Pony Express Riders of Iowa, Inc. is a network of volunteer "Riders" who host fundraisers in their home county throughout the year. No formal qualifications are needed to become a member of Pony Express - men, women, and children join in the common cause of helping children and adults with disabilities. The money raised is used to benefit Camp Sunnyside in Des Moines, IA. The "Riders" receive no compensation for their time, the smiles on the children's faces and knowing they've made a difference in their lives is the truest reward!
While the annual ride held Easter weekend involves horses, many members don't ride or own horses. With regional rides starting at various points across the state on Good Friday and converging in Des Moines, IA for the big ride into Camp Sunnyside on Saturday afternoon, the event concludes Saturday night with a Victory dance to announce the year's grand total. In the 30 plus years, Pony Express Riders of Iowa have raised over 6 million dollars for Camp Sunnyside.
Other states have patterned groups after the Iowa Model but none have come close to matching the success and support of Iowa's Pony Express.
Stub Johnson, Leo Gray, and Wayne Neilson had the idea to ride "Pony Express Style" county to county, not to carry mail but to carry money to help Iowa children and adults with disabilities. The first ride, March 30, 1968 raised $12,000.00 in NW Iowa. The success spurred them to expand the ride throughout the state the following year. In 2006 alone the group had raised $259,000 and in the past 39 years the Pony Express Riders and Easter Seals have raised over $8.3 million and counting!For More Information about
Pony Express Riders of Iowa, Inc. Contact
Charley Scarlett
email cscarlett@eastersealsia.org
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