the PDF version of this newsletter

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CIRCLE of Friends!
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page 2
Published for friends of the
MEET our Instructors
Page 5
Equest Center
Equest
A story of
Courage and Hope
Page 6
Page 3
for Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Free of charge
Times
Fall 2006
3777 Rector NE, Rockford, MI 49341 You can call us at 616-866-3066.
“How wonderful it is that nobody
need wait a single moment before
starting to improve the world”
Anne Frank
Fabulous Fashion
SECTION
131
...
y
a
w
n
u
r
On the
own
s
’
t
s
e
Equ MODELS
SUPER
US-
S
he may be only 13 years old, visited the Equest Center, went Center instead of bringing gifts.”
but Elizabeth Finklestein al- through volunteer training and Envelopes with checks started
ready is making history. Over told my parents I wanted everyone arriving at the Equest Center from
a few short months, Elizabeth raised to send a donation to the Equest Florida, Colorado, Illinois, and even
over $11,000.00 for her favorite
Germany.
charity, Equest Center for TheraElizabeth anticipated she might
peutic Riding in Rockford. “This
raise a few hundred dollars
is so amazing – Elizabeth has
for the Center. She estimated
raised more than any other young
a bit low. In the end, she
person had ever done in the hismade a donation of more than
tory of the Center,” said Kathy
$11,000.00. Pezzato was moved
Pezzato, executive director of the
to tears. “This young lady makes
center.
me so incredibly proud,” Pezzato
How did she do it? With a little
said, “She was able to come out
help from her friends and family.
and see our riders simply as other
“As my family was planning for my
kids who shared her passion. She
Bat-Mitzvah, I was thinking how
gave something special to kids in
I didn’t want any gifts because I
need.”
have everything I need, and there
The money will go towards
are so many kids that are more in
scholarships for special needs
need than me,” Elizabeth said.
riders this coming school year.
“Since I have a love for horses,
I wanted to do something
(original article written by
horse-related. So, we found
Maranda, an Equest board
the Equest Center online and This fall Elizabeth also donated her horse member, for the Grand Rapids
love what they do for kids. I Grizzly to our center!
Press © Grand Rapids Press.)
PAGE 4: FULL COLOR
Existing
Land
OUR New
Acquisition
is now
COMPLETE.
THANK YOU,
DONORS!
Rector Road
PAGE 8: meet Cowboy Poet
INSIDE this ISSUE:
First spotted at EQUEST:
also INSIDE:
Honey ROCKS
at VanAndel
n
a
m
r
e
k
c
Nick A
Scientists marvel at discovery
Easter Buffies display
TOUGH LOVE FOR EQUEST
She must hide behind special
barricade to ward off her fans!!
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
Rockford Start of
Summer Celebration
tor
irec
D
e
h
t
m
Fro
S
Dear Equest,
Elizabeth
ince our doors opened over 15 years ago,
Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding has
been blessed by the giving spirit of so many
who support our program and all of the special
needs riders we serve. This past year, however,
one young lady showered Equest with blessings
unlike any we had experienced before.
As 12 – year old Elizabeth Finkelstein was
preparing for her Bat-Mitzvah she decided she
didn’t want her family and friends to buy her
presents—she wanted to share her joy with others
less fortunate than herself. Elizabeth, an avid
equestrian and horse owner herself, found out
about our center online and loved the idea of
becoming involved. After visiting the center and
going through volunteer orientation she chose
Equest Center as her mission. In a card being sent
out regarding Elizabeth’s Bat-Mitzvah the words
read:
“In lieu of any gifts, Elizabeth asks out of the
kindness of your heart, that a donation be made to
help the ongoing therapy done at the Equest Center
for Therapeutic Riding.”
Throughout the coming weeks a sea of donations
came rolling in from all over the United States
and other countries totaling over $11,000!
If that wasn’t enough, we recently received a call
from Elizabeth stating that she wanted to donate
her horse “Grizzly” to our Therapeutic Riding
Program. Grizzly is now at our center and is
proving to be an outstanding therapy horse.
Elizabeth Finkelstein is a most gracious young
lady with amazing character and a giving spirit
far beyond her years! She is a shining example
for young and old alike. The donations made to
Equest Center in her honor have been applied to
the Rider Scholarship Fund and have provided
the opportunity for many of our special needs
riders who are in financial need to continue to
experience the physical, mental and emotional
healing Equest Center’s Therapeutic Riding
brings to them.
