By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
CASSOPOLIS – What could be better than a trail ride in the spring?
The 14th Annual Horse-A-Thon to benefit Area No. 17 Special Olympics is even more than a ride, with a breakfast, hog roast, auction and games.
The Sumnerville Community Involvement Association has organized the event to be held Saturday, May 5 at the McKinley Harmony Acres, 64247 Library Road, Cassopolis.
The pancake and sausage breakfast will be from 7 to 10 a.m., sponsored by the Edwardsburg VFW men's auxiliary.
Those participating in the ride, with a suggested donation of $10, will take off at 10 a.m. on horses or in the hay wagon. Children under 12 are free.
A prize will be given for the most money raised. Those participating in the lunch are asked to bring a dish to pass. If you aren't riding, a donation of $10 is requested.
An auction will be held at 1 p.m., followed by a hog roast at 3 p.m.
Other events include karaoke at 8 p.m., a live WGTO 910 AM remote, also horse games in the arena, kid games and door prizes.
Area No. 17 Special Olympics covers Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties. The Sumnerville Community Involvement Association is a non-profit organization with 15 active members and more than 40 volunteers. It was formed in 1983.
In 2006, a check for $15,000 was presented to the Special Olympics. All the donations stay local. Over the years, the group has been able to donate more than $271,00 to the area's "special athletes."
For more information call Mike or Brenda McKinley at (269) 445-2044.