The Lebanon Tragedy

I am still far too emotional to write much about this. Ronnie Williams was a friend. He drove a few horses for me what seems like a million years ago-- let's just say that neither of us was old enough to drink anything stronger than 3.2 beer (and that it did not make a difference at most racetrack bars). I will probably have more to say in my column in Harness Eye on December 24/25 (how ironic). BUT, I NEED YOU TO HELP THE LEBANON HORSEMEN!!

Here is how:
Lebanon Raceway, the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and horsemen from across the U.S. and Canada have offered support for the victims of this past Saturday’s barn fire at Lebanon Raceway with offers of cash, equipment and horses. In addition, driver Greg Grismore has asked that drivers and trainers donate their fees on Tuesday, Dec. 8, to aid the victims of the deadly blaze.

The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association has established a victims’ fund, the “Lebanon Horsemen’s Disaster Relief Fund.” Anyone wishing to make a contribution may make a check payable and mail to: Lebanon Horsemen’s Relief Fund – Acct. #987395070, National City Bank, Attn: Larry Elovitz, Branch Manager, 763 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43215. For further information, contact OHHA General Manager Jerry Knappenberger at (800) 353-6442 or (614) 221-3650.

In addition, a fund has also been established by Lebanon Raceway, at the LCNB National Bank, for those who wish to make monetary contributions. Donations for the “Barn 16 Donation Account” should be sent to the bank, at 2 N. Broadway, Lebanon, OH 45036, or direct bank transfers may be made to the fund by using bank routing number 042205708.
“It’s going to be for everyone,” Susan Wilson, vice president of simulcasting at Lebanon Raceway, told the Oxford (Ohio) Press. “We’re going to do all we can to help them because they’re a part of our family. It’s an absolute nightmare. It could have been anyone’s barn. It’s absolutely devastating.”


Send $16 or $116 or any amount you can afford to help the horsemen who were stabled in Barn 16.

Thanks

-Giss-