When you are the head of a non-profit, finding creative ways to raise money generally sits at the forefront of any operation. For years, Bluffton-based Heroes on Horseback looked forward to their annual Kentucky Derby party. It was their biggest fundraiser of the year. Until it wasn’t.

“50 to 70 percent of our annual budget came from that one event.” says Bob Lee, Executive Director of Heroes on Horseback.

So what happened?

2020 happened and the COVID-19 related shut down. Their annual Derby party was cancelled. That was 4 years ago. The farther away Heroes got from 2020, the more they looked to get back to the business of their business. But there was one small problem that didn’t exist before.

“We wanted to do a Derby party, but now everyone is doing them.” Lee says. That led to a pivot and the creation of a first of its kind event for the organization.

On Saturday night, roughly 70 will be on hand for the Savor, Sip and Saddle Up event. It will pit Bluffton Chefs Orchid Paulmeier of One Hot Mama’s against Luke Lyon’s, Executive Chef of Frankie Bones. It’s turned out to be a great move. The response has been fantastic. They are expecting a full house at the Technical College of the Low Country in Bluffton.

“We are excited about it. This is our first face to face fundraiser event in years.” Lee says

And it means far more to them than just the food element involved. The price of a ticket many times covers a lot of the expenses for the event. Their bread and butter if you will remains philanthropy. Raising money that night is always at the forefront. It has served them well to this point.

Heroes on Horseback has been active in the Low Country for 24 years. Their programs are aimed at helping those with special needs with equine assisted activities and therapy. Children are the primary beneficiaries of these programs, but they are also active with adults as well. Including military, first responders and vets.

Volunteers make it all work. There’s a permanent staff of 3. Currently there are roughly 200 volunteers who offer their time. In their near quarter-century, over 450 volunteers have participating in helping Heroes on Horseback. Of course, all of this takes money. It’s why they are holding this fundraiser. Along with others they will be hosting throughout the year.

If you’d like to learn more about Heroes on Horseback, you can find more information here. Similarly, donations are always accepted. You can find a link to that here.

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