Riders brought in a record-breaking $28,000 at the 33rd annual Trail Ride for Haven House Saturday.
The weather was clear for the 50 folks who participated in the event for the local domestic violence shelter in the Pine Cone area on Highway 67 north.
Haven House Executive Director Amber Tinker said, “Our riders showed up and showed out this year. With their help we raised just over $28,000, which is a new record.”
Winners were first place, Carolyn Cravens of Poplar Bluff, $6,910; second place Stacy Allen of Wappapello, $4,000; and third place Susan Lawson of Poplar Bluff, $2,111.
The first three finishers were determined by the total of pre-paid pledges presented at registration.
Tinker added, “A huge thank you goes out to Larry and Robyn Hillis for letting us come out to their farm. Everyone really enjoyed their day.”
Larry Hillis visited with several trail riders and board members prior to the ride.
The property had previously been used for the trail ride when it was owned by Ted and Cindy Evans, and the Hillis family has allowed the ride to return now they is operating the farm.
Before the ride, Allen, who captured second place, was preparing her 19-year-old horse Ginger for the event. Allen explained she and Ginger have been “trail riding forever.”
Andrea Forsythe of Cooter, located in Pemiscot County, said she and her horse Namaste ride mostly in flat lands where they live, but enjoy when they ride for Haven House being in the hills.
Addison Hutson of Poplar Bluff took time before the ride to groom her horse’s tail by brushing out knots.
“I really enjoy trail rides and this is a fundraiser, too,” Hutson said.
Prizes were a $1,500 VISA gift card, compliments of Hefner Furniture & Appliance; a $1,000 Visa Gift Card, compliments of Lisa Reynolds Insurance; and a $750 VISA gift card, compliments of First Missouri State Bank.
Sponsors for this year’s ride included Hefner Furniture & Appliance, Lisa Reynolds Insurance Agency, LLC, First Missouri State Bank, Vernon Homes LLC, Glory Days bar and grill, Larry and Robyn Hillis, Minton Environmental Consultants, Fishin’ Pigg, Bob Sutton Real Estate and Loans, Silverline Trailers, Steve and Vickie Jackson, Mary Francis Maddox and Rick and Krista Naegler.
A continental breakfast, as well as a barbecue lunch of pulled pork sandwiches provided by board member Jerry Hillis, were served.
Tinker said, “the Haven House Trail Ride has proven to be our most successful annual fundraising event.”
Haven House, which was established in 1985, is a 31-bed facility that provides shelter and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault.
The shelter not only provides a safe harbor for families in need, they also provide food and hygiene products at no cost, as well as peer support groups and individual counseling.
A 24-hour hotline is available for those in need of a listening ear, information, or assistance with a safety plan to remove themselves from a bad situation.
Advocates are always available for anyone affected by these issues. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, the hotline number to call is 573-686-5064 or you can text 573-429-5730, for outreach services call 573-686-4873.