the PDF version of this newsletter

WWW.Equestcenter.org
10 great reasons to
volunteer at Equest
GRIFFIN scores...
EQUEST wins!
GENIUS HORSE
CREATES WEB SITE
with help from Sparta High School
Published for friends of the
MEET our Instructors
Page 6
Page 5
page 2
Equest Center
EQUEST
90 YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE...THIS MAN
CAN RIDE
Page 4
FOR THERAPEUTIC RIDING, INC.
Free of charge
TIMES
Fall 2005
3777 Rector NE, Rockford, MI 49341 You can call us at 616-866-3066.
AT STAKE: 15 ACRES, HORSES, AND A GOLD MINE OF
OPPORTUNITY TO HELP OUR SPECIAL NEED RIDERS!
THE GREAT EQUEST
LAND RUSH
THE RACE IS ON TO RAISE THE CASH

E
PICTURM
FRO
NEW
!
SPACE ACQUISITION

EXISTING
LAND
DIGITAL IMAGING REVEALS:
ALTICOR and UPS
LEADING THE PACK
EQUEST TRIPLES
also INSIDE:
IN SIZE!!!
PUFFY PONIES
MAKE REAL DOUGH!
READ how YOU can determine
the outcome of this exciting race
A $50,000 MATCHING
GRANT IS ON THE LINE!
PAGE 4: meet Grandpa MARK
Our oldest and most generous rider
YOUNG VOLUNTEERS RAISE OVER $100
COLLECTING CANS & SELLING TASTY TREATS
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, CALL EQUEST AT 616-866-3066
1
IN WINTER, THEY’RE soooo hot, IN SUMMER,
TOTALLY COOL. THEY ARE... PLEUNE’S HEATING
AND COOLING GUYS!
tor
irec
D
e
h
t
m
Fro
EXTREME
MAKEOVER
O
ne doesn’t have to turn on the television
set to view an “extreme makeover” taking place. Simply stop in to the Equest
Center in Rockford.
The observation room is undergoing a complete
restoration including new doors, larger windows,
carpeting, refurbished walls, paint, cabinets, counter tops, sound system for the room and arena,
and ALL new furnishings!
This climate controlled room, with windows
overlooking the arena, has many purposes—a
meeting room, training location for volunteers
and staff, classroom/lunch room/ art room for
Summer Horsemanship Day Camp, observation room for parents and riders…the list goes
on and on!
Furniture Showplace and the Todd Family have
spearheaded and are donating this entire project. Doug Todd and daughter Laura (one of our
dedicated weekly Equest Volunteers), have comwork on
pleted much of the elbow
the project with undying
energy and ever increasing
enthusiasm.
When asked what the motivation was to undertake
such a huge project, Doug
replied, “You all do such
amazing work here. If we
can help transform the
observation room and create an environment the Equest Center can use to
FURTHER inspire the incredible work done by
the staff and Equest’s many volunteers—that was
our goal.” The project will be 100% complete by
the end of August and ready to use for the 2005
fall Riding session. Be sure to stop in for a tour!
There is another “Extreme Makeover” taking
place outside the Equest Center buildings. BUT-we need YOUR HELP to make the project
complete! The acquisition of 15+ acres of land
would have powerful impact on every aspect of
the center. Equest has been incredibly blessed
by many friends, neighbors, riders, volunteers,
businesses and foundations who have stepped up
in so many ways to help raise the funds needed
for this project. We are so close to our goal! We
must raise an additional $52,000. to make all
of this happen! Can you help? Because of the
matching grant issued from Alticor, the monetary
value of your donation would be doubled. The
value of the impact it would have on our special
needs riders, however, IS PRICELESS!
As always, we would like to extend an invitation
for you to visit our center and see FIRST HAND
therapeutic riding in action. We’re very proud
of what our program is accomplishing and
would love to share it with you! Equest Center
for Therapeutic riding is a 501 c 3 charity. All
donations are tax deductible and are greatly
appreciated.
2
Pleune Service Company
Thank You Pleune Service Company for your generous
donation of TWO Furnace/Central Air conditioning
units, delivery and all necessary materials to completely
replace the heat and air in both of Equest’s houses! Your
continued support over the years is truly a blessing!
LL
NOT E TO A
H ORS ES:
Yo u m u st
es
re m o ve s h o g !!
ri n
b efo re e nte
P
restige Floor Covering has certainly “Stepped Up” to the plate and
proven itself to be a company that
cares. After learning about our program
and the special riders at Equest, Prestige
quickly offered to help. They donated
brand new carpet, pad and labor for the
entire second floor of the house on the
newly acquired land. It looks phenominal and adds SO MUCH to the house!
Thank you, to Chris and everyone at
Prestige Floor Covering “Where there’s
a difference between acceptable and
exceptional.”
“Where there’s adifference
between acceptable and
exceptional”
SMITH BROS:
THE ULTIMATE
TRAIL BLAZERS
AND SPEAKING OF KOOL...
A
big Thank You to Kool Chevrolet for donating their services and completeing needed
repairs and maintenance work to
render Equest’s dump
truck, which was recently
donated by Ken Alkema,
ready and in working order! This vehicle will allow us to
keep our “therapeutic manure pile”
moving to other locations where it
can continue to be of good use for
fertilizer!
