The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association (OHHA) will host its annual charity luncheon, meetings and awards banquet on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Columbus Marriott Airport in Columbus, Ohio.
The day will begin with OHHA's charity luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Every year, luncheon attendees hear from a local guest charity to learn about the organization’s mission, allowing attendees an opportunity to impact their communities through donations. This year, OHHA will support Shoes 4 the Shoeless, a Dayton-based organization that provides new, properly-fitted gym shoes and socks to children in need. Shoes 4 the Shoeless helps children in poverty eliminate one of the most visible stigmas.
Those who choose to support the impactful work of Shoes 4 the Shoeless may bring donations of children’s new gym shoes and socks, as well as monetary contributions to the OHHA office or to the track representatives’ offices at Dayton Raceway or Northfield Park by Jan. 15. Donations will also be accepted at the luncheon.
The charity luncheon is free and open to OHHA members or their guests. Only 30 seats are available. To make reservations or for more information, contact the OHHA office at 614-221-3650.
The OHHA annual membership meeting will take place at 1 p.m., followed by the United States Trotting Association District 1 annual meeting at 2 p.m.
Eleven divisional horse winners will be honoured at the sold-out awards banquet on Saturday evening and the 2024 Ohio Horse of the Year will be named.
The OHHA will also present the Dick Brandt Sr. Extra Effort Award, Terry Holton Youth Award, Outstanding Groom Award, Maynard & Stella Hagemeyer Significant Contribution Award, Dr. John P. Stevens Humanitarian Award and the OHHA Special Recognition Awards.
In addition, the Ohio Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association will present its annual awards and the Ohio State Racing Commission’s Kaltenbach Awards will be presented.
The agenda for the day is available below.
- 11:30 a.m. - Charity Luncheon
- 1 p.m. - OHHA Annual Membership Meeting
- 2 p.m. - USTA District 1 Annual Meeting
- 4 p.m. - Cocktail Hour (sponsored by Captain Kirk)
- 5 p.m. - P.A.C.E.R. Stallion Auction Closes
- 5 p.m. - Dinner Seating
- 5:30 p.m. - OHHA Awards Banquet
- 9 p.m. - Awards Banquet After Party
(With files from OHHA)