Sunset Stables in Howell will be the host of a benefit "Open 3D Barrel Race" on May 4. The event will benefit the Somerset Hills Learning Institute, Gladstone, which is dedicated to providing specialized treatment for children diagnosed with autism.
The specialized treatment, which involves a one-on-one, student-to-teacher ratio, is expensive, and the school runs at an annual deficit of approximately $350,000, according to a press release. The annual tuition for the program is approximately $62,000 per student and relies heavily on fund-raising and charitable donations. The institute is a nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible.
Dawn DeRosa and Kathi Nilsen, of Millstone, and Debbie Gastelu, Jackson, are the three local barrel racers organizing the event. Donna and Rick Hogan, owners of Sunset Stables on Fort Plains Road, are offering their equine facility to host the event, and additional support is being provided by the Elks.
The barrel race will begin at 9:30 am., and spectators are welcome. Along with the $1,000 open barrel race, there will also be a "Pee Wee" barrel race for children under age 7 and a youth 3D barrel race for those age 17 and younger. Rounding out the event will be a "Jackpot 2D Pole Bending" class.
A silent auction will be held during the day, and home-cooked breakfast and lunch will also be served.
Donations are still needed to cover the expenses of the show and for the silent auction. Visit the Web site www.exit109.com/~dgastelu/ for more information, or call Dawn at (732) 780-0715, or Kathi (732) 577-1493.