Race for a Cause

Join Us at Southern Silks Stakes

Upcoming Event:

13th Annual Signature Fundraiser Benefits Methodist Family Health Foundation



Saturday, September 12, 2026

Ride to the rescue at Southern Silks Stakes!

Methodist Family Health Foundation’s signature fundraiser, Southern Silks Stakes, is back for its 13th year, and we are looking to you to help make it a success by a length.

By attending our 2026 Southern Silks Stakes, YOU are providing peace, stability and hope to the Arkansas children and families in our care who experience abandonment, abuse and neglect or struggle with psychiatric, behavioral and emotional issues. Stake your claim today and join us at 6 p.m. at Embassy Suites in Little Rock on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Need More Information?

Please contact us at 501-906-4253 or Foundation@MethodistFamily.org

Our faux horse race soiree includes:



Thoroughbred stick horses jockeyed by our sponsors and their guests.



Craig O’Neill, THV11 retired anchor and broadcast legend as our emcee and auctioneer.



Win, Place and Show prizes for winning bidders of each race.



A Southern buffet dinner and libations.



The hottest online auction.



A hat contest, and so much more.

Sponsor Packet

Rules of the Game

1

Purchase betting bucks before or during the event. 5 for $20 before Thursday Sept. 10 or $5 each thereafter.

2

Clearly print your name on the back of each betting buck.

3

Place bets at any of the betting windows, which are color coded to the sponsor horses competing in each race.

4

Place multiple bets on multiple horses to increase chances of winning.

5

Post times for 5 races will be announced throughout the evening with time for betting prior to each.

6

Jockeys selected in advance by table sponsors will take their places on the track for designated races.

7

Jockeys will advance at the roll of dice, which indicate jockey color and number of spaces to move.

8

The jockey who crosses the finish line first rides the WIN horse. The jockey who crosses second rides the PLACE horse. The jockey who crosses third rides the SHOW horse.

9

At the end of each race, 1 betting buck will be drawn for each of the Win, Place and Show levels. The person* whose name is on each winning betting buck will be awarded a prize according to the level they won.

*Must be present to win.

How to play Southern Silks Stakes

Maybe you don’t want to be tempted by any auction items, but you still want to help the Arkansas children and families in our care. We have easy ways for you to do just that!

Learn More

Event Impact

Proceeds from Southern Silks Stakes support transportation assistance for those in the care of Methodist Family Health, Kaleidoscope Grief Center and Camp Healing Hearts. Transportation assistance allows families to stay connected while receiving inpatient or residential care and helps those who struggle to afford the cost of getting to therapy. Kaleidoscope Grief Center hosts bereavement support groups and therapeutic outings. And Camp Healing Hearts is a free day camp open to any children who have experienced the death of a loved one.

By supporting Southern Silks Stakes, you are demonstrating to those in our care that the community they are a part of values and cares for them.

Support Arkansas CARES

At this year’s event, we will also be raising funds for Arkansas CARES. This Methodist Family Health service is a unique substance use recovery program for pregnant women and mothers. Women and their children age 11 and under can stay together at Arkansas CARES to all receive therapy. This family-centered approach helps create healthier families during and after treatment.

Our 2026 Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors for their generosity and dedication to improving the lives of the Arkansas children and families we serve. Without you, this event wouldn’t be possible.