The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner, and while most everyone can get excited about the grandeur of the event and the stakes of the race, there is a population of local individuals for whom the stakes are also high.
The Winton Woods Riding Center with Great Parks of Hamilton County — home to the Special Olympics Hamilton County Equestrian Team — will receive 50 percent of the proceeds from Parkers Blue Ash Tavern’s 4th Annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser.
This year’s May 6 event, which occurs on Derby Day, will help raise scholarship money for students. These scholarships will give them the chance to experience nature, animals and activities in a unique and moving way that due to lack of funds, wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
“Great Parks Foundation believes that all members of our community should have access to all that the great outdoors has to offer,” says Rachel Neumann, manager of the Winton Woods Riding Center.
Through the scholarship fund, individuals and groups — many of whom are Special Olympics athletes and therapeutic riding students in the Special Riders Program — benefit, as medical equipment, therapy expenses and the cost of adaptive equipment add up.
“Seeing the joy on these riders' faces as they arrive for their weekly lessons warms your heart,” Neumann says. “Watching them build relationships not just with the horses they ride, but also with their classmates and volunteer supporters is my favorite part of working at the Winton Woods Riding Center.”
DO GOOD:
- Plan to attend the Kentucky Derby Party and Fundraiser at Parkers Blue Ash Tavern from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. on May 6. Admission is $15 and can be paid at the door.
- Once at the event, have fun. Dress your best. Grab your hats. Enjoy a Mint Julep, and bring extra cash for raffle items, which also support the Winton Woods Riding Center.
- Support the Riding Center by donating.
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