Riding for Maleia

BAKER —  A Ropin' the Truth Ministries fundraiser will benefit a Crestview girl recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

The community event will feature food concessions, a kiddie corral, auctions, four-division barrel horse racing and other activities for attendees.

It begins with an exhibition at 5:30 p.m. at the Baker Area Recreation Center, 5503 U.S. Highway 4, Baker. Competition starts at 7:30 p.m.

Attendance is free to spectators, but cost to race participants is $25 for youths age 18 an younger, and $35 for people age 19 and up.

"All the proceeds from the concession stand, auction items, baked goods, and barrel race will go to the family. Every single penny raised will go to the family," Brandon Stidham of Cross Creek Country Fellowship church said.

"We are hoping to have over 100 barrel racers that night and some youth riders all competing for a cash prize and awards. We are still accepting items for the silent auction and monetary donations also."

Stidham said the event was originally going to be held at the church's Ropin' the Truth Ministry arena, but had to move the event due to the generous response they received from the community.

"After generous donations for the barrel race itself we realized we could not hold all the trucks and trailers that this event would be bring in, so we had to move the event to the Baker Arena," Stidham said.

The event will feature plenty of non-horse-related activity as well.

"Come hungry, because the concessions will be great, along with the desserts from the baked goods auction that will be held," he said.

Contact Brandon Stidham at 490-7013 or Kelley Stidham at 418-4429 for more information about the barrel race.

Maleia, daughter of Malcolm and Kristy Spears, has had two surgeries to remove as much of the tumor as possible. She is now in the middle of radiation treatments that will continue through mid-July and hopefully eradicate the remaining tumor.

Monetary contributions may also be  made to Maleia L. Spears Supplemental Needs Trust, c/o Kristen Ellis, Welton Law Firm, 1020 S. Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Riding for Maleia