On May 11, about 165 supporters of Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center (Hearts) gathered at the Carriage and Western Art Museum for its annual Barn Dance. The event funds scholarships for low-income children and adults with disabilities so they can participate in Hearts’ therapeutic horseback riding program. Funds also support Hearts’ veteran’s program, Equine Services for Heroes, and its at-risk youth program, run in partnership with Girls Inc. and CALM.
During the reception, guests mingled inside and on the scenic grounds of the museum, enjoying live country music by Caught Red Handed and perusing silent auction items. Guests were then seated for dinner and welcomed by Executive Director Pamme Mickelson, who stated that the event is like what Hearts does every day — making connections. Mickelson related how her doctor recently shared that Hearts had changed his family’s life. It was at Hearts that his nonverbal, autistic six year old son spoke his first words, and he hasn’t shut up since. With a warm smile, Mickelson related how moments like this happen at Hearts every single day. She expressed her gratitude to supporters for enabling Hearts to do its work. Lesson fees account for only a third of Heart’s income. More than half of those served receive some level of scholarship.
Vice Board Chair and Capital Campaign Co-chair Bob Manning explained to guests that Hearts had been planning to move up the hill, from one county-owned property to another, but recently received word that the move must happen much sooner than planned — by the end of this year. Manning emphasized both the challenging nature of raising funds in such a short time frame and the huge opportunity presented, in that the new space will enable Hearts to expand services so it can do even more for the community.