Past The Print: How did the Buffalo Girls come about?
Sandra: The
Buffalo Girls originated in 1998 with only 5 women. Our boys were off enjoying their stagg and we wanted to ride too; so we did!
And the rest is history! Eleven years and still riding the Trails of CHEERS!
Past The Print: What is the mission of the Buffalo Girls?
Sandra: To benefit our community by providing challenging, fun events in which we learn from one another and continue to grow together as an independent club.
Past The Print: What is the
TRAIL RIDE FOR THE CURE?
Sandra: Trail Ride for the Cure was organized in dedication to Karen Beiting, a friend and fellow horse lover, who we lost to breast cancer in 2001. Now, 8 years later, we ride for all the women out there touched by such a horrible disease and in hopes of finding a cure in our lifetime. All proceeds from this annual event are donated to
Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Greater Cincinnati Affiliate. Trail Ride for the Cure is an equestrian event where you bring your own horse and enjoy trail riding, meeting new friends, sharing stories while raising awareness and funding.
Past The Print: What made you decide to join up with
Susan G. Komen for the Cure?
Sandra: When first starting our research, we wanted to make sure that we would be supporting a legitimate organization who was dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer. "Sharing the Promise" quickly became our choice. They chose us as well. Komen did not have an event like ours supporting them. Now we form a great partnership.
Past The Print: Do you do this single-handedly?
Sandra: Well, only in it's conception. I have a strong support system and if it weren't for my partner in crime and co-chair, Gina Rittinger, we would not be the success we are today. Gina brings many services and products to the table for
Trail Ride for the Cure. She's also my sounding board, my cheering section, my critic and my best friend, bringing the best forward for a great event. The
Buffalo Girls and their families support and volunteer where ever needed as well.
Past The Print: How much money has the
Trail Ride For The Cure been able to donate to Komen since its starting date?
Sandra: Together, with the support of the Buffalo Girls, volunteers, sponsors and participants, we've raised over $67,000 for Komen in only 4 events.
Past The Print: How much did the TRFTC 2009 event bring in?
Sandra: This year's total is $20,000. Our biggest year ever!
Past The Print: Can anyone participate?
Sandra: Anyone can donate, pledge and volunteer, however, the actual event is geared around equestrians with their own horses. We do not provide horses for people: it's a BYOH event.
Past The Print: How soon can people start raising money for this cause?
Sandra: No better time than the present!
Past The Print: Are their incentives for turning in certain amounts?
Sandra: Each rider is required to pay a $30 registration fee. We also encourage each participant to collect additional pledge money. Incentive prizes are offered to entise them to collect as much as possible. The prizes vary, however, each year if you raise $1000 you win our coveted award belt buckle. This has become an annual goal for some riders.
Past The Print: What is the date and place of next year’s
Trail Ride for the Cure?
Sandra: Our next event will take place on
October 2, 2010 at East Fork State Park, Bethel, Ohio. You can check out our
website for all the details. (new website coming in 2010).
I was just interviewed by Jen and Jessica on Book Talk and anyone who leaves a comment or question, along with their email address is eligible to win an autographed copy of my historical romance, Ræliksen, and the Ræliksen Soundtrack CD. One lucky winner will be drawn on Sunday, December 6th.
