The staff at Saving Grace Farm is working hard on its Second Annual Student Ride-A-Thon, hoping to raise twice as much money this year to use for rider scholarships. Riders are now gathering sponsors for their participation in the Sept. 16 event, according Janna Griggs, a Saving Grace program director.

Although they haven’t advertised the event to the public because so many riders and their families attend, the staff has opened this year’s event to those who have made donations, Griggs said.

Saving Grace Farm has been offering equestrian activities for special needs citizens of Rowan County for the past six years. At the 30-acre farm, Jill and Paul Hoben and their staff use horses as therapy for troubled, grieving or disabled children and others who need help and healing. They host a number of camps and events during the year in conjunction with groups such as Rowan County Communities in Schools, Special Olympics and Hospice.

“When I see a need in the community, I try to offer my services,” Jill Hoben said. “We serve a lot of different areas.”

The Ride-A-Thon will feature students from the Saving Grace program, and funds raised will help cover student scholarships and farm expenses, Griggs said.

“The majority of students’ parents cannot afford to pay for the lessons, and this is their way of giving back to the farm,” she said. “Ninety percent of our kids are on the scholarship program.”

Griggs also noted that plans are in the works to build a classroom and covered arena at the farm, so fund-raising efforts are underway to help with those projects.

Those attending this year’s Ride-A-Thon also will enjoy festival games, raffles and other activities. The event begins at 9 a.m. and will last until lunch, which will be served at the farm.

Saving Grace Farm, located on Trexler Loop off Old Mocksville Road, is a non-profit organization that operates on support from friends, businesses and grants. Donations are tax deductible. To help or for more information, call Jill Hoben at 704-637-2216 or e-mail her at savinggracefarm@bellsouth.net