Won’t you consider joining in Equest’s Circle
of Friends with Elizabeth? All donations are tax
deductible and are greatly appreciated.
We are happy to donate $108.00
to you! Chandler Woods 4th
grade students from Mrs.
Mooney's class. We made
charm pins and sold them
for $2.00 each...and are happy
to give you the money we
earned.
I hope to do this for you each
Spring.
Sincerely,
Ruth Mooney
HORSIN’ AROUND
Please Mr. police officer...don’t give us a parking ticket!
quest Center for Therapeutic Riding was featured in the
Rockford Start of Summer Parade. Many thanks to Paul
VanderLaan and his stunning team of horses.
E
Summer Horse
Camp Huge Success
Remembering our friend Ray
Memorial Garden in
honor of Ray
Honey & Freckles
LIVE at VanAndel
O
ur deepest appreciation goes
out to Jules and Jacquelyn Bush
for creating “Equest’s Memorial
Gardens” in honor of therapy horse Ray
who touched so many
lives. The garden is
located along the path
of the future outdoor
Therapeutic Riding trail.
T
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!
!
ps
oo
F
or those of you who would like nothing better
than to spend an entire week around horses,
Equest Center’s Horsemanship Day Camp is
just for you! Our camp is available for all horse lovers, beginning through advanced riders. Our ultimate goal is to teach participants what it would be
like to have a horse of their own.
his Fall Equest Center partnered with the VanAndel
Museum for the Horsin’ Around the Museum Event as
part of the Pet’s in America Exhibit.
Equine Therapists Honey & Freckles traveled to downtown
Grand Rapids for the day to enjoy meeting hundreds of
museum visitors & horse lovers and give them a taste of what
Therapeutic Riding is all about! Equest Center’s Equestrians
Kendra Gleason, Kyle Teunissen and Rosie Accola did a
fantastic job providing therapeutic riding demonstrations for
those attending. Many thanks to the VanAndel Museum &
everyone who made this day such a success!
At camp, you will enjoy an entire week focused around
horses. Boys and girls, 8 years and older will enjoy
daily riding lessons; instruction in horse care and
feeding; proper tack selection; basic veterinary skills;
driving lessons; games and crafts with horse themes
and Much More! Plus, all campers will participate
in a horse show on Friday- parents and spectators are
welcome! TENTATIVE SCHEDULE on page 5
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
OUR LOSS
Ashleigh Marie Kieliszewski
In January of this year we received a call from a mother who said she had a 4 year old daughter named Ashleigh with a type of cancer called
neuroblastoma. The family had just received the results from scans that the cancer was literally everywhere in her little body and she had a very
short time left to live. What she wished for was to be able to ride a horse. Ashleigh came out the next day to ride.. .
W
e had given Ashleigh’s Mom our
website address so she could see
the horses and Ashleigh picked
out Freckles and Silver as her favorites.
Kelly, Ashleigh’s instructor, had her ride
Freckles and that little pony was phenomenal! They walked (mostly because trotting was too painful for Ashleigh) around
for over an hour. Kelly taught Ashleigh
how to steer and stop and Freckles listened
to those tiny movements like an angel. After she rode she brushed and brushed and
brushed... Freckles’ fur was perfect when
she was finished!
She did go out back and meet the other
horses, but before she left she had to see
Freckles again and show her the horse shoe
with her name on it and the Stuffed horse
(which happened to look like Freckles) and
the Briar horses that were put together for
her. What an amazing connection between
the two. As she was leaving the barn she
said “Daddy, I love Freckles.”
Ashleigh’s parents had planned to have
Ashleigh come back and ride the next
week, but Ashleigh’s deteriorating health
situation kept preventing that from
happening, so—we packed up Freckles
and Makayla in a horse trailer and brought
them to Ashleigh’s house for a visit. Most
people are not used to seeing horses in
their living room, but Ashleigh seemed to
think it was pretty cool!
Nine days later Ashleigh passed away at
home with her Mom and Dad laying next
to her.
Ashleigh’s parents, Amy & Jeff, are creating
a collection of books in Ashleigh’s memory
including a book titled “Ashleigh & Freckles”
which recounts their daughter’s wish to
ride a horse, the visit to Equest Center
and the amazing bond & friendship that
was formed between Ashleigh & Freckles.
The book should be available in 2007. A
portion of the proceeds will be donated to
Equest Center in honor of Ashleigh.
