The Magical Derby, the annual benefit for The Magical Meadows held earlier this month, topped last year’s $10,000 total. The money will be used to replenish the operating fund for the therapeutic horseback riding center’s upcoming year-round riding season. “With this being our third year, we continue to provide a unique and fun experience while at the same time providing such much-needed funds for the riding center,” derby chair Tina Rice is quoted as saying in an announcement from Meadows. The Kentucky Derby-themed event was hosted by Toyota of Warsaw, in their showroom, and Star Entertainment of Cleveland, Ohio, provided the “at the races” program, where guests could pick a winning horse and earn prizes as payout. The evening started with a viewing of the Kentucky Derby during social hour. Sydney Susaraba, a Warsaw Community High School junior active in the FAA Leadership Development Program, delivered her district-winning speech about the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and how, as a volunteer at Meadows, she has witnessed the benefits for riders and volunteers. “While we know our guests enjoyed playing make-believe for the evening, it was Magical Meadows volunteer Sydney Susaraba who brought everyone back to reality,” Rice is quoted as saying. Fundraising events during the evening included allowing guests to “purchase” a horse – if it won, the “owner” received a derby trophy and prize package; buying a glass western boot mug from the Rider and Horse Scholarship table provided for a riding session for a special needs child; and the silent auction table was stocked with items donated from local and online retailers. The Derby Hat Contest was held at halftime, featuring a number of creative entries. “We ask our last year’s winners to choose the finalist and then it becomes a popular vote contest to determine win, place and show,” said Rice. “Custom trophies, sashes and red roses are awarded and, because this year we saw so many worthy contestants, we added three honorable mentions.” Rice said many new attendees were impressed with the event and asked for more information about Meadows. “The fact we can provide both funds and awareness to this deserving non-profit organization makes us look forward to growing this different kind of ‘funraiser.’” For information about Meadows, visit www.themagicalmeadows.org or find it on Facebook.
