In a tradition of success and fun, the annual Ride for STARS raised more than $45,000 for STARS Air Ambulance.

The 28th annual Ride, hosted by the Rumsey and District Ag Society took place on Sunday, August 13 at the TL Bar Ranch.

This year they had a great turnout with 146 riders who brought in $35,026 in pledges.

Rob Richmond of the organizing committee was very happy with the results.

“It was a very solid, a very awesome day,” said Richmond.

While the event has had great staying power and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years, he says every year they are rolling the dice on attendance, which is dependent on the weather and other events.

Riders hit the trail at 10 a.m. after a great breakfast put on by the Rumsey Fire department.

This year they broke a record for poker run sales, with 235 hands. They also had a successful silent auction and quilt raffle.
Ember Resources was also supportive with a $2,500 donation. He is grateful for all the support the event has received from riders, volunteers, and donors.

The event also had special visitors including Miss Rodeo Airdrie Sarah Park, as well as STARS Very Important Patient Deena Hill of Linden. STARS saved her life following a car accident on Highway 2 in 2006.

Organizers of the Rumsey Ride took a moment out to honour one of the founders of the annual ride, Ernie Goddard. At the presentation are (l-r) Ernie, Rob Richmond, Jill Broadie, Eleanor Richmond, Ricky Andersen, Mary Newton. Missing is Joanne Richmond.
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They also took some time to honour one their Founders. Ernie Goddard has been with the ride since the beginning, and there is hardly a year that he isn’t in the running for top fundraiser. At 92 he was in the saddle again for the ride this year

Organizers presented a portrait to Ernie done by local artist Lee Cawiezel.

“We had a ceremony to honour Ernie and the hard work he has done over the years, he was one of the founders.” said Richmond.