Also, thank you Volunteer, Gordon Pickard for his continuing role
in this project. Gordy is a
member of the Rockford
Sportsmans Club and has
been invaluable in so many
areas at Equest Center. His motto of
“patient persistence” has infiltrated
our daily lives! God Bless You Gordy!
ALTICOR OFFERS
MATCHING GRANT
A
lticor has always been
a strong supporter of
Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding. This past year
has been no exception! Alticor
has issued a matching grant
of $50,000 for the Land Acquisition Project. They have
also chosen to bring hands-on
assistance to Equest by sending
out countless volunteer groups from
Alticor, offering fundraising ideas,
calling with support and encouragement. The staff at Alticor has
consistently exemplified a genuine
desire to make a difference in the
lives of our special needs riders.
They have gone above and beyond to help our center meet our
goals for the land acquisition
Project and offer continued support in the future. We are so grateful. God Bless you all!
GIDDY-UP, GRRRRIFFINS!
S
mith Brothers Contracting, Inc.
donated critical excavation work on
the newly acquired land. Years ago,
2 barns burnt down in the backfields. The
company generously transported a crane
to Equest and tore down the remnants
of those buildings, cement, fencing and
debris which still remained to make the
area safe for our horses and special riders.
The land is now ready for creating and
developing our new, outdoor therapeutic
riding trail! Thank you, Brian Smith and
Smith Brothers Contracting!
Jeff & Johnny Agar with Mikayla enjoying a Griffins game
at the VanAndel Arena.
or the second consecutive
Everyone at Equest has thoroughly
year, Equest had the opporenjoyed this partnership, including
tunity to partner with the
Equest’s own miniature horse “Mikayla”
Grand Rapids Griffins, the Grand
who attended her first Griffins hockey
Rapids Griffins Youth Association,
game EVER to show her support!
and Centennial Securities on an
We greatly appreciate being a part of
outstanding fund raising opportuthis program, and send a big Thank
nity for our facility. For every goal
You to the Griffins organization and
or assist made by Griffin player
Centennial Securities. Let’s all conPeter VanderMeer, Board member
tinue to cheer the Griffins on to vicRick Awtry’s employer,
tory this coming
Centennial Securities,
year!
donated $50 to Equest.
F
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, CALL EQUEST AT 616-866-3066
EQUEST CENTER FOR THERAPEUTIC RIDING
LAND Acquisition PROJECT
T
New
Acquisition
US131
herapeutic riding changes
lives! Something truly magical
happens when special needs
riders and horses come together. To
individuals with disabilities, horseback riding takes them into a new,
unexplored world, which provides a
sense of independence and freedom
that defies their disabilities. They are
given an opportunity to escape their
braces, crutches, wheelchairs and
disabilities, replacing them with the
gentle gait of a well-trained horse.
Existing
Land
Equest Center has the distinct pleasure of
serving hundreds of special needs riders and
witnessing many magical moments every day.
Equest Center has also seen major changes in
its facility’s grounds.
The Opportunity
In August of 2004, we were presented with the
opportunity to purchase 15+ acres of property
adjacent to Equest Center. Our neighbor Carol
had a true love for Equest and allowed us to
use five acres of property behind her house for
riding and grazing our horses. Sadly, Carol
passed away two years ago in a car accident.
Carol’s family honored her love for Equest, its
horses, and our special needs riders by allowing
us the first opportunity to purchase the property
at a most reasonable price.
The acquisition of this land is critical to
Equest Center. Equest owns only seven acres
of property – of which roughly one-half is used
for pasture. As our programs have expanded as
our waiting list became longer, we increased
the number of horses at Equest Center -- and
use of Carol’s property permitted us to do so.
Without Carol’s land, we will be forced to scale
back or eliminate some of our programs.
With the purchase of Carol’s property, we more
•
•
•
•
The new property will triple the size of the Equest Center, located on Rector Road in Rockford, MI.
than triple the size of our current property! We not
only preserve our pasture land but also will have
many additional therapy options, especially outdoor
riding options such as the creation of riding trails to
offer an expanded multi-sensory experience.
In addition, with the increase in land we will be able
to incorporate MORE horses into the program.
This would enable us to serve MORE riders and
eliminate our waiting list for services.
Where we are today
We are happy to report that we were able to raise
enough funds to secure an interest-only loan to
purchase the land and allow us an additional year
to raise the remainder of the funds. Approximately
$52,000 is currently needed to reach our goal.
QUICK FACTS
Equest classes started in 1991 with 16 special needs individuals per week.
Today, Equest serves 125-150 riders each week
Our waiting list last Fall was 46 riders and this Spring, our waiting list had grown to 68 riders.
Despite added horses, volunteers and programs, each year the number on the waiting list grows.
300+ volunteers donate time at Equest each year. In 2004 they donated over 9,908 volunteer hours.
Equest is the ONLY year round therapeutic riding center in West Michigan and one of only 3 centers in
all of West Michigan that owns its own facility.
More than ever before riders are being referred to us from medical doctors, rehabilitation centers,
occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, psychologists...the list goes on and on.
There are 15 horses at Equest, from ponies to perchrons. Each horse is chosen for a rider based on the
rider’s needs and goals.