Jeff & Amy have formed Ashleigh Marie
Books, LLC - wisH...wOnder...insPire...
lovE. and are currently working on the
website. They will keep everyone posted
on when the book is ready for distribution.
(See
http://www.caringbridge.org/mi/
ashleigh/ for details)
Ashleigh and her parents and family are
nothing short of amazing. We are so
blessed for having had the opportunity to
know this little angel and are truly inspired
by the love and dedication her family and
parents have shown.
May God bless them always.
Ashleigh, Mom and Dad, and Freckles
Mom, there’s a horse in the living room!
Because Ashleigh was too sick to come
to Equest, Freckles and Makayla came
to visit her nice neighborhood.
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
Lilly
Dakota
Fred & Bill
Sidney
Zephyr
Mr. Foot
Available Now
Freckles
Silver
Giovanni
Scarlet
Grizzly
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Challenger
The Perfect Gift for Every Horse Lover
Gambler
Webster
F
inally THEY’RE HERE!
Silver Sponsors:
Bronze Sponsors:
The Johnson Family
Mountain Man Marinade
Dudley Graphics
“Growing the Circle of Friends” Cards
H
ere is a great way to tell your family, friends, collegues, vendors and customers
about the Equest Center. Send them a “Circle of Friends” greeting card! These
beautiful cards are printed in full color on fine paper. Cards and matching envelopes are available FREE OF CHARGE to anyone who wants to send them. The more
supporters we get, the more special needs people we can serve. Please use the order form
on page 6 or call our office. We also offer brochures explaining the benefits of therapeutic
riding.
Program sponsored by:
Pre-Media and Print Management
Donʼt
forget
the
stamp!
Gold Sponsor:
Honey
Donʼt
forget
the
stamp!
Domino
Tape shut with the reply envelope in the middle
Tape shut wit
h the reply env
elope in the mi
ddle
Charlie
Equest Center for Therapeutic
Riding now has T-shirts available
e
featuring each of our very special
Check out thes
!
ts
Equine Therapists! Shirts are available
fabulous ha
in a variety of sizes (from 4T to adult
$18.00
sizes 4X). Special orders are available. Wow! a plush, stand-up
Makes fantastic Gifts!
h Equest
erapy horse wit
th
le
Thanks to our sponsors, we can offer
on her little sadd
these beautiful shirts for only $15.00 logo
$15.00
each. Every dollar you donate over
Also available:
and above $15.00 will work hard for
$8.00
beanie horses:
special rider sponsorships.
Please use the reply form on page 6 to
Thank you riders, instructors and volunteers for modeling for this
place your orders. Thank you!
page .Thank you, Tiffany Sinkule for providing photography.
Commando
HEALINGHA
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LOVEHAPPENS
HEALINGHAPPENS
CAREHAPP
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If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
VOLUNTEER GROUPS
Cornerstone Volunteer Group
UPS Volunteer Group
Alticor “One by One”
Volunteer Group
Alticor has sent eight groups
of employees to Equest this
summer alone, totaling
approximately 200 people
who collectively donated
literally HUNDREDS of
volunteer hours!
Steelcase Volunteer Group
Find out how YOU can become a volunteer. Call 866.3066 Today!!!!
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ab
I can find
Wonder if rg...
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equestcente
WWW.EQUESTCENTER.ORG
Designed by
Sparta High School
K
eep up to date on the latest Equest
News through the Equest Center website located at www.equestcenter.org .
Features include:
- Calendar of Events
- Therapeutic Riding Program & Volunteer
Information (including forms available for
download)
- Summer Horsemanship Day Camp
(including forms available for download)
- Photos and Biographies of all of our
Equine Therapists
- Wish List
- Online Newsletters
- Much More
We are now able to accept donations by
VISA or Mastercard directly from our
website!
Calendar of Events
2nd Fall (6th session): Nov 6 through Dec 15, 2006
(Closed Nov 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving)
Nov 15 through Dec 15, 2007: Dream Dinners = Dream
Dollars! A fundraiser for Equest Center (4 weeks)
Sun Nov 19, 2006:
Rivertown Crossings “Festival of Caring” 11:00am-6:00 pm
Ticket Sales 3-4 weeks prior to event
Dec 2, 2006: Annual Holiday Horse Show All Equest
Riders Invited to Participate!
