FREDERICK, Md.--The Hood College equestrian club/team decided this year to donate a portion of the proceeds from their second annual Silent Auction to help with the maintenance of rescued horses at Pheasant Hill Equestrian Foundation, Inc. in Adamstown, Md.

A check for $400.00 was presented to Pat Douglas, owner of Pheasant Hill.

The Hood College equestrian team rides and practices at the North Fork School of Equitation in Jefferson, Md., under the auspices and guidance of Co-Coaches Karen Fenwick, owner of North Fork, and Lisa Mitchell of Hood College. Anita Bartgis, an alumna of Hood College is the assistant coach.

The team's second annual Silent Auction was a huge success, due to the generosity of Frederick area businesses and to the support of the general public who attended the auction and generously bought the many and varied items.

The Hood College equestrian club/team gratefully recognizes and thanks our generous sponsors, benefactors and friends.

Corporate Sponsors: The Law Offices of Earl Bartgis, Jr.; Dawn Cramer Stein, CPA.

Sustaining Sponsors: Dr. John George; Judy Andrew; LaScola Studio; The Weinberg Center for the Arts; Red Horse Steak House; H.C. Summers; Catoctin Pottery; Stablemates; Bits & Bridles Saddlery; Anytime Tack; Schifferstadt Architectural Museum; Carroll County Tack.

Benefactors: Maryland Saddlery; Village Tavern; Wegners Saddlery; Marshall Dupuie; Accentuates; Thompson Safe; Richardson Studio; Everything Equestrian; Maryland Tack; Frederick Basket Company; Cowboy Stuff; From Head to Toe; Weis Markets; Renaissance Salon; Accents; Antietam Gallery; 10,000 Joys Gifts; Trailside Outfitters.

Friends: The many individuals and families who donated their time and considerable talents in order to help make the auction a success. A very special thank you also goes out to Fundraising Coordinator Cheryl Todd who helped organize the Silent Auction.

The money raised benefits the Hood College equestrian club/team's varied activities throughout the school year. As a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, the Hood team competes in shows with Goucher College, University of Maryland, Christopher Newport University, College of William & Mary, College of Southern Maryland, The University of Mary Washington, Mount St. Mary's University, University of Richmond, United States Naval Academy, St. Mary's College of Maryland, John's Hopkins University, American University and George Mason University. The team looks forward to another great show season. Plans are already underway for the third annual Silent Auction scheduled for the fall of 2008.

Photo Caption: Pat Douglas accepts a check for $400.00 from Lizzie Hummel, captain of the Hood College equestrian club/team at the North Fork School of Equitation in Jefferson, Md. An interested "Tilly," a rescued pony from Washington County, who now lives at North Fork, looks on. From left to right: Anita Bartgis, Emily Bernstein, Lizzie Hummel, Pat Douglas, Nadine Miglio, Lisa Mitchell, Amy Thompson (holding sign), and Cheryl Todd. Photo taken by Ashley Eaton.