On Saturday, more than 50 people honored Tempe resident Gary Bird, who was killed during the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
A benefit was held at Papago Stables, located on the south side of Tempe Town Lake, because his family wanted to honor him at the place he loved most.
"The stables are a symbol of my dad," said his daughter Amanda. "This was his element."
The event raised more than $2,000 for the Bird Children's Education Fund, which will be used to provide riding lessons and horse-related education for children in the Valley. The Arabian Horse Association also donated $1,000 to the fund.
Bird flew to New York on Sept. 9 after accepting a senior vice president position at Marsh U.S.A. On Sept. 11, Bird had an 8:15 a.m. meeting on the 99th floor of the south World Trade Center tower.
Arizona Secretary of State Betsey Bayless said she felt it was important to honor the memory of Gary Bird in a way he would have liked.
"Because Gary Bird was a life-long horse lover, this was the perfect way to honor him," she said.
Several local businesses provided gift certificates and other prizes to a raffle, including Petsmart, Tempe Feed & Tack, AMF Bowling and Oceanside Ice Arena. Arrowhead and Culligan Water donated water for the event.
Jack Teague, a horse breeder from Cave Creek, said he came out to show his support for the Americans who gave their lives during the attacks on the World Trade Center.
"I wanted to honor the courage and strength of the police department, the fire department and the armed services because this is the greatest nation in the world," he said.
The event included a trail ride during which Bird's horse Lil walked with the group without a rider in a tribute to Bird.
Bird's widow Donna said the horseback tribute to Gary is similar to the funeral held for President Kennedy after his assassination in 1963.
Phoenix resident Jodie Nelson said she read an article about the event in Bridle & Bit, a popular horse magazine, and wanted to come out and honor someone from the horse community.
"I read about the local gentleman who was killed, which made the attacks more personal and closer to home," she said.
Reach Dana Brody at dana5286@aol.com.