The total operating budget for 2005 is $251,590.00
Cost to maintain one therapeutic horse is estimated at $2,700.00 per year.
to discuss donor opportunities or to review detailed financial
information, please contact Jeff Agar at 616-262-7530
“Blake’s Barn”
new corporate headquarters!
entry to the main barn
Alticor has issued a matching grant for $50,000 as
well! All funds received at this time will double their
value. We are diligently continuing on our quest to
raise the money needed by September 15, 2005,
and are confident we will reach that goal.
More land=more services
Why the need
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rector Road
the main barn
new residence for caretakers
Our Field of Dreams
BENEFITS FROM
LAND ACQUISITION
• Preservation of existing pasture land
• Preservation of nature and country atmosphere of the center
• More room for horses allows us to serve additional special needs
riders each week
• Addition of outdoor therapeutic riding trails, picnic areas, etc.
• Barn on land will provide much needed storage and work area
• Additional house for Equest facility caretakers to live in
• Current living quarters will become additional office space
MAJOR DONORS TO DATE
Alticor, $50,000
Ken & Judy Betz
The Blodgett Foundation, $5,000
The Buist Foundation
Jules & Jacquelyn Bush
John Cardela
Centennial Securities
Mark Disosway
Eenhoorn LLC
Equest Center Board of Directors (100% participation)
The Frey Foundation, $10,000
Rollin M. Gerstacker, $5,000
GR. Community Foundation, $30,000
Melinda Miller
Rotary East
Drs. Alfred & Genevieve Swanson
United Parcel Service (UPS), $25,000
future trails and pastures on our new land
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, CALL EQUEST AT 616-866-3066
3
PUFFY PONIES
RAISE A LOT OF DOUGH
GONE TO THE DOGS
FOR EQUEST CENTER
Dr. Sandra Stanton, Kathy Pezzato, Jan Parker,
Camielle Haslinger with Mikayla
E
quest Center for Therapeutic Riding was chosen
as the benefitting charity for Kids Day America
2005, an event sponsored by Dr. Sandra Stanton
and Dr. Christopher Toellner of Chiropractic Health
Center in Rockford. It sure was a fun-filled, actionpacked day for everyone involved!
Rockford’s Mayor Steve Jazwicz presented Executive
Director
Kathy
Pezzato and Client Program
Coordinator Jan Parker Children’s Empowerment
Awards. He also presented Camielle Haslinger,
outstanding Equest Center Equestrian, an award for
her hard work and accomplishments.
In addition, Equest Center was
presented with a check for $1,500
from the Chiropractic Care Clinic. We
are so grateful to have been involved
with this event and such an incredibly
compassionate group of individuals.
I
t all started when we wanted to do a can drive to
raise money for the upcoming block party. Then
we received the letter from Equest Center, talking about how they needed to raise money to buy the
property next door. We knew we needed to help.
So we started collecting cans. In all we collected about
400 cans. But the real moneymaking was with the bake
sale. All of our products were homemade and included
Puffy Ponies (horse shaped sugar cookies which
expanded enormously in the oven), soft pretzels shaped
like horseshoes, mini muffins, brownies, and of course
refreshments. We held our bake sale on the day of the
big bike race through Rockford. It was a big success. At
the end of the day we had over $80.00 in our Equest
fund. The next morning we turned in all of the cans
from the block party and had, altogether, over $100.00
including a donation from our neighbor, and a check
matching what we raised from Mr. Scales.
We are very glad that we did this because we know that
Equest needs our help. God Bless all the special people
that make Equest happen.
Sincerely,
Christine Scales & Hannah Schroeder
Equest volunteers
Genevieve Swanson
& Honey
E
quest Center is most appreciative of the generosity of Drs. Alfred and Genevieve Swanson who
have been key factors in the success of our Land
Acquisition Project fundraising goals. Pictured above:
Genevieve and Equest therapy horse “Honey” who had
a chance to meet and visit for a while during a recent
tour of our facility.
KID’S DAY 2005
UPS DELIVERS CASH
AND VOLUNTEERS
T
he charitable arm of the United Parcel Service
was a VERY TIMELY key element to raise the
initial funds needed for the land acquisition!
Equest was awarded a cash grant of $25,000. from the
UPS Foundation .
“UPS and its employees have always been committed
to serving the communities where we live and work.
In fact, community service is a key part of our
company charter,” said Evern Cooper, President of
the The UPS Foundation and Vice President of UPS
corporate relations. “We apply both financial and
human resources in our support of groups that address
the educational and human welfare needs around the
world. UPS’s support of Equest Center for Therapeutic
Riding signifies our shared focus and commitment to
improve communities.”
UPS certainly standds by their word! In addition to
the generous donation, dozens and dozens of UPS
employees have volunteered their time and generous
spirits at our center working on every type of task
imaginable. We are especially thankful for Jan
Parker (Equest Client Program Coordinator)
and husband Don Parker (UPS Employee) who
have donated thousands of hours at our center.
A Most
GENEROUS RIDER
M
ark Disosway, age 90, has officially become
Equest’s MOST EXPERIENCED rider!
