Tehachapi News

Equestrian event to benefit accident victims

Start: Nov 21 2008 - 22:00
Time: 8:00am
Price:
Contact: 823-7215 or 972

Spit Creek Ranch would like to announce the McDaniel Family Hwy. 202 Accident Benefit, to be held on Nov. 22, 8 a.m.

The McDaniel family is currently struggling to recover from the wreckage of yet another tragic auto accident that occurred on the infamous stretch of Highway 202 in Cummings Valley, between two contrasting state institutions; a public elementary school and the state prison known as CCI Tehachapi. The McDaniels want to make this dangerous stretch of highway becomes safer for all the valley families that travel this busy corridor daily.   

Kelly McDaniel, owner and horse trainer at Spit Creek Ranch in Cummings Valley was taking her 5-year-old son Finnian to kindergarten early on the morning of Oct. 14. with her 3-year-old daughter, Caitlin, also in the car. All were properly seat belted and secured in child safety seats. Attempting to cross Highway 202, Kelly never saw the truck that struck her vehicle at a high rate of speed, crushing not just the glass and metal of her German built Mercedes, but also shattering her pelvis and fracturing her right tibia. While little Catie was miraculously uninjured, Finnian’s cheek was severed from his face. Yet in the moments following the accident, he calmly reassured his mom that “everything will be okay,” as he went about the business of getting his little sister out of her car seat and into the outstretched arms of emergency responders.  Finn will need extensive plastic surgery and Kelly is still partially paralyzed and in need of a specialized wheelchair her insurance won’t pay for.  

The Benefit at Spit Creek Ranch will help to raise funds to purchase a wheelchair that will allow Kelly to maneuver around her ranch home, both indoors and out, where she hopes to one day resume giving riding lessons. 

The McDaniel family also hopes to gain support for a stop light or 4-way stop sign, as well as speed limit reduction and signage along this dangerous and busy stretch or rural highway. A petition will be available at the benefit to gain support for these life-saving safety measures. Petitions will also be available for you to sign at Jake’s Steak House, Hemme Hay and Feed, Ranch Supply, the Apple Shed, ‘Hatchapi Tees. Other local businesses will be as announced as they become available.

The Benefit will consist of an equestrian play day in the morning, with barrel racing, pole bending, bi-wrangle, keyhole and other surprise events. There will be a 30 percent payback plus buckles, bridles, breast collars and various prizes will also be awarded. A lead-line class for children six and under, free pony rides will also be available for the little ones. The event will be run on a 4D format so equestrians of all skill levels are welcome to participate.

A barbeque lunch will be served and in the afternoon, to benefit Melissa Moors and Teri Sturn’s  R.I.S.E. program.    

There will be a silent auction of various movie and sports memorabilia generously donated by Kelly’s Alma Maters, USC and the American Film Institute (AFI), as well as generous donations from Kelly’s industry friends and fellow alumni. Kelly was the screen writer for the Academy Award winning student film, John. The industry’s show of support is also a show stopper. Spit Creek will also sponsor a raffle for their champion team roping horse, BD7, and “The Red Pony,” year end English and 12 and under champion at the Bear Valley Springs Horseman Association. The tickets for the raffle will be $20 each. Fees for the play day will be $35 for the day; “Time Only” practices are $5 each or three for $10. Call 823-7215 or 972-5001 for more information.

Please support the McDaniels, their business partner Steve Pate and the entire Spit Creek Ranch family in their crusade to save other families from more life-wrecking and avoidable traffic collisions by petitioning the county to change the deadly conditions on Highway 202.   

The family also wishes to express their heart-felt gratitude for the outpouring of community support, prayers and gourmet pot-luck meals that have made this difficult and painful experience more bearable.