Members of the equine industry turned out in force for the premier night on the social and charitable calendar of the reining community, the Reining Horse Foundation Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch.
Held Nov. 30 in the historic Centennial Building at State Fair Park during the National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships, the event honored Hall of Fame inductees and the annual Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient for 2022. It also offered its annual live auction, the proceeds of which benefit NRHA members in a variety of ways, including the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, the Hall of Fame, youth scholarships, and more.
The glitz and glamour of the evening were amplified by entertainment from Isaac Hoskins, who was recently seen on the hit television series Yellowstone.
The feedback from the evening was exceptional. “We had several people comment that it was the best Sliders’ Night Out ever,” shared RHF Executive Director Leslie Baker. “There was strong attendance and immense support from donors and RHF Board Members to make this a success.”
The highlight of the evening was the induction of the 2022 Hall of Fame members, which were Dutch Chapman, Jim and Pat Warren, and Spooks Gotta Whiz. Dwight Sanders was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The evening also showcased 14 past Hall of Fame inductees who were in attendance. “Their presence at the event was made possible by the numerous and generous event donors,” Baker explained.
The robust and dynamic live auction was auctioneered by Mike Jennings of Professional Horse Services LLC, who donated his time to the event. An incredible $172,500 was generated with just six lots, plus an additional match of $10,000 from the DPL Fund at the direction of NRHA member Diana Duffey and her husband Vince Lahey. Their gift was made to spur on the bidding for Lot #6, The American Performance Horseman Exclusive VIP Offering & Premium Seating Package, which sold twice for $60,000 each, and was the high-selling item.
According to Baker, additional funding through table underwriting, an appeal during the event, and a second $10,000 match from the DPL Fund, should help the event gross nearly a quarter million dollars for the mission-related causes of the RHF.
NRHA (Past) President and RHF Board Member Rick Clark also made a major announcement, sharing that up to a quarter million dollars in RHF funding will be earmarked for core programs, with future changes to be detailed beginning in 2023.
While Sliders’ Night Out is typically the marquis fundraising event for the Reining Horse Foundation, donations are welcome year-round. To find out more, visit ReiningFoundation.com
Photos by Bar H Photography