July 5, 2012
Horse lovers raise $1,700 for JAMES Rescue
Ranch marks move to new location with barbeque
By Rebecca Unger
The Desert Trail


DESERT HEIGHTS - A festive Summer benefit for the non-profit Jack Auchterlonie Memorial Equine Sanctuary on Saturday, June 30, raised $1,700, JAMES president Fran Becker reported.

Becker and partner Steve Fidance ride herd on 13 rescue horses. They recently relocated the ranch and used thee occasion to have an open house celebration to thank those who helped with the move and construction.

Musician Ramblin' George and Thom Merrick kept the party going with country hits, golden oldies and other crowd pleasing favorites.

Fidance was the good-natured grillmaster, serving just-right burgers and hot dogs all afternoon to go with the pineapple baked beans, cold salads, brownies, and icy cold beer and sodas.

Becker played gracious hostess, handing out door prizes and making T-shirt sales. She founded JAMES in 2001, and is ever-grateful for the community's interest and support.

"I'm looking at a wealth of friends," Becker said as she surveyed the merry scene. "We are so blessed to have these friends and supporters in the community, because they keep us going. Without that support, we couldn't do what we do.

JAMES, located at 576 Longview Road, is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization "dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for neglected, abused or unwanted equine animals."

To see how you can help, call (760) 362-1357 or log on to www.jamesrescue.com.