Five-year-old Wells Heath rides in his event. His mother Jenny of Austin said it was his second time riding in RED Arena’s Round-Up.
Dripping Springs resident Kingsley Willis participates in RED Arena’s Round-Up. Her mother, Stephanie, said it was Kingsley’s first time participating in the event. She placed third in her heat.
RED Arena Round-Up a success despite heavy rains
RED Arena held its annual Wine-Up and Round-Up fundraiser this past weekend at Dripping Springs Ranch Park.
"This year’s event was a huge success! We raised more money this year than we raised in 2018,” Jennifer Young, Executive Director and Founder of RED Arena, said, “And, the sense of community created was unparalleled. Businesses from Dripping Springs, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos and New Braunfels donated items for our silent auction, attendees came from all across Central Texas and the Hill Country and we feel like the message of the healing that happens at RED Arena is spreading well beyond our Dripping Springs community."
Asked if the rain on Friday night hurt the fundraiser, RED Arena volunteer Jeri Horelica said no. “The rain actually ended up having a positive effect on our event Friday night because we had a captive audience! The rain was so intense, no one could leave," Horelica said. "All kidding aside, one of our main goals with Round Up is to create a sense of community. And, this year, the rain helped us do that. We had music, friends, neighbors, and new folks we introduced to RED Arena. Everyone came together and the generous spirit of the community made for an amazing evening."
The fundraiser was part of an important year of growth for RED Arena. “2019 is an important year for RED Arena as we embark on a capital fundraising mission to acquire more land and build a covered arena so that we have room to add more riders each week and so that we can work with those riders rain or shine,” Young said. “This is a HUGE undertaking and will require a lot of support. If you'd like more information or if you'd like to make a donation, please visit our website REDArena.org.”