Alexis Thompson wanted to create a memorable fundraiser to benefit Lacey Martin and her family, but she never imagined things would grow so big.
Thompson, 19, of Rindge, along with more than 20 volunteers and 400 hours of work, has grown last year’s Pony Rides for Lacey into two events. On May 21 at the Cheshire Fairgrounds in Swanzey, the second Pony Rides for Lacey will focus on raising funds for Martin, 11, who has been battling Leukemia.
And on May 20 at Hidden Hills in Rindge, there will be a music night to benefit Martin, as well as Keegan White, 21, of Troy, who is recuperating after a serious car accident in December.
“This year everything got bigger on its own,” said Thompson, 19, of Rindge. “People got excited and wanted to do more.”
Thompson, who owns and operates Goodwill Farm in Rindge, said that she wanted to do another fundraiser after hearing that Martin had gotten worse and was in need of a bone marrow transplant.
After hearing of White’s accident, in which he fractured multiple bones and lost mobility in his left arm, Thompson asked the Martin family if it was OK to add him to the billing.
“There were a lot of similarities between Keegan’s accident and mine,” said Thompson, who nearly lost her life in a car accident three years ago.
Pony Rides will be available at the Cheshire Fairgrounds event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $5.
There will also be a number of vendors at Pony Rides for Lacey, including Dana Farber, who will be there with bone marrow testing kits. There will be a dodgeball game between police and fire officials, a 50/50 raffle, a bounce house, and more.
To get tickets in advance for music night call 831-8383 or email goodwillfarm@gmail.com.
Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. Music will be provided by the Souled Out Show Band. There will be a cash bar and a 50/50 raffle.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.