Five local charities will benefit from the 2016 Steel Horse Rally, an increase from the number helped out last year after the inaugural Fort Smith biker event.

Article as posted in The-Times Record

July 8, 2016  

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Five local charities will benefit from the 2016 Steel Horse Rally, an increase from the number helped out last year after the inaugural Fort Smith biker event.

The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center received a $2,000 donation from The Steel Horse Rally Inc. on Thursday. Earthbound Angels, a group that helps new mothers in need, will receive a $2,000 donation at noon today.

“It’s an honor to give back to the community,” said Karen Snow, secretary for The Steel Horse Rally Inc.

Contributions are also set to be presented to the Fort Smith Museum of History, Hannah House and the Children’s Emergency Shelter Independent Living Program. Rally proceeds benefited four charities following the first event in 2015. The applications for 2017 will be posted later this year at the rally’s website. More than a dozen charities applied for contributions from the 2016 rally.

“The Steel Horse Rally is dedicated to all who serve: military, veterans, law enforcement and first responders and raises money for local charities, with an emphasis on those that help children, veterans/military and their families and help improve the local community,” a news release states.

Donations to The Steel Horse Rally Inc. charity can be made at www.TheSteelHorseRally.com.

Proceeds from all Steel Horse Rally merchandise including YETI koozies and tumblers, T-shirts and pins sold on the website go directly to helping local charities, the release adds. Official Steel Horse Rally merchandise, including the popular design featuring a flag with motorcycles spelling “Honoring All Who Serve,” is available online at the rally’s website under the “Store” section. The items also can be purchased at Emi-Lee’s, 6506 U.S. 71 South in Fort Smith.

The Steel Horse Rally has been recognized by the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives, the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives Nominees and the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau with a 2016 Polly Crews Hospitality Person of the Year Award.

The Steel Horse Rally is the largest fundraising event for The Steel Horse Rally Inc. charity organization. In 2016, the rally had an estimated local economic impact of more than $8.3 million. The third annual Steel Horse Rally will be May 5-6 in downtown Fort Smith.