Reno, NV - The 2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows USHJA International Hunter Derby is pleased to announce that this year's prestigious event will benefit ALS of Nevada. The Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby will take place at the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility in Carson City, NV, on September 5, 2011. The event will showcase the best horse and rider combinations in the country as they compete for the winning title over the beautiful derby course in front of an eager crowd.
ALS of Nevada is an independent, not-for-profit organization that serves to improve the lives of those living with and fighting ALS throughout Nevada. The organization was founded in 1998, and its goal is to help patients and families live as normal a life as possible. ALS of Nevada conducts support group meetings for patients, caregivers, and family members. They also aid patients through the loan of equipment and free clinics. ALS of Nevada is an advocate and supports scientific research for the prevention, alleviation, care, treatment, and cure of ALS. ALS of Nevada works to increase awareness of ALS throughout the government in an effort to expand support of research and elicit programs that will make treatments and care accessible and affordable to all patients.
ALS is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which, is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and is always fatal. It can happen to anyone, without warning and with or without family history. ALS affects voluntary action, and patients in later stages are often totally paralyzed. The financial burden to families with ALS can be over $200,000 a year and much of the needed assistance is not covered by standard medical plans or Medicare.
Executive Director of ALS of Nevada, Megan Testa, has been working with ALS of Nevada for ten years. She has fulfilled the role as Executive Director for five years and will be attending the event for the first time this year.
"We are really excited for the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby because it is such a great event," noted Testa. "We are so thrilled to be a part of something so big. All non-profits do walks, golf tournaments, and dinners, but nobody is doing anything like this. I think it is really going to help get our name out there and let people know what we do."
Testa continued, "This fundraiser is going to be a huge success for us. It is our biggest fundraiser in Reno and with the derby being such a big event, we are hoping we will get some national recognition. Without this fundraiser we wouldn't be able to provide the services we do. This fundraiser is literally paying for the services that we provide."
Several Board Members from ALS of Nevada will also be in attendance to show their support. Board Member and Vice President, Durette Candito, is participating in the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby for very personal reasons. Candito knows first hand the pain that ALS can bring to loved ones. When she saw that the hunter derby was going to benefit ALS of Nevada, she jumped at the opportunity to play a part in such a spectacular event that is for a good cause. Candito, who is also an interior designer with her own show room in Las Vegas, will have a vendor booth in the Promenade of Shops at the hunter derby. Candito is excited to put together a booth, but will also be providing information on ALS of Nevada as well.
ALS of Nevada will also have brochures and information on the tables under the VIP tent for everyone to take home and read. For more information about ALS of Northern Nevada please visit http://www.alsofnevada.org/.
To find out more information about the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby and the involvement with ALS of Northern Nevada please visit www.fmhunterderby.com. For more information and questions please contact [email protected] or Lynne Garnett at (775) 722-4261
The 2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby Fast Facts:
EVENT: The Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby is the only standalone hunter derby on the west coast. The Derby will be a member event of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby Series. This charitable event benefits ALS Nevada, a non-profit organization that aids those affected by ALS in Nevada.
WHAT: Over the course of three days, riders and spectators will enjoy a variety of exciting events that offer the highest quality judges, the best course designers, great food, multiple exhibits for all ages, and first class hospitality for two- and four-legged competitors alike.
WHERE: Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility is located 15 minutes south of Reno at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in historic Washoe Valley
Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility
4200 Old Highway 395
Carson City, NV 89704
WHEN: Labor Day Monday, September 5, 2011
DERBY MANAGER: Phil De Vita, Jr.
THE FACILITY:
Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility
Located on 41 acres of foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range
Carson City, Nevada
61 12 x 12 Box Stalls with 12 x 24 Outdoor Runs
3 12 x 16 Box Stalls with 12 x 24 Outdoor Runs
Pasture Boarding
Individual Tack Lockers
Warm and Cold Water Wash Racks
15 Grass Turnouts
125 x 225 Indoor Arena
125 x 215 Outdoor Jumping Arena
125 x 100 Small Arena
Dressage Court and Adjacent Warm-Up Area
Bridle Path and Extensive Trails within Minutes
24-Hour Security with Gated Entrance