The Valley’s first goldfish race made its debut a few weeks back, at Madison Grove Farm’s 5th Annual “Merlot in the Meadows” benefit event, held on Saturday, Aug. 23.

For the past few years, several Mount Si Lions have personally supported Madison Grove, which is a non-profit equestrian farm in Fall City. This year, the club joined in.

Madison Grove’s mission is to benefit disadvantaged youth, support families and rehabilitate abused or neglected horses through hands-on experience and relationships. Their annual fundraiser is an outdoor dinner and auction. For the 2014 event, Mount Si Lions Tom Smarsh and Perry Wilkins worked with the Mount Si Leos club to create an eight lane fish race. The crowd was excited as Leo President Riley Wilkins announced “they’re off!” and eight goldfish swam to fame and the roar of the crowd.

“This is a great example of how our local service clubs worked together to promote Madison Grove Farm, which is making a difference in our community,” said Mount Si Lion Club President Anne Smarsh.

Learn about Madison Grove Farm at http://madisongrovefarm.com/. Follow Mount Si Lions Club at http://mountsilions.wordpress.com.