GREENVILLE — What started with a $7,000 fundraising goal turned into an $11,008.29 show of community support Sunday as the Great Leadline Showdown took center stage at the Great Darke County Fair.
The charity event was held at noon Aug. 23 during intermission of the Great Darke County Fair Open Horse Show in the main horse arena.
Eighteen Great Leadline charity teams participated, raising $11,008.29 for the Raise the Roof campaign, which is working toward construction of a covered horse show arena at the fairgrounds.
The event was organized by show secretary Lisa Heidenreich, who developed the idea of an adult leadline class for charity. Participants and their supporters quickly embraced the effort, raising thousands of dollars in just a matter of days.
“We want to thank the community,” Heidenreich said. “To raise that kind of money in that few amount of days, these kids have worked hard.”
The need for a covered arena was particularly evident following the heavy rains leading into this year’s fair. Horse exhibitors currently compete outdoors regardless of rain or high temperatures.
“We’re the only livestock that doesn’t have a covered or an enclosed area to work or show at the fair,” Heidenreich said. “If it’s pouring rain like it’s been, they’re going to show in that. If it’s hot, we’re going to show in that.”
Heidenreich said the Raise the Roof campaign would provide exhibitors with a place to compete while offering protection from challenging weather conditions.
“So having a covered arena, this Raise the Roof fundraiser is key to doing that,” she said. “The community has absolutely jumped in 100%.”
The Great Leadline Showdown demonstrated that support in a big way. The 18 teams exceeded the event’s original $7,000 goal by more than $4,000.
Among those taking part was Eric Fee, who said he enjoyed participating while helping bring attention to the project.
“I had a great time with this. It’s a great cause,” Fee said. “I just can’t wait to get the arena built — raise the roof.”
Fee hopes the fundraiser’s success will encourage businesses and individuals throughout the community to continue supporting the effort.
“Let’s get this built before next year,” Fee said. “Let’s get businesses and everyone to see how important this is and get this thing built and help by donating to the project.”
For Heidenreich, the success of the Great Leadline Showdown was about more than exceeding a fundraising goal. It showed how quickly the community was willing to rally behind the fair’s horse exhibitors and a project aimed at improving conditions for years to come.
With $11,008.29 raised by the 18 charity teams, the Great Leadline Showdown provided a significant boost to the Raise the Roof campaign and its effort to put a roof over future horse shows at the Great Darke County Fair.
Final Total: $11,008.29
Individual Team Amounts:
Team #6 (Team Coy): $4,551.25
Team #4 (Team Miley): $1,739.00
Team #2 (Team Elsas): $1,471.00
Complete Team Roster
Team 1 — Team Hoying: Chloe Hoying, Jacob Hoying, and Dyno
Team 2 — Team Elsas: Jackson Elsas, Chris Elsas, Jack
Team 3 — Team Peters: Trevor and Colby Peters, Jesse Peters, and Remington
Team 4 — Team Miley: Miley Girls, Nathan Miley, and Hugo
Team 5 — Team Fee: Eric Fee, the non-trademarked beaver
Team 6 — Team Coy: Kaylee Schlechty, Jared Coy, Louie
Team 7 — Team Saylor: Josh Saylor, Krista Saylor, Kevin, and Stewart
Team 8 — Team Wooden You Like to Know: Noah Billenstein, Dennis Etter, Pinky Swear
Team 9 — Team Holman and Post: Logan and Teddy, Doc Holman, Pattie or Tucker (depending on their mood)
Team 10 — Team Smith and Williams: Skylar Smith, Ava Smith, Ella Williams, and Farmer and Dale
Team 11 — Team Duncan and Smith: Rayne Smith, Rachel Duncan, and Chaos
Team 12 — Team Billenstein: Belle Billenstein, Brian Billenstein, and Whiskey
Team 13 — Bunny’s Buckaroo Brigade: Charlotte Rismiller, Dave Rismiller, Bunny Rismiller
Team 14 — Team Hope on a Rope: Kylie McDonald, Brianna McDonald, and Hope
Team 15 — Team Controlled Chaos: Harper Hoke, Haylie Jackson, Quervo
Team 16 — Team Yellow Chaos: Brawley Sides, Cassie Fashner, Monster
Team 17 — Team Rainbow Rodeo: Winston Washington, Angela Kemper, and DC Poison Ivy
Team 18 — Team Royal Rancher: Louisa Schmitmeyer, Shawna Schmitmeyer, and Duke
Backup Placing Certificates & Awards
1. The “Horse Wasn’t Paid Enough for This” Award
Recipient: Mistmane
Description: This certificate proudly recognizes a horse who showed up, participated, and made it abundantly clear they had other plans today.
2. The Kid-Led Chaos Trophy
Description: Awarded to the duo whose performance proved that children truly run the world — and the adults are just along for the ride.
3. Most Dramatic Side-Eye
Recipient: Hugo
Description: Presented to the horse who delivered world-class facial expressions and unmatched emotional storytelling.
4. The “We Swear This Was Planned” Award
Description: Honoring the team whose unexpected choreography looked suspiciously intentional.
5. Best Adult Who Forgot They’re Not in Charge
Recipient: Doc Holman
Description: This certificate celebrates an adult who bravely surrendered all authority to a child half their size.
6. The “Horse Deserves a Raise” Ribbon
Recipient: Chris Elsas
Description: Given to the equine participant who worked overtime, under protest, and still delivered a memorable performance.
7. The “I Was Told I Had To” Award
Recipient: Eric Fee
Description: This certificate proudly recognizes a parent who arrived confused, participated willingly (eventually), and demonstrated exceptional dedication to their child — and unquestionable obedience to their spouse. Your bravery, bewilderment, and good humor have not gone unnoticed.
8. Special Handwritten Mention: Most courageous: Charlotte Rismiller
