The Friends of Paul M. Grist State Park and the Humane Society of Central Alabama have partnered together for the first time to host a Benefit Trail Ride at Paul M. Grist State Park next Saturday at 9 a.m.

“Friends of Paul M. Grist State Park approached [HSCA] and offered to do a fundraiser to help us out,” Lynn Sanders with HSCA said. “They’re hosting this big horse ride benefit. It will benefit Paul Grist Park plus it will benefit all of our programs.”

Friends of Paul M. Grist State Park is a volunteer non-profit that works to promote the park, according to its secretary-treasurer Melanie Mitchell. She and Lynn worked together to pitch the idea of the trail ride to help bring awareness to both the park and HSCA. According to Sanders, it was when Mitchell adopted a dog from the HSCA that made this idea possible.

The park has 21 miles of trails that visitors can take guided or non-guided rides on.

“We’re just trying to promote the park and get people there,” Mitchell said. We’re just trying to get the word out there that we do need volunteers, and if we can help the community then maybe the community will come and help us.”

The programs operated by the HSCA and the Selma Animal Shelter will benefit from the fundraiser.

“Humane Society of Central Alabama handles the Adoptable Dog Program, and works with Selma Purrrfect Pals to offer fully vetted dogs and cats for adoption at a reasonable cost through the Selma Animal Shelter,” Sanders said. “This could be one of our biggest fundraisers of the year if it does well.”

Admission to the benefit is $15 for riders and $10 for non-riders. The HSCA asks that visitors bring a donation of shavings/litter or pet food to the fundraiser. The fee includes park admission and lunch. Hot dogs, chili, stew, dessert, and drinks will be served.

At the end of lunch, tickets will be drawn for the winner of the Tailgate Raffle. The tailgate package includes a Budweiser cooler, Pepsi, $25 Mark’s Mart gift certificate, beer, Papa John’s or Dominos pizzas, two Zaxby meals, G Mommas Cookies and hat, hot sauce, Grandma’s Cookies, chips, Joyce’s Cheese Straws, bug guard and a variety of fan merchandise.

As a bonus, the Alabama package will also have a coozie signed by running back Bo Scarbrough and a mini-football signed by quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Auburn package will feature a Tigers football signed by Bo Jackson.

Tickets for the Tailgate Raffle are $2 each or $5 for three tickets. They can be purchased at the Selma Animal Hospital and at Swift Drugs.