DRUMRIGHT — The Right Path organization will bring back the spirit of its former annual open house with the Boom Town Barn Dance Benefit from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7. Proceeds will support The Right Path’s therapeutic riding programs for children with disabilities, military veterans, and families across the region.
Leslie Kirkland, founder of The Right Path, said during a KUSH radio interview the organization has helped “well over a thousand” people through its programs and is currently serving up to 90 individuals. Notably, participants attend the program for free which makes community support essential to keeping services available.
“It would be at least a thousand dollars maybe even in a semester for a child to ride,” Leslie said, explaining the costs the organization would otherwise face for each participant.
The organization works to use donations carefully to cover those expenses and keep its programs accessible to families and veterans. Kirkland said the horses also require regular hoof care, feed, and veterinary attention. While horses are obviously central to the program, so is maintaining the facility and providing services which involves expenses beyond animal care with the indoor arena requiring utilities and ongoing maintenance.
“Somehow God provides,” Leslie said. “We do it on a shoestring whether it’s a shoestring budget or shoestring of volunteers.”
Entertainment will include Aiden Kirkland, grandson of Leslie, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., opening for the Red Dirt Rangers from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Aiden recently graduated from Oklahoma State University with a marketing degree and has taken a leading role in organizing the upcoming benefit. He said helping at The Right Path has given him an opportunity to see firsthand the impact his grandparents’ work has had on others.
According to him, in addition to live music the family friendly fundraiser will feature food and activities for everyone including face painting, corn hole, and a petting zoo. He expressed the possibility of a food truck being available was also underway.
The barn dance is intended to bring the community together while raising funds for the organization’s ongoing needs. Leslie encouraged residents to learn more about The Right Path, attend the event, and consider supporting the program through regular donations. The upcoming event offers that opportunity. Families can enjoy an evening of music and activities while helping sustain therapeutic horsemanship services for children, veterans, and other individuals in need.
The Nov. 7 event will be held at The Right Path arena, located at 16620 Old Shamrock Highway in Drumright. Tickets are $10 per person, $15 per couple, or $20 per family. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through The Right Path’s website at therightpathok.org/events or on their social media pages.