Paul MacDonell, Ralph & Ken Sucee have announced that an online auction to raise funds in support of horseman Kurt Hughes will be launched in early December.
As previously reported, Hughes suffered serious spinal cord injuries in an automobile accident on November 2. Hughes, 29, has remained in hospital since, and it is clearly evident that his injuries will require lengthy - possibly lifelong - intervention and treatment.
"I really got to know Kurt last Fall when he was handling Arts Diva while Ken (Sucee) was in the hospital," says MacDonell. "He had all the qualities of a top horseman, got married, bought a house ... it's so tragic, and has left all of us wondering what we can do to help. The auction idea came to mind and we've decided to run with it."
The auction organizers are requesting the support of the harness racing community to offer auction items for this initiative.
"A number of items have been secured for auction such as stud fees, an AdvantEdge race bike, a Somebeachsomewhere donation, Detroit Red Wings home game tickets and Toronto Maple Leaf home game tickets," MacDonell told Trot Insider. "We are hoping to have about 20 good auction items.
"Harness racing has given so many of us a great life. This is an opportunity for us to give back, and support a stricken young friend and fellow horseman."
Parties interested in donating items to the Kurt Hughes auction may contact:
Paul MacDonell: [email protected]
Ken Sucee: [email protected]
Ralph Sucee: [email protected]
Jeff Porchak: [email protected]
Stay tuned to the Standardbred Canada website for updates on auction items and the details on the auction's website launch.
kurt your mother told us
kurt your mother told us what a great day you had on tue. keep up the good work i know
it can't be easy for you,but hard work pays off, as you know when you work with horses.
have a good weekend.lots of love manga.
POKER TOURNAMENT AND RAFFLE
POKER TOURNAMENT AND RAFFLE @ KD WENT OVER GREAT FOR KURT !
LETS DO THE SAME FOR THIS AUCTION !!!!
TIS THE SEASON !!!
Where can cash donations be
Where can cash donations be made?
Kurt is such an awesome
Kurt is such an awesome individual and loved by everyone! The Hughes family together are above and beyond the best family I have ever had the honour to get to know. I think it is great how everyone is showing the support and love they have for Kurt and his family. You are all amazing individuals and it just shows how harness racing really can be a family and with everyone together it will sure make a difference. Fight hard Kurt we all love you buddy!!
Something is already in the
Something is already in the works at KD for Kurt i believe in the form of a texas holdem tourny
Great to see these horsemen
Great to see these horsemen step up and do this for Kurt, shows how classy of individuals they are. Hopefully there will also be something done in PEI to help out for Kurt as well. Looking forward to it. Great job guys
Great Idea...I was going to
Great Idea...I was going to email the people at Kawartha Downs and suggest something like this. Perhaps KD can have some kind of Kurt Hughes night/fundraiser! He is already sorely missed there.
Kudos to the Sucees and Paul MacDonell. Colleen and the Hughes family are going to need all the help they can get. I hope it is a great success and the Downs can get something going as well.
Thanks to all the parties
Thanks to all the parties involved in this. It is going towards such a great cause for one of our own that are in some need of support. Our Prayers are with the Hughes family in the time of need and are wishing Kurt a fully recovery.
Great idea hopefully
Great idea hopefully everything works well.
Thanks to the parties above
Thanks to the parties above for initiating support for Kurt. I remember his father training Clifford Murphy's horses in 1980 when Clifford was kicked by a yearling. Helping others in need is a trait of the Hughes family. Our prayers are with Kurt for a full recovery.