EASTON – Members of The Parish of Christ’s Church and The Exchange Club, both of Easton, are in full-swing preparations for this year’s Easton Parish Hunter Pace scheduled for Sunday, September 24.

Speaking on behalf of Christ’s Church, Lynn Giuliani, said: “The response has been tremendous this year; members of both the Exchange Club and the parish are volunteering to clear trails, raise money, be crossing guards - you name it. And Easton property owners deserve the most thanks; without them, especially the generous cooperation of Lion Hill Farm and Maple Row Tree Farm, this event would not be possible.”

Mitchell Greenberg, speaking on behalf of The Exchange Club, said: “This is one of the best events that our group has ever sponsored; we have already raised thousands of dollars and several significant donated prizes, such as one ton of horse feed! And all net proceeds go to such a good cause, the prevention of child abuse.”

Starting in the early 1990s, the Hunter Pace event has become one of the most popular of its kind in the region. Close to 200 riders are expected to participate this year. Modeled after an old fashioned English hunt, riders complete an eight mile course through the countryside and are judged by how close they come to an “ideal” time, whereby too fast can be as bad as too slow.

Proceeds from the event go to support numerous charities. Emphasis this year will be on organizations that work to prevent child abuse and to care for those who have suffered abuse.

This will mark the first year that the Parish of Christ’s Church will be joined in this worthwhile cause by the Exchange Club of Easton, which is affiliated with the National Exchange Club, a service organization of more than 33,000 members working to prevent child abuse in America. To date, The National Exchange Club’s efforts have helped more than 75,000 families and 100,000 children break the cycle of child abuse.

The Pace will take place at Lion Hill Farm, 1020 Sport Hill Road, Easton, Connecticut (nine-tenths of a mile north of intersection of routes 136 and 59.)

There are still starting times available. For more information and entry forms contact Michelle Smith at (203) 268-7439. Or email at: mdsinct@aol.com.

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