Holiday Break (no classes): Dec 18, 2006 through Jan
7, 2007
Sat Jan 6, 2007:
Volunteer Orientation and Training
10am-1pm
1st Winter (1st session): Jan 8 through Feb 9, 2007
Off week Feb 12 through Feb 16, 2007
Feb 13, 2007:
Volunteer Orientation and Training 6am-9pm
Sat. Feb 17, 2007: Volunteer Horse Show
2nd Winter (2nd session): Feb 19 through March 30,
2007
Off week April 2 through April 6, 2007
Sat Mar 17, 2007:
Volunteer Orientation and Training 10am-1pm
April 7, 2007: Breakfast with the Bunny
Spring/Summer (3rd session): April 9 through June 1,
2007
Off week June 4 through June 8, 2007
Sat May 12, 2007:
Volunteer Orientation and Training
10am-1pm
June 5, 2007:
Volunteer Orientation and Training
6pm-9pm
Summer (4th Session): June 11 through Aug 3, 2007
Off Week July 2 through 6
Sat July 14, 2007:
Volunteer Orientation and Training
10am-1pm
Summer Horsemanship Day Camp:
Session 1: June 11-15, 2007
Session 2: June 18-22, 2007
Session 3: June 25-29, 2007
Session 4: July 9-13, 2007
Session 5: July 16-20, 2007
Session 6: July 23-27, 2007
Summer Respite (no classes) Aug 4 through Sep 3, 2007
Sat Aug 25, 2007:
Volunteer Orientation and Training
10am-1pm
1st Fall (5th Session): Sept 4 through Oct 26, 2007
Off week Oct 29 through Nov 2, 2007
Oct 6, 2007:
Horsin’ Around Hoedown for Equest’s Kids 5:3011:00PM
2nd Fall (6th session): Nov 5 through Dec 14, 2007
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
The Equest Staff
Kathy Pezzato
Marci DeVries Kelly Wujkowski June Arver Stephani Johnson Angela Taylor
Jan Parker Karen Beasley, Laura Pingston Jennifer Dys Stephanie Poulias Donna Wolz
Volunteer
Instructor
Instructor
Executive Director Equine Program
Instructor
Instructor
Instructor
Office Manager Client Program Facilities
Instructor
Coordinator,
Coordinator,
Coordinator, Coordinator
Instructor
Instructor
Instructor
Please visit www.equestcenter.org for our schedule of
activities and events and our wish list (gifts-in-kind)
Abma, Loreen
Accola, Brian & Karen
Adams, George
Adelson, Ellen
Aetna Foundation
Agar, Jeffery
Agar, John
Algoma Sunshine Circle
Alkema, Kenneth
Alpha Iota of Grand
Rapids
Alticor
Antonucci, Barbara &
James
Antonucci, Joseph
Antonucci, Joseph &
Mary
Antonucci, Raymond &
Pamela
Antonucci, Raymond and
Marlene
Antonucci, Thomas
& Sara
Applause Catering
Aunt Candy’s Toy
Company Donations
Awtrey, Rick
Ballard, Bob
Barkalow, Mildred
Barrett, Jenny
Barth, Mary
Battershall, Stephanie
Baudville, INC
Bauer, Brandi
Bean, Robert
Beck, Marcella
Beineman, Barbara
Belfer, Celina & Daniel
Belfer, Claire rev. liv. trust
Bement, Patricia
Bennett, Eric
Berg, Nancy
Berigan, Kayla
Besser Family Trust
Better Life Institute, Inc
Betz, Kenneth
Beutner, Roger & Marcia
Billings Feed Store, Inc
Billings Lawn Equipment
Bissell, Vicki and Matthew
Blacklidge, Gabriele
