TORRINGTON – Barrel racers from around the area joined together for a good cause over the weekend as the Goshen County Task Force on Family Violence and Sexual Assault held a “Race to end domestic violence,” in the pavilion of the Goshen County Fairgrounds Saturday morning. 

The multi-tiered barrel races kicked off at 10 a.m. with about 80 racers in attendance, according to Bess Carnahan with the task force. The event also featured vendors and a silent auction where all proceeds went to the task force. 

“Board member Brandi Hill is the driving force behind the fundraiser billed as the ‘Race to End Domestic Violence,’” Carnahan explained. “There is a lot of work behind a successful event which includes the efforts of countless volunteers. [The] volunteers actually manage the race. Nikki Davis was the race coordinator managing entrants and the race itself. Even her husband, Matt Davis, got in the action, running the gate for racers.”

After the races, there were seven belt buckets awarded to winners, two halters and two buckets containing horse products, according to Carnahan. 

“After the dust settled, Nikki Davis said even with all the work involved, she would consider doing it again for the good cause,” Carnahan relayed.

Silent auction items ranged from gardening and planting essentials donated by Bloedorn Lumber Company to cinnamon rolls from Sweet Lou’s. There were snack baskets, plants, wooden crafts and apparel neatly lined on tables in front of the bleachers for those in attendance to bid on throughout the morning races.  

“Many local businesses and friends donated to the event. Donations for the race event included everything from cash for the winners to treasures for the silent auction,” Carnahan explained. 

“Dawn Gilchriest announced the races and did an awesome job,” Carnahan said. “She has been announcing for local 4H events and is well suited for the race job. Mandy Hartung brought Hold Your Horses Western Fashions clothes boutique to the race and said she was happy to be a part of the event for a great cause.”

According to Carnahan, the accounting records for the event have not been completed yet. 

“The accounting is not quite finished but early count shows that the race raised $1,600 to fight domestic violence and the silent auction raised $1,700,” Carnahan explained. “Racers support the event with their entry fees of $62, $50 for the race and $12 for office fees. Brandi Hill reported that the cost is one of the cheaper races around the area with good prizes and attracts a good crowd.”

“A huge ‘thank you’ to the many donors who so generously support us. Another huge thank you to the many volunteers, especially Nikki Davis, who worked very hard to make the event a success,” board member Brandi Hill said.

“It is really nice to see the local winners and know the money stays here in Goshen County,” Nikki Davis, race coordinator said. 

“It is a lot of hard work and takes many, many volunteers to hold the fundraiser. We are so grateful to the many donors and volunteers who were so generous with their time and prizes to make the race a success. All of the money raised stays here in Goshen County and goes to help those persons who find themselves in crisis situations due to domestic violence and sexual assault,” task force director Michelle Powell said. 

If you find yourself in need of help or know someone who is in need of help, contact the Goshen County Task Force on Family Violence and Sexual Assault at (307) 532-2118 or (307) 532-5050. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day and seven days a week. All contact is strictly confidential and there is no cost to the victim.