River Downs to auction off Jonas Brothers guitar

Last updated: 9/4/09 1:16 PM

A guitar signed by the Jonas Brothers highlights River Downs’ charity auction
(Photo courtesy of River Downs)

Two friends of the racing fans in the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky
region will get a leg up on their medical bills and family
responsibilities through the popular Justin Vitek-Gary Birzer Benefit
that will be held on Sunday at River Downs. The odds-on sales topper in
the annual silent auction will be a guitar signed by the rock sensation
trio The Jonas Brothers.

Cincinnatian Rob Riggsbee, who operates Insight Media associated with
Nationwide Arena in Columbus, has always supported the benefit. He had
an opportunity to meet the band members during the August 26 performance
of The Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009 and asked them for their
assistance with a donation.

“They really were nice guys and when they found out about the nature
of the event were happy get behind it,” Riggsbee said.

Justin Vitek, a rider jokingly known as the “Czech from Texas,” was
diagnosed last year with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, which is the most
common type of leukemia. Vitek has undergone multiple chemotherapy
treatments, some of which lasted up to 24 hours. He recently had stem
cell treatment and is recuperating in Texas with hopes to return to
riding in the future.

In addition to the silent auction, River Downs has arranged for the
Hoxworth Blood Center Bloodmobile to be at the track on Sunday from noon
to 4 p.m. (EDT). For every donation that is received in Vitek’s name,
he’ll receive credit for that unit of blood (regardless of type) all the
way down in Texas. Donors are asked to tell Hoxworth officials they are
donating in his name and that his donor number is PR1090.

Jockey Gary Birzer remains paralyzed from the waist down after suffering
injuries to his neck and spinal cord in a two-horse spill on July 20, 2004, at
Mountaineer Park in Chester, West Virginia. Despite his current condition, which
involves daily therapy and continued medical support, Birzer maintains an
amazingly positive outlook toward life and enjoys raising his two children.

In 2005, River Downs began the Gary Birzer Benefit. When Birzer learned of
Vitek’s plight he offered to split the proceeds of his charitable event.

“The autographed guitar should be a huge sales topper if we can get the word
out,” said John Engelhardt, River Downs’ track publicist. “I’m willing to take
reserve bids by phone so people outside the Cincinnati area can have a chance to
get this rare item. Just give me a call at 513-354-8243. To this generation —
these guys are the Beatles!”

The silent auction, which will end at approximately 5 p.m. on Sunday, will
also feature racing memorabilia, equine art and racing related collectibles.