Last Sunday (June 23), three young guns showed up in Alberta to raise money for the fourth annual Pacing For Charity event, held at Century Downs.

Though the flights may have been turbulent, the day was amazing. Returning to Alberta to participate for his fourth time, James MacDonald, the veteran driver of the crew, donated his entire driving earnings for the day of $734.10. That donation was matched by The Track on 2 Inc., the new racing and event centre in central Alberta. Located near the city of Lacombe, The Track on 2 Inc. is a fabulous venue including a modern kitchen, bar, luxury suite and large event rooms.

The Veterans Associations Food Bank funds were raised when owner Rod Therres donated earnings from his newly acquired colt Dont Wannabe Late; co-owners Nathan Sobey, Diane Bertrand and Robert Gilhespy donated earnings from Icy Blue Scooter; and local driver Ryan Grundy gave earnings from his drives for the entire weekend. Along with the generous donations of racing fans and patrons, the Veterans Association Food Bank will receive a cheque for $3,374.95.

Drivers James MacDonald (third from left), Bob McClure (third from right) and Colin Kelly (second from right), along with representatives from the Veterans Association Food Bank, Sonshine Community Services, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Ronald McDonald House Charities and driver Colin Kelly were a hit with the crowd as well. A standout in his orange colours, Colin also donated his weekend's driving earnings. Colin arrived a day early to spend some family time with his brother Dave, who drives on the Alberta circuit. Colin’s earnings were matched by Meridian Farms of High River, Alta., and together they raised $1,350.40 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Bob McClure found his way to the winner’s circle for Sonshine Community Services, and they were more than pleased with the results. Local horse enthusiast and owner Raymond Henry joined this wonderful cause and matched Bob's donations, resulting in $1,010.60 raised for Sonshine Community Services.

James MacDonald (left, #4) fronts Bob McClure and Colin Kelly in a Pacing For Charity race at Century Downs.

All charities benefited from Century Downs's assistant race secretary and paddock judge Raeann Gemmill. Raeann is always supportive of every charity and non-profit event that takes place at the racetracks where she is involved and gave donations to each charity.

With all this support, a grand total of $5,735.95 was raised for the participating charities. Everyone had a lot of fun and enjoyed a great BBQ sponsored by Century Downs and the Alberta Standardbred Horse Association after the races, and had time to take pictures, get autographs and visit with each other and the visiting drivers.

ASHA would like to thank James MacDonald, Bob McClure and Colin Kelly for giving so much to come to Alberta for this event. They also send their gratitude out to Century Downs for their support, to all who donated for their generosity, and to the local horsepeople.

(ASHA)