The Rowan Advisory Council for Equestrian 4-H Clubs(R.A.C.E. 4-H) Saddle Up for St. Jude event raised $3,500 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.

More than 45 riders participated in the event on November 6, 2011, which included members of the East Equine Explorers, 3 Cedars, and UTC Hoof Beats 4-H Clubs along with friends and family members. Riders from these local 4-H horse clubs combined their collected donations for St. Jude and enjoyed an afternoon of trail riding, chili eating and fellowship at Patterson Farms in Western Rowan County.

“Saddle Up for St. Jude blends crucial support and awareness for St. Jude with a fun experience for the whole family that also brings together our local community,” said Pam Hipp, coordinator of the event. “Every person who participates in a Saddle Up for St. Jude event helps the hospital in its mission to find cures and save children.” “I love getting together with friends and doing what I love, riding horses and helping others,” said Savanah Hipp, Rowan County Council 4-H president.

St. Jude depends on community-based fundraising programs like Saddle Up for St. Jude. At St. Jude, families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance and no child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. The daily operating cost for St. Jude is $1.5 million, which is primarily covered by public contributions.

This Saddle Up for St. Jude event was sponsored by R.A.C.E. 4-H, a volunteer organization committed to sponsoring educational and fun equestrian opportunities for youth and adults of Rowan and surrounding counties. Visit their website for more information about R.A.C.E. 4-H events. Contact Sara Drake, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development at 704-216-8970, for more information about Rowan County 4-H opportunities.

Special thanks go out to the Patterson Family for continuing to be such wonderful hosts and allowing us to enjoy their beautiful farm. Thanks also go out to Starbucks Coffee in Mooresville for their wonderful donation of coffee. Thanks also to all of you who donated various items and other goodies we all enjoyed during the day!

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About St. Jude

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded in 1962 by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. For information on how to host your own Saddle Up for St. Jude event, call 1-800-567-0675.

Source: http://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu