Rockin’ J Ranch to host benefit for Hillside Ranch following Alabama tornado

ALBANY — Hillside Ranch in Eufala, Ala., was planning a youth show fundraiser for a family in its region that is facing steep medical expenses. A few days before that event was to take place, on March 3, the ranch was devastated by a direct hit from an EF-4 tornado.

An Albany ranch plans to help get its Alabama counterpart back on its feet while also assisting the family.

Rockin’ J Ranch at 1048 Philema Road in Leesburg will host the Hillside Ranch Tornado Benefit Fun Show beginning at 11 a.m. on March 30. The show will help to make up for the Hillside Ranch Horns and Hooves Rodeo that had been planned for March 9. That event was to be a diaper drive for an ill infant, known as “Baby Keegan,” and his older sibling.

At the same time, the benefit will help the Alabama ranch rebuild.

Keegan’s condition requires multiple doctor’s visits, which has put a strain on the family. Kayla Myers, the marketing coordinator for Rockin’ J, said the Albany ranch felt compelled to join with Hillside and offer assistance.

“We don’t have connections with them,” she said. “We wanted to reach out to those impacted by recent storms.”

In a way, the two ranches do have a connection. Rockin’ J is just getting back on its feet after suffering destruction from Hurricane Michael six months ago.

“We have been blessed, and we want to give back,” Myers said. “We know what it is like.”

Barrels, Texas barrels, arena race, poles, cones and leadline will be the classes at the March 30 event. Participation is open to riders age 18 and younger. While bringing in attention and donations for a good cause, youngsters participating also have something to gain from the rodeo.

They get a chance to show off the skills they have worked hard on.

“These kids come out and put their hearts into it, and nobody is here to watch them except their parents,” Myers said. “These are (young adults and teenagers) working on championships, and they are practicing and getting really good at this stuff — and they need support from the community.”

The benefit comes as officials with Rockin’ J are working to bring more exposure to its activities. Myers said events are scheduled at the ranch every weekend.

The cost to enter the Hillside benefit will be $4 for each class. There is also a $5 arena fee. Concessions will also be available. For spectators, admission is free.

All of the proceeds from the show will go to help Hillside and the family it is assisting. Opportunities will be available before, during and after the event to contribute to the diaper drive. The family is asking for newborn and size 5 diapers, wipes and gas cards.

“This family will be fighting this for a while,” Myers said.

She said the diapers must be Pampers brand due to an allergy.

For more information, call (208) 781-2661 or find “Rockin J Ranch” on Facebook. Myers said the Facebook page is updated daily, and that sending a message via that page is usually the most effective way of reaching someone at the ranch.

Jennifer Parks