Harness Racing's Energizer Bunny Keeps on Going

Yesterday, Heather Moffet, host of the Post Tme and PA Harnessweek shows was at it once again, this time performing a stunt as a fundraiser for Wells for Ghana, a charity founded by Delaware horseman Kenny Wood which drills wells for drinking water in Africa.

As a result of charitable donors who helped contribute the minimum $5,000 donation, Heather and her friend Susan Ehlers took the Polar Mare Plunge, jumping into a lake on Heather's family farm in Delaware for the benefit of Wells for Ghana after being checked out by the 'EMT' staff.

Heather Moffett and Susan Ehlers being checked by their tongue-in-cheek EMT staff before taking the plunge.

Thanks to publicity on her Facebook page and website, plus added publicity by the USTA and the Meadowlands Racetrack, Heather's target of $5,000 ended up with over $6,000 in donations for Wells for Ghana, enabling the drilling of  a well which will provide fresh drinking water for up to 2,000 people.

Susan Ehlers (l) and Heather Moffett (r) 'chilling' out in the pond as part of the Polar Mare Plunge.

 Not only did Heather and Susan raise money for a worthwhile cause, they brought harness racing some good will in the Delaware community; something the sport can always use.  A win-win deal for all involved, though Moffett reports the water was much colder than she expected (thankfully, it was a warmer than usual winter).

Delaware horseman Kenny Wood, head of Wells for Ghana congratulating Susan and Heather for taking the plunge.

While I am not suggesting that everyone needs to take a plunge into a frigid pond, it would do racing  good if horsemen got involved in charitable endeavors either locally or globally, not only let people know they care about the world they live in, but also put to put a human face on the members of the standardbred community.  A photo of the plunge was on the front page of the Delaware State News.

So what is Heather doing the day after the Polar Mare Plunge?  If you said recovering from the frigid water, you would be wrong; she's busy putting contracts together for the Horse Lovers United  charity breedings auction which takes place on Tuesday at the Delaware State Fairgrounds.  Clearly, harness racing can use a few more dynamos like Moffett as she is like the Energizer bunny. 

In the meanwhile, congratulations to Heather and Susan on their plunge and we look forward to the 2013 edition of the Polar Mare Plunge.

Big Guarantee at The Raceway:  Tomorrow, at The Raceway at Western Fair District, there is a $10,000 guarantee on the Pick 5 in addition to their typical $5,000 guarantee on their afternoon card Pick 4 wager.