The Michigan Slide In show held by the Michigan Reining Horse Association continued to raise money this year for Rein In Cancer by hosting pink-themed events. Kristy Stecker, who coordinated the Rein In Cancer fundraisers for MRHA, noted, “We have been hosting cancer fundraisers at our June Pink Slide In show for 10-plus years. This year our sponsors and the MRHA members blew me away with their generosity as we raised more money this year than any other past MRHA cancer fundraiser. Everyone had so much fun with the team hopper horse event and puppy races.”
The events started with Ride In Honor saddle pad cards where each day exhibitors could dedicate their ride to someone whose life has been touched by cancer. Cards and pens were available at the office and exhibitors proudly wore their cards throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, they hosted a bucket raffle. During the raffle, a gentleman donated $100. Rein in Cancer had supported him during his battle with cancer, so he wanted to pay it forward. During the lunch break, they hopped it up a notch with a pink hopper pony relay. The Pink Hopper Pony Relay allowed 7 teams; each team consisted of five people. Each member bounced down the arena and back on a balloon horse and then traded out with the next team member. The winning team won 50 tickets for the bucket raffle. It was the dogs’ turn to shine during Sunday’s lunch break with the Pink Puppy Races. There was a $5 donation to enter at the gate, with two divisions: small dogs 30 pounds and under, and large dogs over 30 pounds. One team member the dog at the starting line, while another person stood at the other end of the arena and called to the dog. The fastest dog of each division received a prize basket filled with canine goodies.
Overall, the event raised $2,775 to benefit Rein in Cancer. “MRHA was happy to support Rein in Cancer by hosting a silent auction, hoppy horse race, and puppy races at our June 2021 Slide In show,” MRHA president Megan Shaffner said. “Many of our members have been affected by cancer and understand the meaningful impact that direct support has for patients. The event was fun for our members to participate in and to watch. MRHA hopes to continue hosting an annual event to support Rein in Cancer.”
This fundraiser would not have been possible without the help of generous sponsors. The Hopper Horse Team sponsors were Team Oak Ridge – Leslie Darrow, Team Five Star – Natasha Burow, Team Lantz – Matt Lantz, Team Cross – Mike Cross, Team Katona – Tim Katona, Team Rose – Katie Rose, and Team Walton – Trevor Walton. The Bucket Raffle prizes were sponsored by MRHA, Midland Fairgrounds, Stecker Family, Molasses Smokehouse & Bar, Freeland Lawn & Feed, Maize Valley Winery; Todd Vaughan, Willow & Wild Bookkeeping & Consulting; Victoria Guzman, Poositive Step Farm; Trish Schreiber, Arlene Koenig, Karen Schankin, Kelly and Amy Knepley, Kristina Goulet, Danielle Horner Color Street Consultant, Cookie Colab; Amy Lugo, and A&M Show Services. The puppy races were sponsored by Thumb Insurance Agency, Pat Stecker.