Pony Up for Haven

Photos by Matt Johnson, Contributing Photographer // Story by Tammy Keith, River Valley & Ozark Edition CONWAY — Attendees raised a record-setting amount of money at the annual Pony Up for Haven event May 6 at the Conway Country Club, said Marti Jones, executive director of Haven. Guests donned their favorite Kentucky Derby attire for the fundraiser, where they participated in a live auction, were treated to hors d’oeuvres and watched the race, which was won by Always Dreaming. Jones said that although she doesn’t have a final tally of the amount raised, it will exceed the $30,000 raised last year. Haven is a Conway shelter for abused and neglected girls. The proceeds will go toward general operating expenses “for the things we need every single day for these girls,” Jones said, including backpacks, school supplies and hygiene supplies. “Attendance was great,” she said. “It’s difficult to have a fundraiser in the middle of a capital campaign, and we weren’t sure how it was going to go, so we are thrilled the community came out and supported us in the middle of everything we have going on.” The nonprofit organization launched a $2.4 million capital campaign in January to build a 9,500-square-foot home at Tyler Street and Country Club Road. The current residence, a 1910 two-story home at 1701 Donaghey Ave., isn’t adequate for the 12 teenage girls who live there, Jones said.