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The Ride For Hope News
Equestrian Aid Foundation
September 2012 - Vol. 4, Issue 6
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You Can Change a Life!
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Donations provide financial assistance for basic medical and living expenses to those in our community struggling with catastrophic illnesses and injuries.
Create a legacy! Give an endowment donation to the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund and ensure EAF has funding to assist equestrians and horsemen in need - for years to come.
EAF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Your donation is tax deductible.
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Making Strides in the Ride for Hope! |
Greetings!
We hope you enjoyed your summer! We found that everyone was so busy, we let the newsletter take a vacation too. Now we'll catch you up on all the exciting happenings - past and upcoming!
Please join us at the National Horse Show on Friday, Nov. 2, at 9 pm in Gracie Street Garden as we celebrate Charlie Weaver and support the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund. Special thanks to Missy Luczak-Smith and Tom Wright for hosting a Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund event in Traverse City, Mich., on July 8 at Stella Trattoria. See below for more on the events and endowment fund.
Be sure to help us support the EQUUS Foundation too in their fundraising opportunities through Animal Planet's R.O.A.R. Campaign. As an Alliance Partner, the EAF receives funding and support from the EQUUS Foundation. There are lots of ways to support the campaign listed in the article below. Campaign ends Oct. 31, so act now.
Harmon Classics hosted our first fundraiser in beautiful Tryon, N.C., back in June and everyone had so much fun that planning is already taking place for next year!
This month we have a great new profile of Milton Hopkins, a dedicated equestrian who became ill and needed our help.
On a more personal note, we're thrilled to announce that this summer also brought the beautiful weddings of our board members Sarah Willeman Richter and Stephanie Riggio Bulger. Best wishes!
Lots more news next month! Help a horseman, equestrian or equine professional during their time of medical crisis. Change a life today with your donation. |
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"Meet Milton Hopkins" from our Director of Grant Recipient Services Janise Gray | |
 Milton was born an equestrian. His passion for horses began with a chance meeting at the age of three when a jockey placed him on a famous racehorse and it still lives strong 46 years later. In the early years, Milton rode saddle seat and western pleasure, but now trains and competes hunter/jumpers as often as he is able.
Milton suffers from an unmanageable form of diabetes, hepatitis and other serious conditions. Like many EAF recipients, he is a survivor and has won a battle with cancer already.
Even though he is unable to work consistently, he works doing odd jobs - including teaching riding lessons and caring for horses when their owners are away.
He shares his small rented farm in the Northeast corner of Texas with his horse and two abandoned horses that he rescued from starvation. Barely managing to make due for himself and his one horse with what he receives from Social Security, food stamps and the occasional lessons he teaches; Milton's compassion could not allow him leave those two horses to starve. He brought them home and built them a paddock with a run-in shed from materials that he was allowed to salvage from a neighbor.
"I am so used to suffering and being without. I have been empty for so long," Milton said. "I am in awe of the fact that horse people are not only helping me stay alive, but more so, are doing my spirit well and encouraging me to live better!"
Now with the assistance the EAF is providing, while still living frugally on a small budget, Milton is able to enjoy a better quality of life. Funding from the EAF provides Milton with healthy food to assist with managing his diabetes.
Jacquie McCutchan, our treasurer and owner of On Course Consignment Shop in Wellington, Fla., was so moved by Milton's story that she packed up a huge box of horse and stable supplies for him. Milton was shocked, "Thank you so much for introducing me to people that have compassion for those who struggle. Jacquie made a promise and she kept it. My heart has been skipping beats since this enormous box of goodies arrived. God bless all who donated. I am still smiling way down on the inside."
Help Milton and EAF Recipients with a donation now. |
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Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund Events
Assisting Horsemen in Need - Today, Tomorrow and Always |
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Alltech National Horse Show - Coming Friday, Nov. 2
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Ky.
Join us at 9 pm in Gracie Street Garden at the Alltech National Horse Show, 129th edition. Hosted by Monique Keitz and Doug Smith and Missy Luczak-Smith, the party will feature great food and fun at the end of an exciting day of showing. Show your support for the horse community and those in dire medical need.
CAN'T ATTEND, but want to show your support? Make a donation online.
Horse Shows by the Bay
Special thanks to Missy Luczak- Smith, River Circle Farm and Tom Wright, Uphill Farm for hosting a successful event on July 8 to benefit the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund at Trattoria Stella! Thanks to all came to show their support for the Equestrian Aid Foundation and the endowment fund!
About the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund
Creating a legacy for a better future
As an endowment fund for the Equestrian Aid Foundation and a commitment to its enduring mission, the Legacy Fund will ensure money exists to help equestrians in dire need of assistance. Your donation to the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund will create the financial safety net needed to ensure that our mission to help others, lives on for many years to come. With support from caring people like you, we will continue to offer a helping hand, a kind word and a promise of hope during a difficult time.