Blake, Monta
Boals, Timothy & Dana
Bodner, Seymour and
Anita
Bookman, Larry M.D
Boorstein, Michelle and
John
Boorstein, William and
Donna
Bott, Bruce
Bridle Path
Brown Lake Association
Bruin, Michael
Brunink, Karen & Melvin
Buist Foundation
Bunting, Karen
Burkhart, Mary
Busk, Chad
Cameron, John
Campbell, Jill
Candela, David
CAPTAIN, OLIVIA
Casmier, Karen
Centennial Securities
Chambers, Janet
Chandler Woods
Chapman, Patricia
Chase, Ruth Ann
Christensen, Sharon
Chvala, Michelle
Clink, Virginia &
William
Clover, Brent & Deborah
Cogan, Jill
Colwill, Kathy
Conklin, John
Conners, Cynthia
Cook, Ronald & Lori
Cormier, Louise
Cornell Farms
Crittenden, Kelly
Crittenden, Mary &
David
Daley, Dana
Darooge, Bill
DeHaus, Mary
Dejonge, Louis and
Helen
Desibour, Cindi
Deurloo, David & Karen
DeVries, Eileen and Brian
Dietrich Foundation
Disabato, David & Ann
Disabato, Michael &
Roxann
Disosway, Glenn & Susan
Disosway, Mark D
Doane, Elsie
Dolinka, Marvin & Mary
Doyle, Brian
Dr Bonnie Searles
Dr Duane Fitzgerald,
DVM
Dr Trish VandenBrink,
DVM
Dragoo, Mary Ann
Draper, Jack
Dreyer, Joan
Drooger, Dale
Dudley Graphics
Dupuis, Beth
Dykwel, Rick and Susan
Easley, Robert
Eenhoorn LLC Operating
Eichenberg, Dale
Eichenberg, Lucille
Eilleen & Brian DeVries
Family Foundation
Einfeld, Kevin & Lori
Embo, Albert &
Rosemary
Evans, Rosemarie
Eyde, David & Jeanne
Fairchild Tire Company
Falk, Jim & Peggy
Ficeli, John & Marcia
Filler, Paul
Finkelstein Morton &
Margaret
Finkelstein Trust
Finkelstein, David
Finkelstein, Edward
& Kay
Finkelstein, Elizabeth
Fischer, Sherry
Fishman, Ellen
Forman, Mary
Fox, Eleanor
Fox, Gayle & Gregory
Frankel,Richard and Ann
Friedman, Stanley and
Minna-Rae
Garage Sale
Gardella, John
Gary W. Dietrich Family
Foundation
Geelhoed, Jayne
Geels, Marilyn
Geyer, Tamara
Gilmore, Gene
Girl Scout Troop #2229
Girl Scout Troop #2312
Glaser, Abe
Gleason, John
Gleason, Robert &
Sandra
Godlewski, Linda L.
Gordon, Terri
Grand Arbor Gleaner Life
Society
Grand Rapids Western
Horse Club
Grant, Kent and Lisa
Gravelyn, John A.
Great Lakes Veterinary
Complex
Greenberg, Delores
Greenberg, Mitchell and
Leslie
Gremel, Meredith &
Andrew
Guthrie. Laurel
Haisma, Lorraine
Hamlin, Robert &
Kaylyn
Hammer, Denise
Hand, Charles
Harmon, Steven
Harrison, Barbara
Heinbeck, Cynthia &
Ronald
Heinz, Margaret
Hendrickson, Stephen
& Angie
Henkey, Robert & Marcy
Hense, Laura
Herman, Donald & Bluma
Herman Miller
Foundation
Herz, Myrn
Heule, Carl
Heule, Rinck
HeuleGordon, Inc.
Hinkley, Mallory
Hobson, Daniel
Hoffman, John
Honeysett, Greg
Hoogstra, Betsy
Hormuth, Lisa
Hoxie Building
Hoyt, Liz
Huff, Shirley
Ingersoll, Lee & Patricia
Jacobson, Mike &
Roberta
Jacobson, Stuart
Jaskie, Henry & Suzette
Javery, Keith and Janice
Jeff A Hundley Trust
Joan & Associates
John M. Behrend
Johnson, Arnold Mr.
& Mrs.
