Seventy-six horse riders bet on Houston’s community spirit at a benefit poker ride for Adele Murray on July 28.
After saddling up at a cattle grazing area along the North Road, the riders set out on a two-hour ride that weaved past eight checkpoints, each with a playing card they could swap for a better poker hand.
In the end, the ride raised $970 for Murray while another $970 went to 4-H member Trichelle Reay for having the top hand.
“She actually won the 4-H poker ride earlier this year too,” says ride organizer Tori Long.
Long, a 4-H member who has been pals with Murray since kindergarten, says the idea of poker ride was a natural fit.
“Her and I are both into horses, and it’s a good way to raise some money—people who are donating the money are getting something out of it too.”
Long said both she and Murray were well impressed by the turnout.
“We were expecting around 40 or 50, so it was good,” she said.
“The town’s been awesome about it,” she added.
“People who don’t even have a lot of money have been donating. It’s great.”
On Saturday, the benefit continued with a silent auction that included a return trip for two to either Prince Rupert or Prince George courtesy of UniGlobe, as well as home decor, horse tack and a beautiful home-made quilt, Long said.
Long said a big than you to everyone who came out to the ride and auction, as wlel as al the volunteers who helped out.
Further donations to the trust fund for Adele Murray can be made at Houston RE/MAX.