The week long Ride With Pride fundraiser held at Yarrawonga Equestrian Centre at Mila has been hailed a success by organisers Di'Hanne Keir and ride coordinator Tony Hart.
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Fifty riders spent at week at Sophie and Keith Campbell's equestrian centre, participating in two rides a day.
"With 360 degree views, contented cattle and unique flora and fauna riders really enjoyed the stillness of the pines and the views climbing B Ridge looking out over the entire valley," Ms Keir said.
"Each night participants enjoyed mouth watering food, games, karaoke, raffles and even a dress-up night with the them of "Op Shop Formal" which saw some interesting outfits," she said.
The main event at the Mila Ride With Pride was the auction fundraiser held on Tuesday evening.
"Local auctioneer Stuart Lee oversaw the auction that raised $8,500," Ms Keir said.
"We also had Marianne Timbrell from The Leukaemia Foundation attend on the night from the Hunter region.
"She enlightened all of us with a rousing speech about how Ride with Pride has been raising funds for over five years ultimately benefiting blood cancer sufferers and their families in local regional areas with accommodation, travel and research.
"We also had special guests Micheal and Dinah who spoke to us about the personal side of living with leukaemia and some of the side effects. It was an emotional and heartfelt moment which touched everyone in the room," she said.
On another evening ride participants had a visit from historian Peter Rutherford who spoke about the Bondi Forest Lodge internment camp on the NSW Victorian border 35kms south of Bombala that has been taken over by NSW Forestry and since 1985 the lodge has been rejuvenated and open for everyone to enjoy.
"We also had Keith Campbell tell us all about the history of his family along with showing us photos and memorabilia - it was very interesting," Ms Keir said.
The Mila Ride With Pride has raised nearly $20,000 for The Leukemia Foundation with the final figure known by the end of April.
Organisers of the Ride With Pride at Mila, De'hanne Keir and Tony Hart said they were humbled by the support received from so many businesses and individuals that helps to continue the success of Ride With Pride year after year.
"We would like to thank Keith and Sophie Campbell for the use of their property for the entire event, ATHRA, Coates Hire Hume, Forestry Corporation of NSW Bombala, Bega Cheese, Horseland Narellan, Cleanaway Waste Eden, Bombala Waste, Stuart Lee, Peter Rutherford, Club Sapphire Coast TRC and to all our wonderful participants gathering sponsors and items for the auctions and raffles - you are inspirational."
