Prayers for Chris Dunn

Members, please join us at the upcoming meeting to discuss a proposed benefit event for fellow member Chris Dunn...

Chris recently had back surgery and due to complications afterwards is partially paralyzed and in a wheelchair. One of her legs is totally paralyzed and there are additional complications as well. She has physical therapy three times a week in addition to other doctor appointments and her medical costs are considerable.....to say the least.

Many of you will remember that last year we voted to make Chris and Dale Dunn honorary members of LARA in recognition of their hard work and dedication in the horse community. Chris and Dale own and operate Ravenwood Farm in Keystone Heights which is in part, a rescue operation for horses, dogs and many other animals. They have given tirelessly to the community by volunteering their time to work with local vets to do microchip clinics, traveled to the gulf states a few years back during the hurricanes to rescue horses and other animals that were lost and/or injured. I know they rescue, care for and rehome many animals at Ravenwood. I know their contributions to the equine community are many....I am only sharing what I have personal knowledge of...

Chris was a guest speaker for our September 2010 meeting and shared many stories with us on the tragic events they have witnessed and did a presentation on hurricane preparedness. They also did a micro chip clinic in June 2010 for us at the arena with Wendy Cusick.

MW Benefit Trail Ride

Thanks to everyone who came out to show support for Mike Woodard this weekend at the benefit trail ride at Jennings. We had a great turnout- 58 riders participated and there were many friends who came by to visit and help out. It was a day of fun and fellowship and a very successful one.

Thanks to everyone who donated items for the silent auction and to our volunteers who made it all possible.

A special thank you to North Florida Arabian Horse Club and their members for co hosting with our Club, in particular- Nancy Pooley, NFAHC President (and LARA member!) and Chris Will, NFAHC Treasurer (and LARA member! ) who organized and conducted the silent auction and to Carol Wells, NFAHC Volunteer Coordinator (and LARA member! ) who is my right arm.

Many thanks to Jim Will, NFAHC Board of Directors (and LARA member!) It was Jim's idea to put together a special fundraiser for Mike. The rest of us just followed his lead. Thank you so much Jim - for giving so much of your time and energy to help Mike and Traci by taking such good care of their beloved horses & dogs and the barn chores while Mike has been receiving his treatments. This is a time when true friends show themselves by being a beacon in the night. This is true of all of you who stepped forward to give.
Click to view PICTURES and MORE PICTURES!

DRY CREEK RANCH Benefit Obstacle Challenge

WOW!!! The benefit obstacle challenge at Dry Creek Ranch in Lawtey was an unbelievable day! There were over 30 participants and who knows how many spectators and supporters! The day started in a rush with last minute preparation by hosts Nancy and Bill. Coffee and donuts greeted visitors, along with an enthusiastic Karen G who spear-headed the raffle ticket sales.

Competition started around 9:45 and ran through lunch time, with prize drawings about every 20 minutes... YES we had THAT much stuff to give away!! We enjoyed hot dogs and BBQ sandwiches for lunch, then got back to the obstacle challenge. Riders and horses all did their best and we even had one perfect score, belonging to LARA member Rachel! Congratulations! Around 2PM there was a drawing for a very nice western saddle donated by Harold and Ginny Delaney. Again, congrats to LARA member Mickie for winning the saddle.

The competiton finally wrapped up around 5:00 PM when trophies were presented to the numerous winners. Click here to see the results! Everyone put in alot of work for this event, and a nice monetary donation was made to Mike to help with his financial needs. Thank you so much to everyone!!!

Click HERE for the pictures !

Benefits for Mike

Mike is getting stronger each day. He still has some treatments to complete, but his blood is growing and his doctor cannot find any cancer cells! Blessings a plenty!

We are looking forward to the upcoming Benefit Obstacle Challenge at Dry Creek Ranch in Lawtey on April 9th. The hosts have been working hard to make everything fun and entertaining. They have lots of good food and raffle items lined up. Come and try your expertise with the obstacles, or come and ride the trails that leave from Dry Creek Ranch. All proceeds are to help Mike pay for necessities!

Also... Don't forget the benefit trail ride on April 16th at the Live Oak Trail Head in Jennings Forest. A nice ride, good food, time with friends, a silent auction... all for a good cause! Bring a new or gently used horsey item to donate to the silent auction! We hope to see you there!