Reno, NV – June 27, 2011 – The 2011 $25,000 Franktown Meadows USHJA International Hunter Derby is pleased to announce that this year’s prestigious event will benefit ALS of Nevada. The Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby will take place at the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility in Carson City, Nevada, on September 5, 2011. The event will showcase the best horse and rider combinations in the country as they compete for the winning title over the beautiful derby course in front of an eager crowd.
ALS of Nevada is an independent, not-for-profit organization that serves to improve the lives of those living with and fighting ALS throughout Nevada. The organization was founded in 1998, and its goal is to help patients and families live as normal a life as possible. ALS of Nevada conducts support group meetings for patients, caregivers, and family members. They also aid patients through the loan of equipment and free clinics. ALS of Nevada is an advocate and supports scientific research for the prevention, alleviation, care, treatment, and cure of ALS. ALS of Nevada works to increase awareness of ALS throughout the government in an effort to expand support of research and elicit programs that will make treatments and care accessible and affordable to all patients.
ALS is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which, is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and is always fatal. It can happen to anyone, without warning and with or without family history. ALS affects voluntary action, and patients in later stages are often totally paralyzed. The financial burden to families with ALS can be over $200,000 a year and much of the needed assistance is not covered by standard medical plans or Medicare.
Executive Director of ALS of Nevada, Megan Testa, has been working with ALS of Nevada for ten years. She has fulfilled the role as Executive Director for five years and will be attending the event for the first time this year.
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“We are really excited for the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby because it is such a great event,” noted Testa. “We are so thrilled to be a part of something so big. All non-profits do walks, golf tournaments, and dinners, but nobody is doing anything like this. I think it is really going to help get our name out there and let people know what we do.”
Testa continued, “This fundraiser is going to be a huge success for us. It is our biggest fundraiser in Reno and with the derby being such a big event, we are hoping we will get some national recognition. Without this fundraiser we wouldn’t be able to provide the services we do. This fundraiser is literally paying for the services that we provide.”
Several Board Members from ALS of Nevada will also be in attendance to show their support. Board Member and Vice President, Durette Candito, is participating in the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby for very personal reasons. Candito knows first hand the pain that ALS can bring to loved ones. When she saw that the hunter derby was going to benefit ALS of Nevada, she jumped at the opportunity to play a part in such a spectacular event that is for a good cause. Candito, who is also an interior designer with her own show room in Las Vegas, will have a vendor booth in the Promenade of Shops at the hunter derby. Candito is excited to put together a booth, but will also be providing information on ALS of Nevada as well.
ALS of Nevada will also have brochures and information on the tables under the VIP tent for everyone to take home and read. For more information about ALS of Northern Nevada please visit http://www.alsofnevada.org/.
To find out more information about the Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby and the involvement with ALS of Northern Nevada please visit www.fmhunterderby.com. For more information and questions please contact FMHunterDerby@gmail.com or Lynne Garnett at (775) 722-4261
