Endure for the Cure was the idea of three friends who enjoyed the sport of Competitive Distance Riding. Myles Harston, Lucy Veigel, and April Hammer spent many miles together on the competitive trail between 1996 and 2001. Every year, Myles would remark that we should host a ride at our local trail park. April, an Oncology Nurse, agreed and thought that it would be a great way to raise money for cancer charities. Lucy’s “can-do” attitude never stops and was the catalyst that helped moved the idea into reality.
The first event titled “Saddle Up for the Cure was held in 2001 at Farmdale Park in East Peoria, Illinois. As members of the Arabian Horse Distance Riding Association (AHDRA), Myles, Lucy, and April approached Lori Windows, long-time distance rider, and AHDRA secretary, for help. The trio decided to team up with AHDRA to hold this event annually.
And now the work began. Holding a ride is a big task and it’s even bigger when you add a fundraiser on top of it. The tasks included sanctioning the event with UMECRA and AERC so that riders will get achievement points that go towards year-end awards. Liability insurance was secured. Veterinarians and timers were recruited. A relationship with Todd Ernenputsch, Park Ranger for Farmdale Park was forged. Porta-potties and water were arranged for the primitive campsite. Trails were plotted, mapped, cleared, and marked. A cancer charity was chosen. And through it all, volunteers were recruited to help with the event. Endure for the Cure was fortunate that the Nicholson family decided to help out. Roland, Debbie, Trent, Erin, and Elise are a tremendous part of the event’s success.
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation was chosen as Endure for the Cure’s charity. The Komen Foundation’s mission is to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening illness. Money received is used for breast cancer research, support, and education. The Komen Foundation hosts Race for the Cure, an all women’s walk/run event in cities all across the United States.
In 2001, through riders’ pledges and corporate sponsorship, Saddle Up for the Cure raised $9,000 for Komen Foundation.
In 2002, the name of the event was changed to Endure for the Cure. The St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, which benefits childhood cancer, has an annual trail ride titled Saddle Up for St. Jude. To avoid confusion, the name of our event was changed. $11,000 was raised in 2002.
2003 was a big year for our event. One World Café began catering our event, providing food for our volunteers and food for sale to riders. Mary Price, a Timberline saddle dealer donated an endurance saddle to Endure for the Cure. The saddle was given to the rider who raised the most money. Endure raised $15,000 for Komen that year. 2003 also marked the year that the Iten family began helping with the event. Bonnie, Bryn, and Dana contribute countless hours in preparing for the ride and on ride weekend. We also gained Dana Hirstein as our table secretary. She is there bright and early and stays late. Her organizational skills keep us all sane.
In 2004, word of the saddle donation was out. Endure raised $20,000 that year.
2005 marked the 5 th year of Endure for the Cure. Once again, a Timberline saddle was donated, as well as many other great prizes. Through riders and corporate support, $30,000 was raised. In total, over 5 short years, $85,000 has been raised by Endure for the cure to support the Komen Foundation.
In 2006, we raised over $30,000 with the help of our riders and great sponsors. Sponsors were Hilltop Tack, Easy Care, Inc, Equine Perfomance Products, Sportack, Equestrian Saftey Products and Wal-Mart.
2007 was a year of change. Chris and Marty Power took over as Ride Managers and did an excellent job. Debbie Searle and Donna Ozment joined in our efforts and donated a Bob Marshall saddle. This was a great hit. Pharmaceutical financial sponsorship fell somewhat in 2007, but our riders came through and made up the difference.
2008 saw Debbie and Donna joining the group in the planning and managing the event. They donated a Barefoot Endurance Saddle and Kristi Kesick of Native Spirit Saddlery donated a custom made saddle from her company. With changes in the regulations governing contributions and donations from pharmaceutical companies, fundraising for 2008 fell entirely on our riders. And they pulled through tremendously, raising $16,000!
2008 also brought challenging weather, with a tremendous rain storm Friday night making the streams in the park impassable Saturday morning. Bonnie Iten quickly redesigned the trail route to avoid the dangerous steams, and the park’s ranger, Todd Ernenputsch pitched in by jumping on a mower and cutting a new, safe trail to access Bonnie’s redesigned route. Although Saturday’s rides had to start later than originally scheduled, the cooperation and assistance from Todd, Bonnie and so many others allowed all the scheduled rides to occur over the three days.
2009 was a year of rain for Farmdale Park, and although the ride was challenged with some re-routed trails due to washouts and mud, the weather the weekend of the ride was good.
For 2010 we are looking forward to another weekend of fun and success in the fundraising effort. We hope you can join us! |