Mr. Disosway began riding as a young
man in the 1920’s. First with the ROTC, then for
pleasure with co-workers in the forest preserves around
Chicago, Illinois. On several occasions, Mr. Disosway
and his friends would ride and perform in parades in
downtown Chicago, thrilling audiences and delighting
the children.
Family and career commitments pulled Mr. Disosway
away from horses for over 50 years, until he began
riding at Equest. He’s back in the saddle again!
Recently, Mr. Disosway had back surgery. As soon as
the doctors would allow (which was not soon enough
for Mark!) he was back on a horse. As many of you
are aware, Equest has
been busy acquiring
funds for our
new property. Mr.
Disosway
was
very generous in
supporting
our
efforts and helped
kick-start
our
fund drive. We are
so thankful for the
opportunity to
know and learn
from such a
special man.
RANCHERO
DONATION
Mr. Robert Wagner donated a Ford Ranchero to
our center! Now Jeff ’s riding in style!
PICTURE PUZZLE
Can you identify these Equest
Center lead volunteers and
staffers from the rear?
4
answer on
page 7
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, CALL EQUEST AT 616-866-3066
VOLUNTEER GROUPS
!
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Some of the many
volunteer groups
who help keep our
farm running :
F/ Assumption BVM
Volunteer Core
Middle School
Group
A/ Alticor “One by One”
Volunteer Group
B/ Steelcase Volunteer
Group - United Way
Day of Caring
G/ Alticor Volunteers
- who brought
their own tools and
donated them!
C/ St. JohnVianney
Volunteer Group
H/ Delta Sigma Phi
Fraternity - GVS
D/ Steelcase Volunteer
Group
I/ Delta Sigma Phi
Fraternity - GVS
E/ Assumption BVM
Volunteer Core
Middle School Group
J/ North Rockford
Middle School
Volunteer Group
Horses give us steady legs, but you, volunteers, you give our Center wings! Thank you!
B
A
F
C
G
H
D
I
E
J
SPARTAthisHIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CREATE WWW.EQUESTCENTER.ORG
y horse
ap
’re a ther
Hey, if you is easy!
uff
internet st
“Some of the special
needs classrooms with
children that ride at
the center are even
using the web site as a
teaching tool...”
E
quest embarked on a mission with
teacher, Mr. Paul Owens, and his
Web Design students at Sparta High
School. The Goal: To design a new website
for Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding!
This is a goal we have been trying to achieve
for over 3 years. Because of Mr. Owens’ and
his students’ commitment, professionalism
and desire to help others in the community
– our dream is now a reality.
The web site, which is located at www.
equestcenter.org, features staff information
and photos, multiple photos and information
about each of our therapy horses, a calendar
of events, wish list, program and volunteer
information (including forms available for
download), directions to the center, events
and direct links to our sponsors, summer
horsemanship day camp information and so
much more!
Since the web site has been up and running,
our center has experienced contacts from
an ever increasing number of volunteers,
parents, students and teachers who have
learned about Equest and therapeutic riding
from our web site. Some of the special
needs classrooms with children that ride at
the center are even using the web site as a
teaching tool, which is a phenomenal idea.
The students are highly motivated to learn
to use the mouse and computer effectively
when it brings up multiple photos of “their
horse” which they can manipulate.
Some of the group homes are using the
web site not only as a teaching tool, but
also as a way to enhance communication
between the residents and their families. The
residents can send a photo of their horse,
show them where they ride and keep them
abreast of upcoming events. The sponsors
that have underwritten various events for
us are also thrilled to be recognized for their
contributions as well.
We would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude
to Mr. Owens and his students for making us
feel so welcome at Sparta High School and
for graciously sharing their vast knowledge
with us. The students have certainly been
taught well and will go far in their endeavors.
It is truly inspiring to see a teacher who
puts his students in real life situations and
not only teaches them facts and skills, but
shows them how these facts and skills relate
to their life outside the classroom, into the
community and beyond.
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, CALL EQUEST AT 616-866-3066
5
The Equest Staff
NO PIX
Kathy Pezzato,
Executive Director
Marci DeVries
Equine Program
Coordinator,
Instructor
Kelly Wujkowski
Volunteer
Coordinator
Instructor
June Arver
Instructor
Jen Knuth
Instructor
Angela Taylor
Office Manager
Jan Parker
Karen Beasley, Laura Pingston
Client Program
Facilities
Instructor
Coordinator
Coordinator
Instructor
Jennifer Dys
Instructor
Sue Cole,
Instructor
Please visit www.equestcenter.org for our schedule of
activities and events and our wish list (gifts-in-kind)
Alticor
Abby Burton Beale
Abma, Loreen
Ace Office Supply
Adams, George
Adams, Laurie
Aetna Foundation
Agar, Jeff & Becky
Aidif, Kristen
Albert, Olga
Algoma Sunshine Circle
Alkema, Kenneth
Allen, Kelly
Alpha Iota of G. R.
