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| At the first stop of the 2010 Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tour presented by Ritchie Industries a local Kansas City organization proved that dreams can come true. Changing Leads Equine Rescue raised $8,000 during the two-day event thanks to a standing room only crowd and the generous support of Ritchie Industries. "We are thrilled with the outcome of the fundraiser and were so incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work with the Downunder Horsemanship team and Ritchie. Receiving matching funds from Ritchie was a big surprise and we can't thank them enough!" said Abby White, Changing Leads Equine Rescue board member. "We are also very grateful for the donations we received, as well as our volunteers who helped sell the Ritchie balls. Thanks to this fantastic event we will now be able to focus more on our mission of rescuing horses and educating horse owners." At each Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tour, a local organization is selected to run the Ritchie Roundup – a charity event to help raise funds for the organization. Spectators purchase tennis balls for $5 throughout the weekend and on Sunday afternoon, toss them into the arena. Those closest to a marker receive Clinton Anderson training DVD's donated by Downunder Horsemanship. After the toss was completed, Anderson announced to the crowd of several thousand how much Changing Leads Rescue had raised, and in a surprise moment, Leon Yantis, President of Ritchie Industries, matched the funds, dollar for dollar. "My goal was two-fold, to celebrate the new level of sponsorship, Ritchie being the featured sponsor at the first tour of 2010, and to generate excitement for this charity. Both goals were achieved – it was a great event!" Yantis said. During each tour stop, Anderson uses his incredible knowledge combined with his entertaining charisma to teach audiences how to better connect with their horses. The charity ball toss has been a fixture at tours for the past several years. "The Ritchie Roundup is something that I love partnering with Ritchie to bring to the crowd. It's a great way to help local organizations raise funds that they need to make a difference," Anderson said. "This was a record setting event, both in the number of spectators and the money raised for charity. Downunder Horsemanship is very thankful to have such wonderful support." Changing Leads Equine Rescue is a 501(c)(3) organization located in Kansas City, Missouri. They are dedicated to rescuing abandoned, abused and neglected horses, and educating the community about responsible horse care. For more information, please visit www.changingleadsequinerescue.org. The Clinton Anderson Walkabout Tour presented by Ritchie Industries will next be in Lexington, Kentucky on February 27-28, 2010. |