Ticket to Ride!" the second annual Hiram House Equestrian Center Gala Benefit was held on Saturday, June 5, 2004 at the camp's "Double H Ranch."

Proceeds benefited the camp's Western Horseback Riding program and disadvantaged youth. The riding center opened in summer 2003. Since then it has served thousands and has been a big hit with campers and staff.

The evening featured cocktails, appetizers and dinner catered by Trifles, blue grass, jazz, folk and swing music by the Silver Strings, and an auction with fabulous vacation, sports, entertainment and other prize packages donated by area businesses and individuals.

New for the 2004 benefit was a "Night at the Races," in which guests could bet and win in several "virtual" horse races throughout the evening, with special recognition for those supporting one of the camp's horses for the season.

Last year's grand opening event in 2003 raised $80,000 to help outfit the horses and stables. Some 250 attended to dedicate the facility in honor of Billie Howland Steffee who donated funding for its construction.

The gala was named as one of the "Top Ten Party Picks of 2003" by Currents which covers more than 200 benefits in Northeast Ohio annually.