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STARS fundraiser set

A group calling itself Hoofs for Helicopters is doing its part to keep the STARS air ambulances in the sky.

A group calling itself Hoofs for Helicopters is doing its part to keep the STARS air ambulances in the sky. The organization hopes to raise $250,000 within the decade.

If that goal is achieved, the group’s name will be displayed on one of the STARS helicopters. In the past three years, about $50,000 has been raised.

“We don’t care if it takes us 10 years — we want to achieve this goal,” said Carol Thomas, one of the event organizers.

A new twist this year is the fundraiser will be a two-part event. For the first time, a banquet, entertainment and a live and silent auction will be held at the Lacombe Memorial Centre on July 5 at 6 p.m.

A variety of prizes will be up for auction, including for a bus tour for 20 to Nordegg for golfing, supper and a mine tour, a trip for eight to Okotoks Dawgs baseball game, guided salmon fishing at Prince Rupert, B.C., a trip for six to the Grand Mayan in Mexico, a Quarter Horse stud colt, framed prints, and hunting and fishing equipment. They will be auctioned by well-known Alberta auctioneer Don Oberg. Tickets are $36 each or $60 per couple.

The second part of the fundraiser is the fourth annual Ride for Stars, set for July 14 along the beautiful Battle River valley. The 20-mile trail ride starts at the Lorraine Bridge; registration begins at 9 a.m., with the ride beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at the Battle Bend School. For those finding the 20-mile trek too long, the option is available to join in midway at noon.

The ride this year is being dedicated to the memory of Billy Spady, who passed away last year at the age of 66. He had been an integral part of Hoofs for Helicopters since the beginning.

Last year, Castor was one of the top five places frequented by STARS.

Anyone wanting to join Hoofs for Helicopters is asked to call Thomas at 403-882-2515, Oberg at 780-678-6926, or Darcy Steinwand at 780-888-7463.