Jones, Richard & Karen
Kantorowski, Marcia
and John
Kawasaki Motors
Corp.,USA
Kaylin, Mark & Joann
Keeney, Kay
Killgore, Harley
Kircheis, Ginger
Kirchhoff, Stephen &
Marleen
Kirschner, Myrna
Klaasan,Ranay
Klaiss, Gary & Susan
Klooster, Bruce & Laura
Knights of Columbus,
Council 12258
Knights of Columbus
- 8117
Knights of Columbus
Council 13641
Knoll, Marguerite
Kober, Debbie
Kogelschatz, Richard and
Cynthia
Kooienga, Tom & Lois
Kool Chevrolet
Kretschman, Mary
Kropf, Janine
Krouse, Neal & Lydia
Kuhn, Rex
Landane, Janet
Lankford, Steve & Laura
Lassig, Steven
Levitt, David & Stacey
Lewis, Albert and Shirley
Lindblom, Ronald &
Jayne
Linear OSCO Operators
Lobbes, Kenneth
Locke, Sidney & Shirley
Lorentz, Carlene
Lubner, Joan and Joseph
Lucas, Leroy & Barbara
Ludwig, Peter and Mary
Lukey,Richard Sr. &
Marjorie
Lundstrum, Kendall
Lyon, Mary
MacGregor, Kevin &
Pamela
Macgregor-Indomenico,
Lauren
Madigan, Susan
Maier, Mike
Manes, Al & Beverly
Mannor, Joyce
Marshall & Wells
Company
Marshall, Benita
Marvin, Dawn
Marvin, Rhonda
Mary Free Bed
Mast Thoroughbreds
Matusiak, Debbie &
Robert
Mazurek, Blake & Anna
Mazurek, Richard &
Rosemary
McCormick, Kathy
McDonald, Dawn
McPherson, Julia
Meeter, Louisa
Meijer Foundation
Meijer, Doug & Starr
Metzner, Michel & Rita
Meyers, Glenn
Michigan Quarter Horse
Association
Mickley, Joseph G
Millbrook Tack & Trailer,
LLC
Miller, Jeffery & Karrinda
Miller, Matthew and Jill
Miller, Mindy
Minier, Jerrold & Lois
Mitchell, Kim
Moll, Michael and
Dianne
Monday, Peter
Moore, Margaret Ann
Moore, Rosalie
Morrison, David &
Nancy
Morton, Richard &
Jeanenne
Mountain Man Marinade
Mraz, Rachel
Mulder, Cray
Mulder, James
Mulder, Kristine
Mulder, Rodney &
Lucarol
Murphy, David & Susan
Nasso, Aurthor
Nicholson, Edith
Norian, Sandra TTE
Novak, Mark & Brenda
Offeringa M J General
Contractor
On Stage Services
Ott, Jeff
Ottenweller, Steve
Page Hardware
Pards Western Shoppe
Parker, Donald
Parker, Jan & Don
Pasi, Geralyn
Passero, Michael &
Lindsey Davidson
Patterson, Margaret
Patterson, Patricia
Pella Windows and Doors
Penfil,Kyhm
Piatek, Kimberly and
Peter
Pickerd, Brian & Rachel
Pickerd, Gordon &
Sharon
Pike, Alan and Pamela
Plainte, Angela
Platte, Fred
Pleune Service Company
Plous, Estelle
Postma, Dave
Potestio, Linda & Frank
Prangley, Les
Price, Marla
Price, Michael & Jo-An
Price, Nicole
Price, Robert & Ruth
Professional’s Choice
Pursuing A Dream
Foundation
Quinn, Andy
Raleigh J. Finkelstein
Trust
Rapistan Employee
Charitable Association
Rapp, Patricia
Reamon, Heather
Rehkopf, Vicki
Rehner, Douglas &
Barbara
Rettinger, Rick
Rigney, Erin
Risch, Anne
Risk Management
Consultants, Inc.
Robert W. Spica Trust
Roberts, Sheri
Rockford Animal Clinic
Rockford United
Methodist
Rocky, Kathy
Rodreguez, Rogelio &
Cynthia
Roguewood Elementary
Rollin M. Gerstacker
Foundation
Rosen, Mark & Jennifer
Rossio, Julie
Rothwell, William &
Sally
Rushlo, Dale & Deborah
Scales, James & Cheryl
THANK YOU,
DONORS!
Yes, I believe in the healing power of Equine Therapy!
Enclosed is my gift of:
Scholten, Marilyn
Schroeder, Jeffery
Schuh Excavating
Schwartz, Mary & Steven
Searles, Dr Bonnie
Selected Technologies
Incorporated
Selinger, Fred
Sernick, Milton & Judy
Sherman, Helayne
Siereveld, Karen &
Robert
Silverman, Albert
Silverstein, Authur and
Anita
Silverstein, Garnet
Simon, Sanford
Simons, Paul & Michelle
Slaby, Karen
Smith Brothers
Contracting
Smith, Brian
Spangenberg, Mark
Spartan Distributors
Spartan Stores, Inc.
Springer, Bruce
Spungen, Eric & Sharon
Spungen, Stanley and
Tamra
St Louis, Jeanette
St. John Vianney Church
Stark, Gloria
Stegehuis, Mary & Dan
Stewart, John
Stitt, Michael & Monica
Summit Industries Inc.
