One of STARS Air Ambulance’s longest running fundraising rides again as the 29th annual Rumsey Ride For STARS is set to go.
The annual ride, hosted by the Rumsey Agricultural Society has become a mainstay, and while many fundraisers come and go, the grassroots event goes on and on. It has raised more than $760,000, and last year alone brought in $45,000.
While it might seem formulaic, committee member Rob Richmond says you stick to what works.
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” he laughs. “For the most part, we’re like the Energizer bunny, we keep going and going.” Kidding aside, it is a popular event for a good cause.
“I think the folks in the beginning before I got involved, like Ernie Goddard and Rosalie Mcfarlane did a great job, and the concept of STARS is such a cool thing. We are always trying to get new people involved in the ride.
“I think it is just a meat and potatoes fundraiser, it is not a whole bunch of glitz and glam, it’s common folk trying to raise bucks.”
This year’s ride is on Sunday, August 12 at the TL Bar Ranch, north of the Tolman Bridge on Highway 585.
The best way to start the day is with breakfast and the Rumsey Fire Department will be serving up a great one from 9-11 a.m. for only $5 a plate.
Registration is open from 9 a.m. to noon and riders have a choice of trail rides to take on based on difficulty. Riders can buy into a poker rally for $5 a hand.
Those not on the trail have all kinds of ways to keep entertained including Jill Brodie and her dog and duck demo, raffles and a silent auction.
At noon Gooch’s Gang and the Alix Fire Department will be serving a barbecue lunch. He said this started as a simple lunch, but the popularity has grown, and now it is a part of the festivities.
From 4-6 p.m. the Country Cookers will be serving dinner.
There are prizes awarded to the top 3 senior and junior riders for top pledges.
