PONY EXPRESS OF IOWA LAUNCHES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN: ‘YOU DON'T NEED A HORSE TO BELONG'

January 22, 2004– DES MOINES – The organization that helps Iowa children with disabilities by raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Camp Sunnyside is kicking off the new year with a campaign to let Iowans know that “You don't need a horse to belong to Pony Express.”

Pony Express Riders of Iowa will saddle up on April 9 for their 36 th annual Ride Day across the state of Iowa to raise funds for Easter Seals' Camp Sunnyside. President-Elect Marlene Duvall is encouraging people to get involved.

"The purpose of Pony Express is to help children and adults with disabilities by helping to fund Camp Sunnyside programs," said Duvall. “And, we're taking an opportunity as the new year begins to reintroduce a lot of Iowans to an old friend – Pony Express.”

Each summer, Camp Sunnyside provides services to more than 1,000 campers and since 1968 $7.3 million has been raised by Pony Express to help these programs.

"Between 8,000 to 10,000 members and volunteers year help Pony Express achieve its annual fund-raising goal. Our 2004 goal is $300,000," DuVall said. "Ride Day is our big event for Pony Express. It is the most visible public and fundraising event that we do, but it's not the only thing."

She continued, "We have year-round activities such as dances, auctions, horse shows, rodeos and barbecues for our fund-raising benefits. You don't need to own a horse to belong to Pony Express and get involved with these activities. By getting involved you are helping to fund summer camp, respite care and other services for Iowans with disabilities and that's a great cause."

DuVall noted even horseless Iowans can participate in the annual ride.

"If you'd like to ride, give us a call before April 9, and we'll do our best to provide a horse. The Pony Express is always looking for riders," she said.

For a full listing of events across the state and in your area please call the Pony Express Public Affairs Coordinator, Marilyn Reinertson at (641) 858-3776 or log on to www.ponyexpressridersofiowa.org.