More than 150 people “saddled up” for the children at St. Jude’s on Saturday.

Another 75 people came along for the “ride” that raised $15,400 and counting for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“And, we’re not done yet,” said Max Ellis, organizer of the fund-raising event. “I’ve had people calling to say that they weren’t able to come to the Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride but want to make donations and we’re mighty glad to accept them.”

The Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride was held at After All Acres between Spring Hill and Henderson and was a follow up to the 2011 ride that raised $10,000 for St. Jude.

Ellis said he had set a goal of $20,000 for the ride and still has hopes of reaching the goal.

“We were very pleased with the participation and with the amount of money raised for St. Jude’s and the children,” he said. “But, I’m not ever satisfied when it comes to helping children with cancer. I had wanted to double what we did last year and we’re close. So, I won’t mail the check to St. Jude until Monday to give those who would like to make a donation a little more time. I believe we’ll make it.”

Ellis said there is no way for him to publicly thank everyone who made the St. Jude Trail Ride a great success.

“If I start naming names, I might forget somebody and I don’t want to do that because it took a lot of people to make the ride a success,” he said. “They all know who they are and I thank them all.

“The money raised will go to a great cause. Eighty-one cents of every dollar raised goes to research and treatment at St. Jude. At the hospital, they treat 260 patients a day and no family ever pays St. Jude for anything.”

Ellis said the daily operating cost for St. Jude is $1.8 million a day, which is primarily covered by public contributions.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded in 1962 by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. On average, 7,800 active patients visit the hospital each year.

Those who would like to make a donation to the children’s research hospital through the Saddle Up for St. Jude Trail Ride may do so by contacting Ellis at (334) 566-6169 or B.B. Palmer at (334) 672-2787 or sending a check payable to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to Saddle Up for St. Jude, 5799 County Road 2262, Troy, AL 36079.