Sweet, Shirley
Sykes, Gay
T & T Tools, INC.
Taylor, Angela & Jeremy
Teri, Cheryl
Tichelaar, Ed
Timmerman, L.C.
Todd, Doug & Karen
Tomasunas, Mark &
Diane
Tuttle’s Select Cigars &
Tobaccos
Tyler, Mary
Tyndall, Carter & Anna
q $150 q $100
q $50
q $25
q $_____other
q Check enclosed
q Please bill my credit card____________________________ exp. date ___/____ _____________________________
Signature
q
q
q Please send me ___ T-shirts and ____ hats
Name___________________________________
q Horse Name(s)__________________________________
Address__________________________________
(please add $5.00 for shipping and handling)
City________________ST___Zip____________
Email_______________@____________
q Please send me ____Circle of Friends greeting cards
q I will become a monthly sponsor in the following program:
(Please call for more information. )
q Sponsor a Student q Sponsor a Stall
q Mortgage and Insurance Fund
q Adopt a Horse q Farrier and Vet Fund q Hay and Oats Fund q Where Most Needed
q I am interested in becoming a volunteer at Equest. q I have specific skills/talent/experience in the area of
__________________________and I want to help. Please contact me!
Unzens, Bruno
VanAndel, Stephen &
Cynthia
VanderHyde, Diane
Vanderhyde, Linda
VanderKooi, Glen
VanderLaan, Paul
Vanderspoel, Jackie &
Arnold
VanderWeele, Barbara
Vickery, Lynette
Vujea, Robert
Walters, Carla & Michael
Walters, Helen
Wanty, Nancy
Warner Norcross &
Judd LLP
Webb, Sharon & Terry
Weingartz Supply Co.
Weisberg, Esther
Weisberg, Fredric and
Nona
Wemmer, Scott
Wensco
Wessel, Todd
Westview Greenhouses
White, James
Wiegand, Michael and
Debra
Wiener, Michael & Elana
Wierenga, Jeffery
Wilholt, Robert
Williams, Sue
Willman, Lora
Wilson, Judith
Winegard, Mike & Larke
Winniman, Dana
Winniman, Joan and
Allan
Wisinski, Stanley &
Phyllis
Wolfson, Irvin & Brenda
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Wolz, Donna
Zdun, CJ
Zel, Inc.
Zifferblatt, Patricia
Zweiback, Judy
The Equest Board of
Directors welcomes
your comments and
inquiries.
Jeff Agar - President
Vice President-Genesis Seating
Rachel Mraz
Vice President of Finance
Financial Advisor - Merrill Lynch
Rick Awtrey - Secretary
Vice President - Centennial Securities
Jeff Ott
Partner - Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
Lori “Maranda” Cook
Wood TV 8 and Grand Rapids Press
q Please send me information concerning planned giving opportunities.
Rinck Heule
Managing Director - HeuleGordon, Inc.
q 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.
Doug Todd
President - Furniture Showcase
q Please send information about Equest to these friends of mine:
Name___________________________________
Address__________________________________
City________________ST___Zip____________
Email_______________@____________
Anna Mazurek
Kent Neurological Association
MS Society
q We aim to eliminate duplicate or unwanted mail. Please check this box if you are not interested in receiving future mailings.
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!
Blake Mazurek
Teacher- Grandville Public Schools
Gina Bovee
Planned & Major Gifts Director
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
EQUEST CENTER’S
STAND-OUT
VOLUNTEERS
Glenn Moffet
Outstanding EQUINE THERAPIST
Janet Chambers
Doug LeCoy
Christy Babcock
Lindsey Couterier
Gordon Pickford
Donna Wolz
Todd Driesenga
Meg Moore
Gail Dillenmuth
Jules Bush
Linda Godlewski
Blake Mazurek
Michelle Chvala
Laci Weidenfeller
Leah Woltanski
Megan Andrews
Sarah Hodge
Mary DeGroot
Sharon Nelson
Sandra Blumke
The Brower Family,
Ruth, Jenna, Aubrey
“ B RE A
KF
Debbie Wolz
Y”
Larke Winegard
A
W IT H T H
T
S
UNN
Loraine Haisma
Registered Name: Freckles
Birth year: 1980
Date came to Equest: 2005
Breed: Pony of Americas
Sex: mare
Height: 13.1 hands
Weight: 500 lbs
Color: roan
Markings: spotted blanket appaloosa
Donated by: The Boersma Family
EB
Nancy Patten
Freckles (Nickname “Freckles”)
BUNNY RAISES $7,500!
