TRI’ stands for ‘Therapeutic Riding Institute’.  And their first-time-ever-event Saturday evening was a ‘barn burner’!  ‘Welcome to our Friendraiser’ read the invitation.  The presentation piece at every place setting pictured a small child on a pony with ‘Love is Having a Friend’.

The ‘setting’ of this best-ever event was at the home of Shirley and John Berry. It  was a picture-book evening. The Wine Tasting and the Silent Auction were on the patio beside the glassed-in swimming pool. 80–some Daytonians were gathered to support the TRI program dedicated to improving the lives and health of children and adults with special physical, cognitive, social, and psychological needs through horse back riding lessons, and therapeutic activities using the horse. Betty Lou Townley, who founded TRI thirty-five years ago, was ‘everywhere’ greeting friends

Sally & Bill Lincoln, Matt Heck, Barbara Butt Thomas, Caryl Philips, Tom & Lisa Routsong were busy visiting with guests.  Lisa is Chair of TRI.  Cheri & Rick Ohmer were there. Cheri reported her Mother, JiJi Huber Voltz was going full steam ahead and would be in Dayton in August. Roger & Lois Sutherland, Joe Williams, Susan Kettering, and Mary Lou Townley were busy chatting.  

George & Evie Kling said they’d have to push-on to a wedding reception.  Terri Huber told the latest escapades of her dogs – Boxers and Danes.  Guests were invited to proceed to the large tent where dinner-buffet would be served.  

“How’s Marilyn Huber Brennan?” asked Terry Huber’s table mate. “She’s right over there!” And she was indeed – looking stunning in a white crocheted tunic.  Jim Arndts  waved ‘hello’.

Tom Routsong was the MC –  it was ‘type casting’.  He was great. Tom introduced “Carl Day who’s been a TRI supporter for years.” “And now I have to introduce our Auctioneer for this evening – Doug Sorrell.”  “I haven’t seen you for years,” said Doug – not since when you still had hair!”  “You mean - not since when you could see your shoes!” replied Tom.  And so it went.  

Doug’s opening remarks lauding TRI were right on the mark!  (Remember the Sorrell’s Tack Shop in Miamisburg?  All riders miss it!)  “We’ve got twelve terrific items to offer this evening…” and off he went with his ‘mantra’.  A DAY AT THE SHOE was tickets to an Ohio State Football game donated by Shirley & John Barry.  Then a HORSE PAINTING, next WINE IS FINE, followed by MAD RIVER SPORTSMAN’S CLUB – 100 CLAY TARGET HOUNDS FOR 4 PEOPLE.  “I just bought one of those things,” said Doug.  “I bought fifty CLAYS – and they’re still flying …didn’t kill a one!”.

The fifth item was a REMINGTON SHOTGUN & NIKON BINOCULARS.  Beth & Allen Schaeffer held the boxed gun aloft for all to see.  After spirited bidding – it was bought by Terry Huber!  Number nine was YOUR NAME ON BEECHWOOD FARM’S ARENA (Beechwood is the beautiful Whitesell family’s horse farm.  They’ve given their indoor riding arena to TRI).  This was bought by a gent who’s just lost his beloved old Thoroughbred Hunter – ‘Charley Horse’ and the sign will read:  “In memory of…”

FEED A STEED was the tenth item.  Doug explained the cost of maintaining the TRI horses runs about $1200. per year – not including Vet, shoeing etc.  “We’ve got five plus horses in the program so we want at least five of you to buy a horse for one year.  If more of you want a horse we’ll sure take it – but we do want $6,000.”  Well, most of the horse-owners present raised their hands. And $9,900 was raised!    

Betty Lou Townley answered her phone at nine Sunday morning.  ‘I’ve just walked in the door from hauling a horse…wasn’t last evening’s ‘do’ unbelievable!  No, we don’t have the final figures yet from the Silent Auction, but Doug thinks the Live Auction netted about $18,000. You know, 99 percent of our Staff is Volunteer.  Cindy Rdolfi is our nationally certified Head Instructor, is our only Professional.

The Program for the FRIENDRAISER listed contributors to the event:  Joseph Bohardt, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Brush, Richard Chernesky, Mary Ann Ciani, LaDonna Collins, Jeanette Dehus, Erica Doczy, John Grey, Rae Handlir, Mike Houser, Steve Wargo, Mr. & Mrs. Don. Huber, Don Oda, S. Day. AMBUCS, Eugenia Snyder – Equine Affaire, Bill Whitesell, Cathryn Young, Mr. & Mrs. Don Zimmer.

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