Pony Express Riders of Iowa, Inc. is a network of volunteer "Riders" who host fundraisers in their home county throughout the year. No formal qualifications are needed to become a member of Pony Express - men, women, and children join in the common cause of helping children and adults with disabilities. The money raised is used to benefit Camp Sunnyside in Des Moines, IA. The "Riders" receive no compensation for their time, the smiles on the children's faces and knowing they've made a difference in their lives is the truest reward!

Stub Johnson, Leo Gray, of Spencer and Wayne Neilson pf Spirit Lake had the idea to ride "Pony Express Style" county to county, not to carry mail but to carry money to help Iowa children and adults with disabilities. The first ride, March 30, 1968 raised $12,000.00 in NW Iowa. The success spurred them to expand the ride throughout the state the following year.

While the annual ride held Easter weekend involves horses, many members don't ride or own horses. With regional rides starting at various points across the state on Good Friday and converging in Des Moines, IA for the big ride into Camp Sunnyside on Saturday afternoon, the event concludes Saturday night with a Victory dance to announce the year's grand total. In the 50 plus years, Pony Express Riders of Iowa have raised over 10.8 million dollars for Camp Sunnyside.

Other states have patterned groups after the Iowa Model but none have come close to matching the success and support of Iowa's Pony Express.

From: Welcome To Pony Express Riders Of Iowa

The Pony Express Riders of Iowa are the longest-standing group of supporters of Easterseals Iowa and Camp Sunnyside. Camp Sunnyside hosts between 1,200 and 1,500 special needs campers each summer and runs year-round programs for many more.