b'In 1994, the Goldfield Ghost Riders from Apache Junction, Arizona and Ben created the Ben Johnson Charity Poker Ride, whose sole goal was to benefit kids. It was truly an honor for me to be invited as a local celebrity to ride alongside Ben Johnson and assist in perpetuating that goal.The day before that opening event brought continuing rain and drizzle in a still-cold envelope. All of us involved with the organization feared the festivities scheduled for that Sunday would be a muddy disaster, if not canceled altogether. Such was not to be the case. The great plan-maker in the sky penciled us in with a Sunday morning, which turned out to be a gloriously brilliant, high-sky kind of day; the air was crisp and shiny; it was exactly as I had asked that it be.Three hundred riders and mounts began arriving with the sun. They came from as far as California and Utahjust to ride for Ben Johnson and his kids. All the participants were issued a number to display on their backs and we headed out on the desert trail. As we rode along that day, Uncle Ben and I spoke about general things, just having a good time riding and chatting in the desert sun. I told him how I had watched Tyree ride, over and over again, in She Wore A Yellow Ribbon, and that I had always wanted to emulate his style and grace. He complimented me by saying that I sat a pretty good saddle myselfI felt like a king of sorts. He then jokingly chided me about the number Id managed to get on my back . . . it was magical Number 1. He just shook his head with a chuckle and said, "I gotta wonder what a man has to do to get that Number 1."The Goldfield Ghost Riders started as a group of a few folks who simply wanted to ride together and during the first two annual Ben Johnson Charity Poker Rides assist as wranglers at the event. The Ben Johnson Helping Hand and Goldfield Ghost Riders, working together, raised over $7,000 for Bens kids. Shortly thereafter, the group formally became a charitable, nonprofit organization.Unfortunately, on April 8, 1996, we all lost a true friend when Ben Johnson unexpectedly passed away. However, the annual poker ride for kids was not to be denied. With permission from Bens family, it was renamed the Ben Johnson Memorial Poker Ride. The work started by Ben, to benefit childrens charities, was kept alive through the efforts of the Goldfield Ghost Riders. The 1996 ride became the biggest poker ride of its kind in Arizona. More than $10,000 was collected and distributed to the kids at Sunshine Acres (Bens favorite local charity), the Valley Silver Bullets Equestrians, and the Boys and Girls Club of Apache Junction. I can still hear him saying: "Together we can make a difference."During those grand years before his passing, I was privileged to travel withBen Johnson and to ride for the brand at his Pro-Celebrity roping and team penning events. I got to know his family and some of his many friends. Those values that were taught to me: dignity, loyalty, trust, faith, respect, understanding, andcamaraderie were epitomized by this wonderful, gentle man.I suppose when all is said and done, it is fortunate for all of us that when BenJohnson was asked what he was going tobe when grew up he said, I\'m going tobe a cowboy! For that we all thankyou, Ben. *The Goldfield Ghost Riders were established in 1995 in Apache Junction, Arizona, as a non-profit organization. With their motto "Preserve the PastSupport the PresentProtect the Future," they have been dedicated to preserving the Western Lifestyle and supporting local children\'s charities. Today, they still host"The Annual Ben Johnson Days" their signature and most prestigious event. The Goldfield Ghost Riders can proudly say they have donated in excess of $150,000 to their charities over the years.goldfieldghostriders.comArizonaRealCountry.com May 2020 9'