Amaden
American Legion
Auxilairy
Amie Knapp
Anderson, Pamela
Anthony, Gail & Howard
Applause Catering
Arver, June & Kaleigh
Assumption Vol. Core
Augustine, Christy
Avery, Todd & Penny
Awtrey, Rick
Aylsworth, Glenn & Jan
Babcock, Christine
Barclay, Janet & Anthony
Barkalow, Mildred
Barrett, Jenny
Barth, Mary
Beasley, Karen
Beineman, Barbara
Benham, Shelly
Bennett, Eric
Bently, Jeanne
Beresford, April
Berg, Nancy
Bergman, Nancy
Berndt, Robin
Besser, Richard
Better Life Institute, Inc
Betz, Ken & Judy
Birkbeck, Catherine
Blacklidge, Gabriele
Blackmer, Colleen
Blake, Monta
Blanchard, Eric
Block, Robin
Blodgett Foundation
Bloom, Patricia
Bond, Bob & Jan
Bowen, Lee
Brecheisen, Betty & Alan
Brodowski,
Dan&Rebekah
Broersma, Karla
Brower, Connie
Brower, Ruth
Brownell, Karlene
Bruin, Michael
Buben, Paul
Buczek, Karen
Buczynski, Nancy
Bulger, Kristie
Bush, Jules & Jacquelyn
Busk, Chad
Byrne, Mark & Jeannie
Call, Karen
Cameron, John
Campbell, Jill
Candela, David
Captain, Olivia
Carlen, Gail
Carpenter, Jim & Carol
Carpenter, Matt
Carter Lumber
Case, Michael & Carrie
Castor, Catherine
CBS Modern Homes
Cedar Mill
Centennial Securities
Cepeda, Ana
Chambers, Janet
Chandler, John
Chapman, Patricia
Chase, Ruth Ann
Chemical Bank West
Chinook Enterprises, Inc
Chiropractic Health Ctr
Christensen, Sharon
Chvala, Michelle
City of East Grand Rapids
Clark, Kelley & Kathryn
Clink, Virginia & William
Coit Gravel
Cole, Preston & Teresa
Cole, Susan
Colegrove, Amanda
Conklin, John
Conley, Mary
Cook, Lori & Ron
Coutchie, Cheryl
Couturier, Lori
Couturier, Michael
Creative Benefit
Crowley, Elizabeth
Crowley, Robert
D’Alcorn-Collins, Lynelle
Darooge, Bill
Datacomp Appraisal Svcs
Debbie Hersman
DeBoer, Sue
Decker, Mary
Dedert, Ric & Karen
Deeb, Jacqueline
DeHaan, Dale
DeHaan, Nicole
DeHaus, Mary
DELPH, EMILY
DeMaat, Sandra
Detloff, Melissa
Deugaw, Michael
Deugaw, Suzanne
DeVries, Ginger
DeVries, Kimberly
DeVries, Marci & Rob
Diamontoni, Danielle
Dietrich Foundation
Disosway, Glenn & Susan
Dissosway, Mark
Doktor, Jody
Don Livingston
Dr Bonnie Searles
Dr Duane Fitzgerald
Dreyer, Kristine
Dykema Excavating
Dyksterhouse, Nancy
Dys, Jennifer
Easley, Marshell
Easley, Robert
Eenhoorn LLC Operating
Eichenberg, Dale
Eichenberg, Kathie
Einfeld, Kevin & Lori
Eitman, Jill & Richard
Farah, Teresa
Farrell, Susan
Felker, Michelle
Fenn, Linda
Fifth Third Bank
Finch, Tara
Fischer, Sherry
Fisher, Liz
Folkringa, John & Nancy
Forman, Mary
Fox, George & Elly
Freeburg, Amy
French, Joshua
Frey Foundation
Frostick, Darci
Frye, Larry
Furniture Showplace
Fusionary Media
Gallegher, Jerry & Jane
Galloping Riders
Gardella, John
Gates, Todd & Jan
Geelhoed, Jayne
Geels, Marilyn
Gillespie, Patricia
Gillhooley, Tina
Gilmore, Gene
Giosck, Teresa
Girl Scouts of Michigan
Glass, Keith
Godlewski, Linda
Gonyou, Jessica & Friends
Gordon, Terri
G. R. Community
Foundation
Grand Rapids Gravel
Grand Rapids Griffins
G. R. Griffins Youth
Assoc.
Gravelyn, Kay & Jack
Great Lakes Vet. Complex
Green, Lana & Dave
Greene, Julie
Grody, Ron & Carol
Grozelle, Scott
Skipper, Sherry
Gushiken, Jennifer
Guthrie. Laurel
Gutter Pro, Inc
Haisma, Lorraine
Hall, Amy
Hand, Charles
Haslinger, Richard
Haynes, Rick&Marion
Hazy, Carol
Heagle, Ethel
Heffron, Mary
Heibel, George
Heintz, Michele
Heintz, Stephanie
Hengeshack,
Chad&Dawn
Hermann Miller
Foundation
Herndon, Mary Kim
Heule, Rinck& Marianna
Hinkley, Mallory
Hoffman, John
Honeysett, Greg
Hoogstra, Elizabeth
Hooker, Kevin
J&L Roofing
Jenison Ambucs
Jenks, Walt
Johanasen, June
Kampe, Mary Ann
Keeney, Kay
Kent Co. Family Ind
Agency
Kent Neurological Assoc.
