The Southeast Alabama Riders Cowboys for Christ organization raised more than $10,500 for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with its St. Jude Trail Ride on Saturday.

Loyd Hodge, “Riders” treasurer, said the trail ride was a great dual success.

“It was a great day to ride and we had a great trail to ride,” Hodge said. “But, the really big thing was that we were able to raise a sizable amount for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

“The money that was raised by the trail ride will be used for research into childhood cancers. St. Jude was founded by Danny Thomas and the hospital in Memphis will not turn any child away regardless of the ability to pay.”

Hodge said the Southeast Alabama Riders are honored to be involved in the fight against childhood cancers.

The three-hour St. Jude Trail Ride Saturday attracted 32 rides, wagons and buggies and was held on the Bergeron ranch in the Oak Bowery area.“Travis and his wife, Alicia, generously offered their ranch for the ride,” Hodge said. “They brought in bulldozers and cut the trails and it was just a great place to ride. When we came in from the ride, the Bergerons had a Cajun seafood dinner waiting and everybody really enjoyed the meal and the fellowship.”

The St. Jude Trail Ride also benefited from a live auction, with the highest bids on a deep sea fishing trip. The winning bid was $3,500.

The ride also offered an opportunity for the recently formed Cowboys for Christ chapter to reach out.

“The trail ride was an opportunity to share the gospel outside the church walls and in comfortable surroundings that we all enjoy,” he said. “Our Cowboys for Christ was only recently organized but we had been trying to get it organized for several years. The organization is not just for riders. It’s for anyone who enjoys horses or cattle.”

Cowboys for Christ was organized in 1991 by Ted Pressley in Fort Worth, Texas. “Ted Pressley asked about opening the sale with a prayer and that was so successful that they began having a devotional before the sale. Now, Cowboys for Christ is in 13 different countries.”

Southeast Alabama Riders Cowboys for Christ meets monthly at Ansley Baptist Church. Tommy Mann is president. Prospective members are always welcome.

For more information call 334-566-7213 or 268-3944 or 897-83126.