Runamuk Guest Ranch, located 10 miles southwest of Roundup, Mont., will be hosting its 7th annual Runamuk Benefit Trail Ride on June 27-28. The event, which has raised nearly $100,000 for charity since it began in 2003, was started by Runamuk Guest Ranch owners Toby and Jody Dahl.
“It was a way for us to give back,” said Jody. “We’re very community-minded and this is a way of supporting the community.”
For the last five years the benefactor of the event has been the Chase Hawk Memorial Association (CHMA), which provides emergency funds for families in crisis. CHMA funds such worthy causes as transportation for family members undergoing medical treatment, those who have lost their homes and other non-medical expenses. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital was the recipient the first year.
The Saturday event starts at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast provided by IHOP of Billings. Free-will donations for the breakfast will be accepted. Registration for a choice of two trail rides begins at 9 a.m. The longest ride, for more experienced riders, covers about 15 miles through the Bull Mountains. For those who don’t wish to be in the saddle as long, there is a 10-mile ride. Or, you can reserve a seat on one of Runamuk’s horse-drawn wagons. Suggested donation for the trail rides, which include lunch on the trail, is $30.
Later Saturday evening, there will be a dinner, dance, auction and wine-tasting event. The proceeds from the auction will also go to the CHMA. The recommended donation for this event is $40.
Sunday features a medium-length trail ride of about eight miles, for which a $10 donation is suggested.
If you want to participate in the trail rides, you’ll need to bring your own horse, since all of Runamuk’s stock is already spoken for. No matter which part of the event you join in on, you’re sure to have a great time and you’ll be helping area families whose emergency needs might not otherwise be met.
For reservations and information, call Jody Dahl at 406-323-3614 or e-mail [email protected].
