Tommy Cain Memorial Ride
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HOLLADAY, Tenn. – For the past fifteen years horse lovers have been riding to remember Tommy Cain, a local man who died of a heart attack. Eight year old Adalyn Furr says she came out to honor Cain’s memory. “I like it because you get to support him,” she said. In the rides existence it has raised more than $200,000 for heart research at Vanderbilt. The Tommy Cain memorial raises proceeds through auctions, selling of saddles as well as concessions at the event. “He just died at 34, with a massive heart attack and that kinda stays with you. So we decided we’d donate the money to Vanderbilt Heart Research,” Organizer of the event Vickie Howe said. The Holladay Polo Grounds is where Cain’s memorial was held. Friends and family say he helped build the grounds. His mother Dorothy says Tommy would be so happy the grounds were being used to help others. “It’s just a great feeling for the whole community to get together and enjoy fellowship,” Tommy’s mother said. Those on horseback and in carriage took off from the Polo Grounds for a near ten mile ride they say as a time to come together and remember Tommy. “We sure appreciate what the community does,” Tommy’s Father Fayette said. Vickie Howe says the reason Tommy is remembered all year round at the grounds. “He actually started this and they just continued with it,” she said. Tommy’s Parents say the ride isn’t just about remembering their son it’s about potentially saving elses child. Dorothy and Fayette say the money raised has gone to build artificial hearts that they’ve had the chance to see first hand. “They said part of our money goes to things like that. And it might save somebody’s life,” Tommy’s father said. Vickie Howe says this years event raised $9,000. She says they plan to continue this event for as long as they can.
