Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation

New Howard Foundation Wellness Center & Historic Preservation Efforts by the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation Supported

Willits, CA, May 22, 2010 – Friends, fans and supporters of the legacy of Seabiscuit and Charles S. Howard gathered together at Ridgewood Ranch, the home of the horseracing legend Seabiscuit in celebration of a Seabiscuit themed art exhibition and benefit auction on the Anniversary of the first patient admitted at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital in 1928 and the Anniversary of Seabiscuit’s birth on Saturday, May 23, 1933.

The festive evening included artwork depicting the legacy of the Great American horse racing icon in a variety of styles and media, show tunes of the 30’s and 40’s by the accomplished pianist David Lisle and such “Hollywood Luminaries” portrayed by talented community actors, such as Clark Gable, Carol Lombard, Bing Crosby, Shirley Temple and John Wayne, as would have frequented the ranch in the days of Seabiscuit, Charles and Marcela Howard. Noted radio host and actor Justin Briggs conducted the lively live auction and Black Bart poetry reading at the conclusion of the evening.

Numerous community artists generously agreed to participate in the event with their works featured at auction and for exhibit. “We are truly touched by the generous show of support of our community artists and beyond.” noted Jacqueline Cooper, Executive Director of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation.

The event, in support of Frank R. Howard Foundation currently raising funds for a new Frank R. Howard Foundation Wellness Center, as well as the continued historic preservation efforts of historic Ridgewood Ranch led by the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation, also honored Laura Hillenbrand, author of the best-seller Seabiscuit – An American Legend for her contribution to the community of Willits.

Seabiscuit’s owner Charles Howard devoted himself to turn a tragic event, the untimely loss of his son, into our ultimate good by funding the Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits and thereby benefitting generations to come. Since 1928, Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital has served the community of Willits and northern Mendocino County with distinction. (www.howardfoundation.org)

Ridgewood Ranch is the champion’s home and final resting place. With 5,000 acres of the original 16,000 acres remaining, many of the historic buildings of the Seabiscuit and Howard era also remain today. Most are in an urgent need of repair and state of preservation.

The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit corporation formed in 2004 to preserve and display the historic and cultural artifacts, landscapes and buildings that constitute the legacy of Seabiscuit, sponsoring special events and programs, including historic walking tours, and seasonal docent-led nature walks for the general public at historic Ridgewood Ranch. (www.seabiscuitheritage.org)

“I would like to express a special thank you to the members of the Rotary Club, among others, who have generously supported us by funding Seabiscuit’s Stud Barn restoration in 2004.” emphasized Tracy Livingston, the President of the non-profit organization. The beautifully restored barn, including Charles Howard’s craftsman style home have become an attraction for tourists far and wide.

Representatives of Atlas Bronze Casting, artisans Kim Corpany and Stanley Watts, produced a special sculpture of Seabiscuit titled “Morning Workout” to be presented to Laura Hillenbrand as a token of appreciation. This bronze sculpture of Seabiscuit with George “The Iceman” Woolf was created after Marcela Howard’s favorite photograph of the great horse.

In a statement read on his behalf, the Great-grandson of Charles Howard, Col. Michael Howard U.S.M.C. (ret.) honored Hillenbrand, who is currently authoring a second book on the occasion of her birthday as well.

“Not only do we want to honor you on what you have accomplished regarding Seabiscuit, but we also know that you have wrapped up your second major work after seven long years. We wish you the very best on this book, and that the editing and publication process will consist of “fair winds and following seas” … Keep that wonderful, indomitable sense of humor of yours. As in Seabiscuit, we know that you have once again poured your heart and soul into another worthwhile project. We can’t wait to read it.” stated Col. Howard.

In addition, authors Bunny McLeod and Roni McFadden, a resident of Willits, conducted a book signing for their story book titled: Josephine-A Tale of Hope and Happy Endings. This is atouching account, told from a little filly’s perspective is based on actual events, portraying the doubts and uncertainties a young orphan may feel as she faces the prospect of going on without the most important individual in her young life, her mother.

The inspirational book published by “The Biscuit Press” in association with American Legend Horse Farm (www.legendhorse.com), features “Josephine” the first descendant of Seabiscuit born at the historic Howard mare barn in over 50 years. Sadly, the young filly was orphaned at just four days of age. Her story became one of survival and hope.

The book, underwritten by Mendocino County Farm Supply, is beautifully illustrated by Sierra Gaston and endorsed by best-selling author Laura Hillenbrand. All proceeds from the book are in support two charitable causes: The new Frank R. Howard Foundation’s Wellness Center, as well as TRAIL a therapeutic riding program located at historic Ridgewood Ranch since 1993.

The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization formed to promote the cultural legacy of the Ridgewood Ranch through historic preservation and environmental conservation. To make a contribution or for further information, contact the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation, @Ridgewood Ranch, 16200 North Highway 101, Willits, CA 95490, email seabiscuit@instawave.net or visit www.seabiscuitheritage.org or call 707.459.5992

Since its inception in 1966, The Frank R. Howard Foundation, a 501(c)3, mission is to establish, promote and support programs that maintain, as well as improve, health care for the community of Willits and the entire Northern Mendocino County area. The Howard Foundation strives to ensure that quality medical services remain an integral element of the region through an acute care general hospital. For more information please visit: http://HowardFoundation.org or call (707)459-3047.

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