The 2018 Trails4Transplants trail ride commenced May 20th in Wadena, MN and concluded 317 miles later in Rochester, Minnesota. The purpose of the ride was to raise awareness for the need of organ, eye, and tissue donors, and to raise funds to assist organ transplant recipients. This was the sixth leg of the planned 2,000 mile trek, and marked 2,024 miles completed.
Over the course of the last six years, over 42,000 horse & rider miles were logged during the 93 days in the saddle. Over $225,000 was raised during that time period. All funds raised will be targeted to specific projects that assist organ transplant donors and recipients. No funds are used for administrative labor, and all participants are non-paid volunteers.
The communities along the routes rolled out the red carpet for the group, providing evening meals, staging areas, entertainment, and donations. County Fairboards and County Commissions allowed the group to stay at their facilities along the way. Co-founders and co-chairs, Ashley Peterson and Roger Hille express their gratitude for riders, support staff, and the community support that contributed to the tremendous success of the endeavor.
Plans are well underway for the 2019 ride which will be held May 19th-27th south of Mandan, North Dakota at Roger and Julie Hille’s ranch. Additional information will be available at the group’s website at trails4transplants.org, or by contacting Roger at [email protected]