From noon-3 p.m., Oct.16 OREA (Ortonville Recreation Equestrian Association) will hold the annual ‘Ride for the Troops? benefit. This year’s donations will be donated to the Desert Angel program, which sends care packages overseas to soldiers.
‘They’re not forgotten. They are appreciated,? said Tamra Hartwig, OREA board member.
The benefit is in its fourth year, with proceeds from the previous years being donated to children who have cancer. The inspiration for the start of the event, said Hartwig, came from her daughter, who had participated in ‘Horses for Hope,? another charity which donates to children with cancer, and decided to play her own part in helping.
This year, they decided to choose a different cause to give a donation.
This year’s ride is in memory of Army PFC Joseph Miracle, formerly of Ortonville, who died while serving overseas in Afghanistan on July 5, 2007. Donations will be used to buy items for the care packages, dubbed ‘Miracle boxes? to be sent overseas.
Also to honor the troops, riders will be given a name of a fallen soldier killed in action to wear while they participate in the event.
There is no pre-registration for the event, and donations are encouraged. The ride will be held at the Hadley Hills Recreation Area, Fox Lake Road. For more information, contact Tamra at tamstidbits@centurylink.net or at 810-797-5115.