Pair of fundraisers will benefit organization

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A dinner featuring live and silent auctions, a motorcycle ride and a polo match all will be conducted to raise money for a therapeutic riding center north of Reddington.

Since Reins to Recovery Inc. opened its doors in 2008, an annual fundraiser has been conducted in the summer to help the nonprofit organization gain most of its operating funds to support its programs, including therapeutic riding, equine-assisted psychotherapy and equine-assisted learning for children and adults with disabilities, victims of violence and at-risk youth.

This year, it also will help fund needs for the new facility at 10861 U.S. 31 North. That includes enclosing the riding arena and setting up horse stalls in a barn.

This year’s annual fundraiser is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds in Columbus. The public is invited, and dinner is a freewill offering.

Last year’s event drew more than 250 people and brought in more than $10,000, so the goal is to have more attendees and funds raised, said Kristye Lewis, chairwoman of Reins to Recovery’s fundraising committee.

“If we could raise $12,000, that would be wonderful,” she said.

The event also will feature more than 150 auction items, a half-hour performance by Justin the Artistic Horse and face painting for children.

Also Saturday, the second annual charity motorcycle ride, Riders for Riders, will be conducted.

Registration for the 50-mile ride will start at 1 p.m. with kickstands going up at 2 p.m. It will begin and end at Barn 6 at the fairgrounds.

Cost is $25 for a single rider or $35 for a couple. Participants also will be able to enter to win cash prizes.

“Our hope is that they will stay and bid on auction items (at the annual fundraiser),” Lewis said.

Then Sept. 24, Reins to Recovery is trying a new fundraiser, inviting people to attend a polo match at Hickory Hall Polo Club in Whitestown.

The match starts that day at 1 p.m., and the cost is $20 per vehicle.

Reins to Recovery will benefit from a silent auction conducted at the event, and the organization is planning children’s activities for halftime.

Also at halftime, an airplane will fly over and drop candy for kids to pick up, and people can help stomp divots on the playing surface.

Families are invited to pack a picnic lunch, bring a tent, chairs or blankets and tailgate.

“It’s different. I’ve never been to a polo match, so I think that will be interesting,” Lewis said.

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What: Reins to Recovery Inc. Therapeutic Riding Center’s annual fundraiser, consisting of a dinner, music, face painting, live and silent auctions and a motorcycle ride

When: Saturday (Riders for Riders 50-mile charity motorcycle ride registration at 1 p.m. and kickstands up at 2 p.m.; dinner and live and silent auctions from 4 to 8 p.m.; Justin the Artistic Horse performance at 5:30 p.m.)

Where: Bartholomew County Fairgrounds, 750 W. County Road 200S, Columbus

Cost: Dinner is a freewill offering; motorcycle ride costs $15 for a single rider and $25 for a couple

Information: Calli Johnson at 812-350-4864; reinstorecovery.org; “Reins to Recovery – Annual Fundraiser” Facebook event page

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What: Polo match benefiting Reins to Recovery Inc. Therapeutic Riding Center

When: 1 p.m. Sept. 24 (gates open at noon)

Where: Hickory Hall Polo Club, 7551 E. County Road 100N, Whitestown

Cost: $20 per vehicle

Information: Calli Johnson at 812-350-4864; reinstorecovery.org

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