Killgore, Harley
Kimmell, Kaitlinn
Kingston, Dick
Kinstle, Kacie
Kircheis, Ginger
Kirkwood, Dan & Karen
Klaasan,Ranay
Knights of Columbus,
Council 12258
Knights of Columbus,
Council 389
Knights of Colulmbus
Knights of Columbus
2226
Knights of Columbus
Council 13501
Knights of Columbus
Council 13641
Knuth, Jennifer L
Kober, Debbie
Kolker, David & Dawn
Kool Chevrolet
Kostume Room
Krajewsji, Ann
Kretschman, Mary
La Court, Greg
Lake, Linda
Lankford, Kristoffer
Law, Sally
Leather & Lace
LeCoy, Doug
Ledford, Tammy
Linker, Kim
Livingstone, Don
Lobbes, Kenneth
Lockard, Jean
Long, Darla
Longhurst, Jim
Lorenz, Cindy
Loughlin, Joe & Linda
Lovejoy, Tara
Lovell, Keith
Luevano, Melinda
Lundstrum, Kendall
Lych, Tim & Michelle
Lyon, Mary
MacKenzie, Mr. & Mrs.
Maier, Mike
Malec, Susan
Maleski, Nicole
Manley, Gary & Elizabeth
Mannor, Joyce
Manor, Terry W.
Marcotte, Lawrence
Markosky, Michelle
Marohn, Ron & Terri
Marshall, Mike
Marshall, Steve
Marsman, Owen
Marvin, Rhonda
Mary Free Bed
Mast, Tina
Mazurek, Anna & Blake
Mazurek, Chris
Mazurek, Mary
Mazurek, Rick&Rosemary
McCabe, John & Patricia
McCormick, Kathy
McPherson, Julia
Meijer
Meuser, Scott
Meyer, Lynn
Meyer, Muriel
Michigan Paint Horse
Assn
Michigan RV Carpeting
Milanowski, Sharon
Millbrook Tack and Trailer
Miller, Douglas & Kristi
Miller, Eric & Barb
Miller, Mindy
Mitchell, Kim
Mohr, Claude
Molde, Brian & Holly
Moore, Margaret Ann
Moore, Tammy
Morrill, Ashley
Morr’s Western Store
Morse, John & Kelly
Mraz, Rachel
Mulder, James
Murdock, Sandra
Murphy, Julia
Mustert, Michelle
Nawrocki, Joseph & Amy
Nester, Jennifer
Nicholson, Edith
Nolan, Theresa
Nordlie
North Bay Produce, Inc
Northern Cross
Foundation
Notions Marketing
OBrian, Tom & Robin
Offeringa, Mrs. Harry
On Stage Services
Ortiz Family
Osco Operator Specialty
Ott, Jeff & Trina
Ottenweller, Steve
Overbeek, Dale & Kathy
Owens, Faith
Page Hardware
Paletta, LuAnn
Parker, Jan & Don
Pascavis, Dan
Pasi, Geralyn
Patterson, Patricia
Peck, Constance
Pelton, Coreen
Perkins, Keith
Perrigo Family Foundation
Persons, Emma
Persons, Kathryn
Pezzato, Kathy
Pfizer Foundation
Pfund, Lynn
Picard, Michael
Pickard, Gordon
Plainte, Angela
Pless, Ruth
Pleune Service Company
Ploinski, Christine
Poulias, Barbara
Poulias, Stephanie
Prestige Floor Covering
Price, James
Professional’s Choice
Quist, Timothy & Lisa
Raper, Robert & Terese
Ray, Cheryl
Rehkopf, Vicki
Reister, Paula
Rienks, Betty
Rigney, Erin
Riley, Allyson
Riley, Tisha
Ritsema, Shirley
Robinson, Patricia
Rockford Animal Clinic
Rocky, Kathy
The Blocher Family
The Bridle Path
The Buist Foundation
The Clorox Co.
Foundation
The Heffron Family
The Linsley Family
The McCallum Family
The McCulley Family
The Passero Family
The Todd Family
The Tyndall Family
The W. S. Reed Co.
Thomas, Patti
Thornwood Equine
Thurston, Adeana
Trierwerriler, Dan
Trotter, Jessica
Truskowski, Beth
Tubich, Terry Ann
Tull, David & Sara
Tyndall, Carter & Anna
Tyndall, Richard &
Christina
UPS Foundation
VanAndel, Stephen &
Cynthia
VanderHyde, Diane
Vanderhyde, Linda
VanderWal, Kali
VanDyke, Kevin
VonEschen, Suzanne
Voss Glass
Waldvogel, Steven & Shari
Wallace, Aminah
Walters, Helen
Ward, Gwendolyn
Warner, Norcross & Judd
Watson, Ruth
Wemmer, Scott
Westview Greenhouses
Wieland, Margaret
Willman, Lora
Winnie, Harold & Teri
Wintergerter, “Toots”
Wittenbach, Marnie
Wittenbach, Ray & Joy
Wollney, Betsy & Rob
Wolverine World Wide
Woodworth, Barbara
Wright, Chuck & Shirley
Wright, Jack & Deb
Zifferblatt, Patricia
THANK YOU,
DONORS!
YES, I BELIEVE IN THE HEALING POWER OF EQUINE THERAPY!
