The Aiken Harness Races benefit athletics at the University of South Carolina Aiken. CHRIS THELEN/FILE

The $5,000 that the Aiken Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals receives every year from the Aiken Steeplechase, "can go a long way at our shelter," said Mr. Stinson, an SPCA spokesman.

"It has been a wonderful thing each spring to get that check," he said.

The money, which is put into a general fund, pays for medicine, food, veterinary services and staff to care for the cats and dogs until they are adopted.

The Aiken Steeplechase Association also uses proceeds from its races to support Helping Hands, an emergency shelter for abandoned and abused children, and the Aiken Rescue Squad.

Each year, the Steeplechase Association holds the Aiken Steeplechase Ball, a gala that benefits a different charity each spring and fall.

This spring's gala is benefiting the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, said Mia Brasco, event coordinator, and tickets are sold out.

Aiken residents MacKenzie and Martha Miller will be the honorees at the gala. Mr. Miller is renowned as a horse trainer, with a career spanning almost 50 years.

The Aiken Jaycees have been involved with the Aiken Trials for more than 20 years, president Elaine Grice said.

"Any proceeds we make off (the Trials) we use to fund our projects during the year," Ms. Grice said. "Our main contribution, though, goes to Jaycee Camp Hope. That's our camp in Clemson, S.C., for special children.

"It makes it possible for kids to attend camp that otherwise wouldn't be financially able to go."

At the Trials, the Jaycees handle ticket sales and parking and work with other groups that help with security, said Mike Fanning, a Jaycee on the Trials committee.

"It's gotten bigger than just what the Jaycees could handle," Mr. Fanning said.

For the 15th consecutive year, the harness races will be run by the University of South Carolina Aiken's athletics department.

The approximately $25,000 collected each year helps fund the college's booster organization, three scholarships for student-athletes, an awards banquet and operating expenses for all sports on campus, said Randy Warrick, athletic director.

"It's the largest fund-raiser we do," Mr. Warrick said. "All student athletes and coaches participate in some form."

Reach Carly Phillips at (803) 648-1395 or carly.phillips@augustachronicle.com