In 2004, as a freshman at Eureka High School in Eureka, California, Holly LaCount enrolled in a service learning program called Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) in which students develop projects to solve problems in their community.  Holly wanted to develop a project that would combine her love of horses and her desire to make a difference in her community.  To honor her Grandma Joy, who died of ovarian cancer in 2003, she decided to develop a project that would help fund cancer research and support services. Through planning and perseverence Holly founded the HERO Ride For Life, the first equestrian relay event in the country.  The first HERO Ride For Life event was held on June 4, 2005 at the Ferndale Fairgrounds Race Track and $12,000 was raised and donated to the American Cancer Society.  The event has been held annually since then and as of the 7th Annual HERO Ride For Life in 2011 it has raised over $117,000 for cancer research and support services.