Dinner, music, a live auction and a silent auction are all part of a benefit being held in support of a local professional horse trainer recently injured by a water heater explosion. The former Architectural Warehouse at 110 N. Trade St., (now owned by Hare and Hound proprietor, Patty Otto) will welcome everyone who would like to attend the free event on Tuesday, March 14, beginning at 7 p.m. Proceeds will go towards the extensive medical bills generated by the accident.

Eric Dierks, owner of Tryon’s Renovatio Farm, sustained second and third degree burns to his hands, arms, neck and head and was airlifted to the JMS Burn Center at Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta, GA in late February. Following successful skin graft surgery, Eric has been recovering at home, but is facing significant rehabilitation before he can return to his usual full schedule of teaching, training and work around the farm. Complicating matters, Eric’s wife, Trayce Doubek, also a professional instructor/trainer, is herself still recovering from a recent spinal surgery.

Immediately following Eric’s injury, the Foothills equestrian community began signing up for shifts to help with barn work, meals and other tasks to keep the farm running in good order. With the announcement of the benefit, the volunteer base expanded to include donations of goods and services to be auctioned, including tack, lessons, training, art, vet visits, farrier appointments, professional services, equipment and other interesting items. Eric and Trayce are well-known and loved in the Foothills area, thanks to their willingness to help others when need arises. When a local hunt club lost a barn to fire a few years ago, they were among the first to participate in the rebuilding effort by donating both financial assistance and tack and equipment necessary for daily operations. Now, unfortunately, it’s their turn to reap the benefits of good Karma.

For more information about how to donate, email eric.dierks.benefit@gmail.com or call the Farm House tack shop (a donation drop off location) at 864-457-3557.

– article submitted by Melissa Van Doren