Local Nonprofit To Host Benefit Race Event This Weekend

"Racing For A Reason," a local nonprofit created by area residents Heather, Hannah, and Holly Doan, is hosting a competitive racing event this weekend at WKU's Ag/Expo Center.

According to the girls' mother, Yvette Doan, "We were in the barn doing winter cleaning chores, the girls were cleaning stalls and I was cleaning in the tack room when I started to hear my girls getting loud. I thought they had begun to argue about something as sometimes sisters will do. So I stepped out of the tack room into the alleyway and asked, "why are y'all being so loud? Are y'all arguing about something?" My daughters quickly told me that they were not arguing but had been taling about wanting to do something BIG, like really BIG. They told me that they had this idea to put on a barrel race at our local saddle club and give away a buckle to the open 1D winner and that the money made from producing the show would be given to a nonprofit, group, or organization in our community."

Buckles to be awarded to winner, (courtesy Racing for a Reason Facebook)

Trailer to be awarded to winner (courtesy Racing for a Reason Facebook)

From there, the girls said they wanted to do a show each year and pick a new beneficiary. After making some phone calls, they teamed up with Trailer Mart in Cave City, who donated a brand new, two-horse trailer to award the winner. Doan said the reaction was good enough that they quickly realized they would need a bigger venue so they were able to reach out to WKU, and with the support of the WKU Equestrian Team, the event will be held at the Ag/Expo Center.

This year's beneficiary is New Beginning Therapeutic Riding, a separate nonprofit that says they serve those ages 5 to 80 in Warren and surrounding counties with behavioral, emotional, mental, and physical disabilities. NBTR states they are dedicated to serving those in need with the power of horses.

Heather is 22 years old, Hannah is 19 years old, and Holly is the youngest, who is a sophomore at Edmonson County High School. The Doans live near the Edmonson/Barren line in the Smiths Grove area. They are the daughters of John and Yvette Doan.

For more information, visit the Racing For A Reason Facebook Page or call (270) 308-5627.