The weather cooperated perfectly for the 35th Annual Rumsey Ride on Sunday, August 11.
While the number of riders was down, the fundraising didn’t stop and while donations are still trickling in, they have raised in the area of $40,000 at this year’s event.
The annual ride is the longest-running volunteer fundraiser for STARS Air Ambulance and last year topped the $1 million mark. While the trail ride at the Rumsey Natural Trail and the day’s event are the central core of the ride, it has expanded its fundraising effort to include raffles, a silent auction, and an online auction to keep its fundraising healthy.
Not to mention Angie and Rob’s Walk 5 for 35, where Rob Richmond, while donning an Oilers jersey and a pledge to shave his beard raised about $11,000.
The ride also received a boost from a long-time participant, who had decided that last year would be his final ride at the age of 95. Marvin Donaghy donated $10,000 to the event in memory of his wife.
There was also a first-time rider on the course on Sunday, who has a close connection to STARS. Danae Frew recently moved to the Rumsey area, and when she heard about the ride, she saddled up and hit the trail.
A few years ago, Frew was involved in a single-vehicle accident and STARS was able to help rescue her. She was driving between Highway 21 Feeders and Acme when she lost control and went off the road.
“The ambulance took a while to find me because I couldn’t communicate well. they discovered me and took me to Three Hills and then STARS took me to Calgary,” Frew tells the Mail. “When I heard about this (Ride) I had to take part.”
STARS were also on hand at the Ride, and they finished it off with their traditional beef dinner, and Chris Foesier and friends entertained.
