ride since, Hillis has purchased and cooked barbecue to be served to the riders and the volunteers.

Lunch also will include chips and soda.

Lunch time entertainment will be courtesy of Carnahan & Company.

Prizes will be awarded based on total pre-paid pledges and tax deductions will be available as allowed by law.

Prizes will include a $750 gift certificate, compliments of Legrand Feed and Haven House board of directors; $500 Visa gift card, compliments of Delta Corporation; and a $500 gift certificate to TNT Western Store, compliments of TNT Western Store and The Fishin’ Pigg.

Sponsors are Legrand Feed, TNT Western Store, Peoples Community Bank, Crabb & Company, Delta Corporation, Fishin’ Pigg, Little Hearts Daycare and Haffy’s.

Pledge sheets are being mailed to riders who have previously participated, but anyone who wants a flyer may call 573-686-4873 and ask for Jane or Mary Ann.

Proceeds will go toward the costs of sheltering women and children left homeless due to domestic or sexual violence. The shelter provides around the clock as well as emergency hotline and advocacy for survivors as they make tough decisions and struggle to leave abusive relationships behind and make a safer life for their children.

Social distancing will be observed during the entire event, and lunches will be prepared in accordance with Butler County Health Department guideline.

Directions to the ranch once in Poplar Bluff is to take North Main street past Tomaro Oaks Subdivision to Honeysuckle Lane, turn right and follow the signs. Bring your lawn chairs.