The 2019 Trails4Transplants trail ride commenced May 18th at the Hille Windmill Ranch south of Mandan, ND, and concluded 150 miles later at the same location. 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 seventh leg of the planned 2,000 mile trek, and marked 2175 miles completed.
Over the course of the last six years, over 44,600 horse & rider miles were logged during the 103 days in the saddle. Over $265,000 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 venue for the 2019 ride was a bit different, and included an honor ride for John Schwartzbauer, a local young father and husband who passed and donated organs so that others would benefit. Recent and re-occuring rains made driving to the ranch difficult, so 6 horse trailers were staged at Roger and Julie Hille’s yard, and groups were joined for daily rides and evening festivities. Co-founders and co-chairs, Ashley Peterson and Roger Hille expressed 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 2020 ride which will be held May 22nd–30th in Pine county, MN, and will be in honor of Laura May Maloney.