They call the Kentucky Derby “the greatest two minutes in sports.” Years of training and millions of dollars and it’s over in seconds. But, for many, it’s worth every minute and every cent.
In the same vein, Discovery Riders of Bellefontaine hosts its own derby, of sorts. Their fifth Night at the Races Gala, which took place Saturday, May 6, honors their sponsors and volunteers and the time and money they invest in their clients, while also increasing their funding.
Though numbers were down this year, Lindsay Jackson, Discovery Riders executive director, said, “For a four-hour event we did pretty well. We couldn’t ask for a more supportive community standing behind our mission.”
The ministry, which has been serving the Logan County area for over 20 years, offers safe and affordable equine-assisted activities and lessons to help their students develop physical, emotional, social and educational skills.
They currently have 12 horses, two full-time plus two part-time employees and over 60 volunteers — all to service 360 students, ages 4 and over, in 2023. And that number is up from 240 students in 2021. Discovery Riders holds six sessions a year, each lasting six to eight weeks.
Saturday’s fundraiser welcomed 140 guests and brought in over $40,000 through ticket sales, auctioned items and corporate sponsors. Keeping the spirit of the Kentucky Derby alive, many of the guests wore the fancy hats and bowties synonymous with the famous horse race.
“This night is all about sharing our story and why we’re here,” Jackson said, who took over the reins at Discovery Riders when her mother, Linda Hauck, who started the ministry, passed away five years ago. “It was very important to keep her legacy alive.”
This year’s event included a silent and live auction, corporate sponsorships, a raffle and a plant sale. Food was provided by Heflen Caterers out of Plain City.
For more information, visit discoveryriders.org.