Enclosed is my gift of:
Rollin M. Gerstacker
Fund
Rotary East Charities
Rothwell, Richard & Lisa
Russell, Candi
Saur, Timothy & Sarah
Sawinski, Karen
Scales, Christine
Scheid, Harry & Jean
Schilling, Beth
Schlosser, Charles
Schoenborn, Mary & Ken
Scholten, Marilyn
Schroeder, Jeffery
Schroeder, Hannah
Schuiling, Julie
Schultz, Jack & Elizabeth
Scranton, Kirk
Secord, Jack & Judy
Selected Technologies
Sevens Paint
Shubert, Jane
Sidebotham, Robert
Siebert, Amy
Skutt, Jenny
Slaby, Karen
Slater, Norrie
Smith Bros Contracting
Smith, Brian
Smith, Carolyn
Snyder, David
Sochacki, Katie
Sorrelle, Nancy & Tom
Spangeburg, Mark
Sparta High School
Sparta Lions Club
Spica, Beth
Springer, Bruce
St Louis, Jeanette
St. John Vianney Church
Standale Recognition
Steffes, Mark
Stewart, John
StraightEdge Construction
Swanson, Drs. Genevieve
& Alfred
Swanson, Kelly
Sykes, Janet & Stewart
Sykes, Lois & Morris
T&T tools, Inc
Taylor, Angela & Jeremy
Tegner, Millie
Terpstra, Nicholas
The Big Chipper
❑ $100
❑ $75
❑ $50
❑ $25
❑ $_____other
❑ I will become a monthly sponsor in the following program:
(Please call for more information. )
❑ Sponsor a Student
❑ Sponsor a Stall
❑ Mortgage and Insurance Fund
❑ Adopt a Horse
❑ Farrier and Vet Fund ❑ Hay and Oats Fund ❑ Where Most Needed
❑ I am interested in becoming a volunteer at Equest.
❑ I have specific skills/talent/experience in the area of
__________________________and I want to help. Please contact me!
❑ I own a horse that could be very useful as an “equine therapist.” I would like to learn more about the specifics of gifting or
loaning a horse to Equest and my tax options. Please send me information.
Name___________________________________
Address__________________________________
City________________ST___Zip____________
Daytime Phone_______________ Evening Phone________________
Email_______________@____________
❑ Please send information about Equest to these friends of mine:
Name___________________________________
Address__________________________________
City________________ST___Zip____________
Email_______________@____________
Name___________________________________
Address__________________________________
City________________ST___Zip____________
Email_______________@____________
❑ We aim to eliminate duplicate or unwanted mail. Please check this box and fax or mail back to us if you are not interested in
receiving future mailings.
The Equest Board of
Directors welcomes
your comments and
inquiries.
Jeff Ott - President
Partner,Warner, Norcross & Judd
Jeff Agar - Treasurer
Director - Supply Chain
Managament, Steelcase, Inc
Rick Awtrey - Secretary
Vice President - Centennial Securities
Lori “Maranda” Cook - Member
Wood TV 8 and Grand Rapids Press
Anna Mazurek - Member
Kent Neurological Association
MS Society
Blake Mazurek - Member
Grandville Public Schools
Rachel Mraz - Member
Merril Lynch
All gifts to Equest are tax deductible. Please make checks payable to: Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Inc. and send to:
3777 Rector NW, Rockford, MI 49341, or call us at (616)866.3066
Thank you for your gift to Equest!
6
EQUEST CENTER’S
STAND-OUT
EQUINE THERAPISTS OF THE MONTH
VOLUNTEERS
Giovanni (Nickname “Gio”)
Glen Moufat
June Arver
Registered Name: Giovanni
Birth year: 1988
Date came to Equest: 2003
Breed: Hanoverian
Shelly Fox
Donated by: Dan & Kelly Trierwerriler
Interesting Facts: Giovanni is an incredible horse who can
perceive the abilities of his riders and vary his movements to
suit their needs. As a therapy horse carrying more severely
impaired riders, his patience and gentleness really shines
through. With more experienced individuals he harkens
back to his dressage days and performs more intricate moves.
We’re blessed to have such a versatile horse at our facility!
Tina Mast
Dice
Katie Mourand
Registered Name: Dice
Birth year: 1978
Date came to Equest: 2001
Breed: Thoroughbred/
Quarter horse cross
Robin Block
Kelly Wykowski
Loraine Haisma
Kaleigh Arver
Beth Hovey
Sex: gelding
Height: 16.2 hands
Weight: 1100 lbs
Color: brown
Markings: Coronet band
Sex: mare
Height: 16 hands
Weight: 1100 lbs
Color: chestnut
Markings: Star and strip,
anklet
Donated by: Laura Hense
Interesting Facts: Dice is a compassionate therapy horse
that bonds closely with her riders, and can handle everyone
from the strongly impaired to the young independent
rider. Dice has had to overcome her own physical
difficulties to become a therapy horse. She has Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is similar
to Asthma in humans. She even has her own inhaler! As
a result of the generous donations from the community
and our Equest family, we have been able to keep her on
the medications necessary for her health. She is a valuable
member of our program.