Make a donation to the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund.
About Charie Weaver
Charlie, a successful horseman and rider, passed away on June 7, 2010, from injuries he sustained in a riding accident. His stellar career as a hunter rider and trainer was highlighted by his induction into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame in 2002 and the championship ribbons and awards too numerous to count. Those who knew Charlie describe him as a true gentleman, an inspiration in and out of the ring, and larger-than-life in the sport he loved. His accident and injuries brought to light the need to support those in our community during a medical crisis.
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Harmon Classics "Derby Madness" Fundraiser Held June 16 in Tryon, NC | |
 Harmon Classics Summer Challenge in Tryon, N.C., hosted a terrific fundraiser that was fun for everyone. Held at Harmon Field in a festive tent after a successful day of classes, guests from the show and community came together to enjoy great food, drinks and lots of dancing to live music from local favorite Night Shade.
"Tryon is not only a horsing community, it's a compassionate one too. We were thrilled with the positive response to the Equestrian Aid Foundation's mission and this first-time event," said Lewis Pack of Harmon Classics.
The auction included everything for horse, rider, home and vacation!Thanks to auction donors: Cosequin; Charles Owen helmets; The Settlement at Thomas Divide; Tryon Horse Country; Marjorie Pesek Fine Art; The Farm House; Erik Olsen Photography; Corigem Animal Products; Renovatio Farms and Erik Dierks Eventing; Riders4Helmets; Katanuma Performance Horses and Ivy LeDonne; Essence Day Spa; Camp Wayfarer; Success Equestrian; Farrier Sean Gaul; certified massage therapist and saddle fitter Mike Scott; PARW Buckles; Waxhaw Tack Exchange; lue Ridge Hunter Jumper Association; pastel animal portraits by Woody Dykers; sports psychologist Timmie Pollock, Ph.D., CC, AASP; Little Mountain Farm Supply; Craggie Brewing Company; Daniel Geitner Stables; How to Market Your Horse Business; Susan Penfold; Ready Set Show custom stock ties by Ann Troppmann; Trio Salon on Skylyn Drive
Thanks to volunteers Libbie Johnson, Randi Thompson, Kelsey Davis and Maggie Berry for all your valuable help! Special thanks to Lewis Pack, Kitt Kirchner and Susan Penfold for making this a success!
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| Support EQUUS Foundation with Animal Planet's R.O.A.R. Campaign | |
Please help us support the EQUUS Foundation and Animal Planet's R.O.A.R. Campaign!
From September 1 through October 31, your donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $120,000 from the proceeds of Animal Planet licensed products.
The EQUUS Foundation can also receive bonuses -
* as the Top Monthly Fundraiser - Dollar Amount ($2,500);
* the charity with the Most Unique Number of Monthly Donations ($2,500);
* by Spreading the Word with the Highest Number of Shares on Facebook ($2,500) each month; and
* the charity with the Loudest ROAR Heard by Judges ($2,500).
The R.O.A.R donations will be used to rescue, retrain and re-home unwanted and abandoned horses as therapy horses. Learn more.
The Equestrian Aid Foundation is an EQUUS Foundation Alliance Partner.
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Zen Horse Koi Silk Scarf Now Available!
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 The second collectible silk scarf is now available! Designed by Linda Luster - Zen Horse Koi - features the same artistic beauty as the first scarf.
Buy A Zen Horse Koi Silk Scarf Now!
24" x 72" * 100% Silk
$175.00
The rich colors of Zen Horse Koi complements most outfits and is also a stunning piece of art when framed. Whether you enjoy it as wearable or decorative art, it's sure to the center of attention!
Generously underwritten by EAF supporter Karen Long Dwight, the Zen horse scarf projects ensure the the entire purchase price helps EAF recipients in need.
"Karen and I have been friends now for more 10 years and this is our second venture together to benefit the EAF," Linda said. "She asked me to design both scarves using my two most recognized paintings - Zen Horse I and now Zen Horse Koi.
"I am so proud to be able to support the EAF and help its recipients," Linda added.
The purchase of a Zen scarf directly affects the lives of equestrians and horse enthusiasts financially assisted by the EAF. A portion of the purchase price ($95) is tax deductible under federal laws.
 Pictured at left is artist Linda Luster posed in front of the original Zen Horse I oil painting.
A few Zen Horse I scarves, like the one Linda is wearing, are still available and may be purchased online here. The Zen Horse I silk scarf is 36" square.
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We hope you've enjoyed this issue. Please feel free to share your ideas and comments with us. Watch for future issues or in the meantime, visit the website, Facebook or Twitter for the most up-to-date information.
  During these tough economic times, please remember our friends in need - attend or host a fundraiser, become a member, or make a donation today! Also consider donating an item for a horse show silent auction or an eBay giving works auction. Your contributions are more meaningful now more than ever. Join us in The Ride For Hope. |
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