12th Annual Saddle Up Raises Funds for The Life Group LA

Saddle Up LA, the 12th annual fundraiser for Los Angeles non-profit The Life Group LA, gallops out this weekend, with "Dancing With the Stars" star Kym Herjavec (formerly Johnson) as this year's Saddle Up LA's Celebrity Honorary Trail Guide.

Come join Kym and her team Kym's Bod Squad at this year's 12th Annual Saddle Up LA. There are still a few horses available at www.SaddleUpLA.org If you can't join the ride or BBQ fun, you can also help support by donating to Kym's page at http://www.SaddleUpLA.org/Kym

The horseback ride will be held on Saturday July 15, 2017 in the beautiful and majestic Griffith Park Mountains. If you don't have your own horse, no worry, there are plenty of horses available. But hurry, there are only a few slots available.

Kym Herjavec, a Aussie native started learning the art of dance at the age of three. She went on to become the Australian Ballroom Champion and twice represented Australia in the 'World 10' dance championships. Kym appeared on the hit Australian TV show "Dancing with the Stars," and won Season 2.

In 2006, Kym moved to the United States and began competing on "Dancing with the Stars USA." She has won the mirror ball trophy twice, once with Donny Osmond (2009) and again with Hines Ward (2011).

In 2016, Kym released her first book, "The 5678 Diet," and in 2017 she opened her dance fitness studio The Bod by Kym. Also in 2016, Kym married her former dance partner, Robert Herjavec ("Shark Tank").

"Saddle Up LA" is an AIDS Benefit Horseback Trail Ride and Country BBQ where all proceeds go to support the work of local Los Angeles non-profit, The Life Group LA. This year's goal is to raise $100,000.

The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness of the fact that the AIDS Pandemic is not over and to raise much needed funds for the HIV services provided by The Life Group LA. It is also an affirmation of the power of compassion and a demonstration that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things.

After the ride, the riders and guest head to the festivities at the Country BBQ. One does not have to register for the ride to enjoy the great Country BBQ! The Country BBQ costs $50 per person The menu includes: BBQ Tri Tip, BBQ Chicken, Grilled Veggies, Potato Salad, Green Salad, Desert, Soda/Water/Ice Tea and a no-host bar.

Tickets for the BBQ dinner alone can be ordered here: http://www.thelifegroupla.org/saddleupla/bbq.html

The Life Group LA, founded in 2005, today still provides free of charge, much needed information and emotional support through medical forums, emotional support groups and the POZ Life Weekend Seminar. All services are offered in a non-judgmental and safe environment with compassion and understanding. Safety, respect and confidentiality are the cornerstones of our philosophy. We accomplish this by providing trained support group facilitators for our emotional support groups and our POZ Life Weekend Seminar. These facilitators have been trained in the art of active listening and conduct themselves with empathy and compassion.

The Life Group LA is a coalition of people dedicated to the education, empowerment and emotional support of persons both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS so that they may make informed choices and decisions regarding their healthcare and personal well-being.

The Life Group LA was honored in 2016 with "City of Los Angeles" proclamations by Mayor Eric Garcetti. The City of West Hollywood also honored the organization in 2016 with an "Commendation" proclamation. In 2006, 2009 and 2010, Saddle Up LA won the Weho Awards for Outstanding Community Event.