T
he Easter season attracts Bunnies
of all shapes and sizes to the Rockford area to raise money for Equest
Center’s special equestrians! This year was
certainly no exception!
The event raised over $7,500 for our rider
Scholarship Fund which is a critical need at
our center. It is Equest Center’s firm policy
to never turn away any rider due to an
inability to pay. This fundraiser helped us
to reach that goal!
Visitors and bunny fans alike enjoyed a
wonderful breakfast, graciously donated and
catered by Applause Catering, wagon rides,
a full petting zoo, Arts & Crafts for the
kids, face painting, music from the stringed
quartet “Amaden”, photo opportunities
with the Bunny and - OF COURSE– An
Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the Easter
Bunny himself!
Many Thanks To our Event Sponsors:
Applause Catering
Centennial Securities
Buist Electric
Wolverine World Wide
Special Thanks to:
Amadaun- Musical Stringed Quartet
Leather N’ Lace - 4-H Group
Paul VanderLaan - For his wonderful
team of horses and wagon
Farm Animals on the Go- Petting Zoo
Alpha Iota Sorority - special assistants to the
Bunny
Our wonderful team of Volunteers!
If you want to make a donation or are interested in volunteering, call Equest at 616-866-3066
Art Gallery
“The Freedom Riders”
from the Editor
A
t Equest, we get calls regularly from people
interested in donating horses to the Center.
Each and every one of these calls is followed
up on with deep appreciation. Marci DeVries and
Jan Parker have received special training in evaluating these prospects for therapy work. They travel
to many horse barns to meet these generous horse
owners. Only a small percentage of the horses
that are so kindly offered actually end up in our
program. Those that are selected undergo a rigorous set of tests and – if successful– enter into the
program on a trial basis first. This careful selection
process is an essential part of our program.
Marci or Jan look for horses with excellent
disposition. They need some very large horses and
some very small ones. Some wide ones and some
narrow ones. Horses with certain gaits work better
for some therapy techniques than others.
If you would ask them what’s LEAST important in
a therapy horse these equine professionals would
probably say something like “a good horse doesn’t
have a bad color”. Color is totally irrelevant.
In our pastures we have horses that were once
appraised at over $100,000.00. We also have some
that never cost more than $500.00. We have black
and white and yellow horses. At Equest, they all eat
the same hay and are all loved the same.
As we tack up these horses for our eager riders,
it is very clear that suffering and pain do not
discriminate. I am so very proud to be part of an
organization that does not care what the color of
your skin is, what religion you subscribe to or what
your social or financial status is. Our riders are all
equally loved and cared for.
Even if you are not “into horses”, I wish for you to
come and take a sunday afternoon stroll through
our pastures. You will see firsthand: the horses of
Equest are making the world a better place.
Enjoy this issue!
Original Art and Poetry
Donated by riders and benefactors of Equest
When I Ride I Am Free - Pencil and ink pens
by Mallory Hinckley
Rinck J. Heule
Editor-in-Chief
Equest Times
“GROWING THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS” CARDS
H
ere is a great way to tell your family, friends, collegues, vendors
and customers about the Equest Center. Send them a “Circle of
Friends” greeting card! These beautiful cards are printed in full
color on fine paper. Cards and matching envelopes are available FREE
OF CHARGE to anyone who wants to send them. The more supporters
we get, the more special needs people we can serve. Please use the order
form on page 6 or call our office. We also offer brochures explaining the
benefits of therapeutic riding.
Gio - Colored pencils
by McKenzie Koval
Mister & Me - Poetry inCalligraphy
by Nick Ackerman
Remembering Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding in your will is a simple way to directly impact the
lives of people with physical, mental, social and emotional challenges. Your legacy gift can become an
important part of your ongoing support of Equest! Please let us know if you have included Equest in
your estate plans. You can call Kathy at (616) 866-3066 or check the appropriate box on the enclosed
envelope and return it to us with your name and contact information.
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.
Equest Center is now Able to Accept VISA and MASTERCARD for your Donations!
MISSION STATEMENT:
Leaving a legacy through planned Giving
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
3777 Rector NE, Rockford, MI 49341
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 [email protected]. 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
Greenville, MI 48838
Permit# 338