Many fund raising rides have been held at Al’s Tack Shop over the past 35 years. For 2010, we will host the 4th Annual Al Humphrey Memorial Ride. Everyone is invited to participate.
This annual ride is held to honour the memory of the man who started our tradition of fundraising rides for charity, and gave constantly of himself in many ways to help others. Al Humphrey was generous to a fault, loved being with people, and is fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Each year the Memorial Ride has grown substantially. We are very proud to report that last year we were able to contribute $10,000 to South Lake Simcoe Health Centre Foundation for the Stronach Cancer Unit and $10,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For 2010, as for past Rides, all funds raised will go to equally deserving charities, the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation – Stem Cell Research Fund, and, once again, the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Nothing is deducted for expenses; everything required to run the ride is donated and all necessary work is donated by our tireless volunteers.
The 2010 Ride will take place on Sunday, August 1. Check-in is from 7:30 am, with the ride beginning at 8:00 am. It will proceed through the beautiful York Regional Forest for a leisurely 25 kilometers, about three or four hours in the saddle. A major lunch stop will be located at approximately half-way through the Ride; no charge for registered riders. Volunteer handlers will hold horses, while their grateful riders eat and get the kinks out. There will be water for the horses, buckets provided, and they will be allowed to graze, with saddles off, by the handlers.
Rider registration fees are $25 before June 25, $45 then until July 25, then $65 until the day before, July 31. Please register early, as there is a limit of 300 horse/rider combinations and it will fill up quickly. There will be many awards and prizes, but a day on your horse in the forest is the best prize of all. Overnight camping is available on our grassy acres, with a Saturday night campfire. Ride-day wake-up coffee and breakfast will get you going (no charge; donation requested). The after-Ride entertainment and delicious beef barbeque dinner create the perfect finish for a fine event.
Sponsors are not only invited, they are essential to the financial success of our Ride. Corporate supporters are entitled to supply 4′ x 8′ banners, to be set up prior to the ride. Sponsors donating goods, services or financial contributions valued at $500 or more may enter a team of riders, up to a maximum of 4. There will also be four courtesy barbecue tickets provided to each sponsor in this category, for the after ride festivities. All sponsors of the Ride will have their names and logos displayed on our web pages, with links to their own websites.
We require food and beverage for all participants, as well as a variety of items that can be used as ‘thank you’ gifts for the riders and volunteers. Anything sponsors can do to assist should be made available as soon as possible, so we can include your generosity in our publicity. Participation of all sponsors, individuals or companies, will be greatly appreciated.
For detailed, up-to-date information and downloadable forms, please go to our website: www.alsride.com or www.alhumphreymemorialride.com