The Emily Barnes Memorial Raises $8402 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

This year the Emily Barnes Memorial raised $8402, doubling what they raised last year, to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Emily’s name.

Emily Barnes, a client of Donnie Recchiuti’s, passed away in December of 2020 when she was only 35 years old after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer.

“Taken way too soon,” says Michelle Sipiorski, an organizer of this year’s fundraiser.  “Emily was always happy and loved to show in the Western Pleasure,” she explains.

After her passing, Emily’s parents, George and Mindy Barnes, continued to carry on their family hobby by coming to the shows and owning horses.

All of those factors inspired Donnie and Michelle to keep Emily’s love, passion and memory alive by holding a Non Pro Western Pleasure class in her name.  “Kathy Avolt of An Equine Production also wanted to be involved as Emily showed at so many of her shows. We thought it would be best to hold it in their home state of Pennsylvania at the PQHA Mid Summer Madness,” Michelle says.

They began by raising $4200 toward paying out the class and then they asked our friends, family, and fellow showmen to match that, and that portion would go to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  “Emily loved children and her mother, Mindy, thought that would be the best place for the money,” Michelle explains.  “In 2021 we started the class and raised over $4200 to donate to St Jude. This year we doubled that with a total of $8402!!”

Michelle adds, “We have so many amazing people donating not only money, but Sarah Rosciti also donated a breeding to her stallion, Easy on the Eyez ,and LeAnn Rhodes and Loni donated a day shirt from D Designs and a pad from Show and Tell, all to be auctioned off!”

In addition, Cindy Kaufman and No Doubting Me won the class this year and she generously donated half of her winnings back to the memorial fund.  “We are so excited to hold this again in Emily’s name!” says Michelle.  “We want everyone to know about Emily’s memorial.”

The results for this year’s class:

Complete Results for The Emily Barnes Memorial NonPro Western Pleasure

• Champion- Cindy Kaufman and No Doubting Me – $1200, Show Cooler and Neck Ribbon
• Reserve – Tie – Kristine Funk and Mug Shott $600, Saddle Pad by CRS Custom Creations
• 3rd – Tie – Karen Carter and Gone Commando $600 – Kimes Jeans
• 4th- Joni Gainey and Lope With The Motion $400 – DAC poultice and Draw It Out
• 5th – Jennifer Wargo and On The Rocks Plez $325
• 6th – Patrica Zinkhann and Made Mighty Cool $275
• 7th – Maclayne Warner and Flat Outa Line $225
• 8th – Henry Rosciti and I’ve Been Mooned $200 and Thank You Henry for donating your winnings back to St Jude!
• 9th – Ali Hubbell and Earn An Invitation $175
• 10th – Teri Hoffman and Nick The Mechanic $150
• 11th – Ashley Leister and Won Good RV Machine $75

Highest Placing Novice Amateur- Patricia Zinkhamm and Made Mighty Cool $100 and Thank You Patricia for donating this back to St Jude!!

Highest Placing Novice Youth – Maclayne Warner and Flat Outa Line $100

Youngest Rider – Brooke Backer Spur Straps from Hide N Chic Cowhide and Decor

Random Drawings:

• $100 gift card for Younique Ashley Wack
• $50 TSC gift card Henry Rosciti

To learn more, visit The Emily Barnes Memorial page on Facebook!