Over 160 riders saddled up and headed to TL Bar and Ranch to ride along the Red Deer River for the 26 annual ride for STARS on Sunday.
The event, as of Monday morning, raised just over $40,000 for STARS.
The total amount raised, which included riders’ pledges, a silent auction, a raffle, a pancake breakfast, a hotdog lunch, donated by Freson Bros. and put on by Goouch’s Gang, and a pie in the face bidding wars auction will make an approximate grand total of $665,000 raised over the 26 year period.
Ride for STARS spokesperson Rob Richmond said donations are still coming in and the numbers are a rough total.
Awards were presented to the top riders with the most pledges. In the junior, 15 and under, riders category, the top pledges earned go to Rylee Jones with $1,405 who received a bridle donated by Ernie Goddard, Chase Andersen with $1,030 who received a cash prize donated by Heavy Metal Auto Wreckers in memory of Tim Lynch and Meah Richmond with $315 who received a $100 gift card donated by Brian and Amanda Newton.
In the senior, 16 and over, riders category, Lynn Tanner raised $7,520 and received a belt buckle donated by the Rumsey Agricultural Society, Ernie Goddard raised $7,415 and received a photo donated by STARS and Nikki Hiron raised $4,835 and received pommel bags donated by Ernie Goddard.
The oldest rider was 87-year-old Marvin Donaghy and the youngest rider at just three years old was Chesney Andersen.
Josh Bhikoo was this year’s Very Important Patient (VIP) who spoke about his experience with STARS and how they saved his life.
“The success of the ride is the hard work of the volunteers and the great generous support of communities and businesses in the area,” Richmond said.
The pie in the face bidding wars was a success with Bhikoo bidding $60 to throw a pie in Richmond’s face. Just as Bhikoo was about to throw the pie, Richmond’s wife Angela stepped in and stole the pie making sure to rub it in well.
After a pie in the face for Richmond, he and the group of riders, family, friends and volunteers had dinner that was made by Country Cookers.
