Ride for a Cure set for September 9 at D Bar D Ranch

13th annual fundraiser helps patients at Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Care Center.

REED CITY & CHASE, Mich., July 5, 2023 – Horse lovers, campers and cancer fighters are encouraged to mark their calendars as D Bar D Ranch prepares for the 13^th annual Ride for a Cure event to be held September 9.

More than $288,000 has been raised since the event’s inception, including $31,737 in 2022.

Ride for a Cure benefits the Spectrum Health Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Care Center in Reed City. The funds provide needed programming support and services at the facility’s wellness center, such as free wigs, bras, massage therapy and transportation assistance.

Many activities will be included in the $25 ticket cost including trail rides, wagon rides, a pig roast, a silent auction and live music.

Additionally, horseback trail rides and horse-drawn wagon rides will occur on Saturday, September 9. A four-hour trail ride begins at 1 p.m., with a two-hour ride starting at 2 p.m. Multiple wagon rides also leave at 1 p.m. for those without a horse.

To maximize all the fun festivities, participants are encouraged to camp at the ranch for the weekend. Camp sites will be available for reservations. Friday night will feature a speed show and DJ. Live music with local band, Stolen Horses, is planned for Saturday night. A silent auction tent will operate throughout the weekend. The event will wrap up with a pancake breakfast from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Event organizer Denise Clinton is excited for the 2023 event.

“Each year is special, and we look forward to seeing regular participants and we welcome those new to the event,” she said. “We’re so thankful to the campers, horse riders and contributors to Ride for a Cure—this money truly makes a difference for area cancer patients.”

Clinton said organizers are gratefully accepting auction items and monetary donations and riders will again be seeking sponsors.

After more than a decade of hosting the event, D Bar D Ranch owner Don Beach said he has been humbled by the generosity of those who participate year after year.

“The support from our ranch family, our volunteers and the community has been incredible,” Beach said. “Cancer affects all of us in one way or another, and it has personally affected us at the ranch. We do this to help other cancer patients, and to thank those at the cancer center who devote their careers to the important work of helping treat patients.”

Marissa Plouff, clinical program specialist at the cancer center, is grateful for the contributions the annual event has provided.

“This event has done so much for our wellness center and provides the funding to make extra services available to our patients at no charge,” Plouff said. Ride for a Cure has been a tremendous blessing for the cancer center and for countless cancer patients in our community – we’re so appreciative of those who plan, support and participate in the event.”

Businesses and individuals willing to donate a silent auction item can call the ranch at 231.215.3755 or drop off the item on site at 6746 East 64^th Street in Chase.

About Corewell Health™

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Contact:
John Norton
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Office: 231.592.4387
Mobile: 231.580.1079
Email: john.norton@corewellhealth.org