EASTER EGG HUNT RAISES $7,000
Stephanie Poulias
Kaley VanderWal
Meg Moore
Gail Dillenmouth
Jules Bush
Lora Willman
Blake Mazurek
Terri Gordon
Diane VanderHyde
Jane Chambers
Doug LeCoy
E
quest Center for Therapeutic Riding welcomed hundreds of Egg
Hunters and a sky full of sunshine to its 3rd Annual Breakfast
with the Bunny on Saturday, March 26th.
Virtually ALL areas of the facility were filled with fun of all kinds. A
petting zoo, photo opportunities with the bunny, face painting, the
beautiful sounds of the stringed quartet Amaden, arts & crafts for the
kids and a brunch, donated and professionally catered by Applause
Catering, filled the Equest building and indoor arena while the outdoor
area and pastures produced thousands of candy-filled eggs amidst the
lingering snow.
The event raised over $7,000.00 for the Center and will be used
for rider scholarships and operational funds. We’re
very grateful for the support of
our
sponsors
Centennial
Securities,
Applause
Catering,
Wo l v e r i n e
World Wide
and Mr. Paul
Buben who
shared
his
phenomenal
wagon and team
of horses with us
for the event!
did you get the puzzle right? find out here!
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, CALL EQUEST AT 616-866-3066
7
Art Gallery
Perspective
FROM THE EDITOR
I
hope this newsletter showcases what I love
most about Equest: everybody is special.
The area’s largest companies are just as
important to Equest as three girls with a lemonade
stand. Heavy equipment operators, company
presidents, college students and retired people come
here to work side by side to make Equest a better
place. Around our horses, equine professionals are
as critical as volunteer side walkers. That’s what
this newsletter celebrates. Equest Center is a local
organization serving local children and adults
with special needs. In a world where suffering is
so great; things seems so hopeless, it feels like your
contribution doesn’t change anything. Not so at
Equest. You can see firsthand how your time and
money make a profound difference. That’s pretty
special.
This last year, as I struggled with a great tragedy in
my own life, I have asked God many times why He
allows children to be born so badly damaged and
why some people get so terribly hurt. I have no
answer but I do know this: tragedy, pain, disability
and handicaps bring out the best in people
surrounding it. Common people seem to rise to
the occasion. We see that in our Equest family all
the time. People who would otherwise sit in front
of the TV now come with a shovel, a hammer, a
computer or a checkbook. Seeing suffering so
close-up both changes and challenges people. If
you dare to join us, it will change and challenge
you. Today we have a great opportunity to make
Equest Center a showplace like no other. We can
literally triple the size of the Center. Children
and adults with severe disabilities are counting on
it. We need a lot of money and we need a lot of
volunteers. Will you join all the people you met in
this newsletter?
When you join us, you may be in for the ride of
your life! Enjoy this issue!
L
“ o ving Horses”
A COLLECTION OF ORIGINAL CONTEMPORARY WORKS.
NOW AT THE EQUEST CENTER THROUGH OCTOBER 15.
ON LOAN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTIONS AND FOUNDATIONS.
All My Friends - colored pencils
by Katie Mourand
Rinck J.. Heule
Editor-in-Chief
Equest Times
IN MEMORIAM
Carol Linsley
W
e are most grateful for the generosity of Mallory
Hinkley who, after the sudden passing of her
mother Carol, graciously offered Equest Center
the opportunity to purchase the neighboring land, which
would triple the size of our facility, and allow us the opportunity to expand our program and serve even more special
needs riders who are currently on the waiting list. Carol’s
spirit will live on in the smiling faces of the riders as they maneuver through the trees, tall grasses and flowers, enjoying
the many wonderful scents of nature, listening to the sounds
of singing birds and crickets as they sit perched atop their
mount on the outdoor therapeutic riding trail. The kindness and generosity of Mallory and the Linsley Family
will NOT be forgotten. May God Bless Them Always.
Get Well Soon Ray - markers and pencils
by a Ray lover
Equest Center can be designated on United Way pledge forms. Those
forms should be available from your employer. You need to be aware that
Equest will not appear on the primary listing of United Way agencies
that are typically included with your pledge form. However, we are an
eligible organization to receive funding. Your form will have a “write in”
area where you simply need to specify that you want part or all of your
donation to be directed to the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Published by Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, Inc.. Equest is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Your
gifts are tax deductible. For more information on therapeutic riding, please visit www.nahra.com or come and
visit us at 3777 Rector NE, Rockford, MI 49341 You can call us at 616-866-3066.
Concept, design, layout and production donated by HeuleGordon, Inc. Pre-Media and Print Management
Thank you, printers at News Web Printing Services of Greenville, MI, for making us look so sharp!
EQUEST
TIMES
We improve quality of life through equine-based therapy to physically,
mentally and socially / emotionally challenged individuals. Our unique
program integrates academic, social and physical skills, using the horse
as a catalyst.
We welcome your letters. Please send them to: Equest Center for
Therapeutic Riding, Inc. 3777 Rector NE, Rockford, MI 49341, or
email us at equestcenter@aol.com. You can call us at 616-866-3066.
Member Center
North American Riding for the Handicapped
Association Denver, Co.
Non-Profit Organization
US Postage
PAID
3777 Rector NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Bobby with his horsemanship award
another Equest CHAMPION!
Greenville, MI 48838
Permit# 338