Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation

The Seabiscuit Legacy Art Exhibition and Auction, a benefit for Seabiscuit Heritage and Howard Foundation in celebration of fine art and the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit – scheduled on May 22, 2010 at the champion’s home, Ridgewood Ranch, Willits, California.

April 5, 2010 - The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation and The Howard Community Healthcare Foundation with the support of the Arts Council of Mendocino, will host “Seabiscuit’s Legacy Art Exhibition, Dinner & Benefit Auction at historic Ridgewood Ranch on May 22, 2010 from 5:00 – 9:30 pm. The event will be a celebration of the great race horse’s birthday which is on May 23, 1933 and honoring Howard Memorial Hospital admitting its first patient on May 20, 1928.

Many of Ridgewood’s historic buildings built by Seabiscuit’s owner, and founding donor of Howard Memorial Hospital, Charles S. Howard, still remain and are in urgent need of repair. The 5,000 acre ranch has been named one of 11 most threatened historical sites by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the nation. The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation actively promotes the cultural legacy of Ridgewood Ranch, the home and final resting place of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, through historic preservation and environmental conservation. The Howard Foundation is raising funds for a Health and Wellness Center on the new Frank R. Howard Foundation Medical Campus.

Seabiscuit’s Legacy art exhibit and benefit auction will feature art depicting the legacy of the Great American horse racing icon in a variety of styles and media. Community artists have been invited to participate and their work will be featured at a silent and live auction. Charles S. Howard’s great grandson, Col Michael Howard (ret.) U.S.M.C., will serve as the auctioneer for the evening. Proceeds from the event will go to support the two charitable organizations that are striving to protect and preserve Seabiscuit’s and Charles Howard’s Legacy.

Guests will be able to enjoy the art show and silent auction during an opening reception featuring non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers while being entertained with live music performed by the accomplished David Lisle. Local community actors have agreed to participate as volunteer servers while dressed as Hollywood luminaries, Charles Howard's contemporaries, during the event. Carol Lombard,

Shirley Temple, John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Clark Gable and Black Bart who will be doing a poetry reading, are all scheduled to appear. Following the reception will be dinner and live auction.

In addition, an inspirational children's book titled: Josephine - A Tale of Hope and Happy Endings is scheduled to debut at the May 22 signature event. Co-authors Bunny McCleod and Roni McFadden will be conducting an author’s book signing. All proceeds are donated to charity. The story book featuring a Seabiscuit heir is officially endorsed by noted and best-selling author Laura Hillenbrand.

Artwork, will include, but is not limited to an equestrian theme. Works will include the paintings of the oak woodlands, old-growth Redwood groves, and the landscapes that constitute Seabiscuit’s legacy. Seabiscuit’s stud barn, Howard Memorial Hospital and other historic structures in the community will be featured. Seating is limited. All inclusive tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at www.HowardFoundation.org or by calling 459-2777.

The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization formed to promote the cultural legacy of the Ridgewood Ranch through historic preservation, environmental conservation and public education. To make a contribution or for further information, contact the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation, @Ridgewood Ranch, 16200 North Highway 101, Willits, CA 95460, or email: seabiscuit@instawave.net. or visit www.seabiscuitheritage.org

The Howard Community Healthcare Foundation (HCHF) is a 501 (c) 3 and was formed in 2005 to advance excellence in healthcare, education and research through philanthropy. Funds received by the HCHF go toward the construction of the new medical campus. For more information please visit http://www.HowardFoundation.org or call 707 459-3047

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