<cl>Dan Lundeen (left), chair of the GF Rotary Foundation, congratulates Paul Sawtell on winning the derby with his horse, Smokey, named after his childhood steed.
One of the Rotary Club of Great Falls’ signature spring events, the May 17 Lift Me Up Derby Fundraiser for the nonprofit organization, netted over $15,000 — an increase of more than 20% from 2025. Participants, dressed in their boots, hats and derby finery, bought and named hobby horses that "raced" based on dice rolls and card draws to win prizes and raise funds for equine-assisted therapy programs.
Founded by Rotarian Sean Plunkett in 2020, the event raised $12,000 to support Lift Me Up therapeutic horse-riding programs, with the remaining $3,000 contributing to other charities supported by the Great Falls Rotary Foundation.
Fifty percent more horses entered the race than ever before, with prizes awarded to horses that placed first, second or third. Nearly a dozen local businesses — including L’Auberge Chez Francois, The Old Brogue, and Starbucks — donated the prizes.
Plunkett’s wife, Jackie, sent a text to Rotary members on race day saying the event brought back memories and that she was happy to see the Rotary Club still supporting Lift Me Up.
Held in Lift Me Up’s ring, the event even drew the attention of a few live horses. Rotarian Cynthia Stinger reported that they entered the ring to watch the hobby horses run and “one even whinnied” when a winner crossed the finish line.