On March 14, 2009, Elk Grove residents and Project R.I.D.E. supporters gathered for a very special treat: Our first-ever box stall dinner fundraiser. The evening’s festivities included live chamber music performed by a Project R.I.D.E. family and a gourmet five-course lobster and filet mignon dinner presented inside the horse stalls.

Project RIDE staff and volunteers at the box stall dinner

On March 14, 2009, nearly 100 Elk Grove residents and Project R.I.D.E. supporters gathered for a very special treat: Our first annual box stall dinner fundraiser. The evening’s festivities included live chamber music performed by a Project R.I.D.E. student and her family, and a gourmet five-course lobster and filet mignon dinner presented inside the horse stalls.

Project R.I.D.E. Director of Operations Tina Calanchini said of the event, “This was by far the most elegant affair our Board of Directors has attempted and the boxstalls were beautifully decorated thanks to their time and effort on behalf of our special program. In addition, Charlie Mehrten and crew with Red Oak BBQ should never be considered just a caterer for “BBQ” – the food was second to none!” Red Oak Barbecue provides catering services for all of Project R.I.D.E.’s fundraising events including the annual Crab Feed, at which over 1800 guests were served this year.

Project R.I.D.E. President Chris Hansen added, “this event begins our celebration of Project R.I.D.E.’s 30th anniversary of providing therapeutic horseback riding instruction to people with special needs. We are proud to be a partner with the EGUSD for these 30 years and look forward to continuing that relationship with them as they celebrate their 50th anniversary this year!”

Guests were thrilled with the dinner and amazed at the transformation of the horse stalls. Many made their reservations for next year’s event on the spot. Proceeds benefited Project R.I.D.E.’s therapeutic horseback riding program, which currently serves 370 riders with physical and developmental disabilities.

Project R.I.D.E. supporters enjoying their feast

Project R.I.D.E. relies heavily on volunteers and financial support from the Elk Grove community. To find out how you can get involved, please visit www.projectride.org or call (916) 685-7433 today.