By Michael Pineda
Staff Writer
Plans are ramping up for one of the premier social events of the season.
Galloping for Hope, a fundraiser for Savannah Station, will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Palace Event Center in El Reno. The event is the main fundraiser for the therapeutic riding program located at 13420 Frisco Road.
“We started it many years ago, when the program started in 2013,” Executive Director Andi Holland said. “We started it as a way to raise our budget. Even today, although our budget has grown exponentially, it brings in half of our budget.
“It is the major fundraiser we do every year and we really rely on it so we can keep our kids in the saddle and not charge their families.”
The event will include dinner, a live and silent auction, along with a cash bar, music, dessert auction and as much fun as one can have. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a table of 10. Sponsorships for the event are also available.
“It is really a fun party,” Holland said. “We are expecting about 400 people. We always highlight one of our riders. This year, there will be a Q&A with one of them and another rider will sing the national anthem.
“It is a fun night and we raise a lot of money.”
There will be several riders in attendance. Savannah Station offers hope and healing to people with special needs through the amazing power of horses. Qualification requirements for the program includes being four years or older, having a diagnosed cognitive or physical special need and be under the weight of 185 pounds. Volunteers play a significant role in the program, which has a fall and winter session, along with a small summer session. Benefits of the program include:
- Promotes strength
- Increases flexibility
- Develops balance
- Improves coordination
- Helps breathing
- Improves coping skills
- Builds self-confidence
- Improves social skills
Holland said Savannah Station is looking for items for both silent and live auctions. There are also opportunities to underwrite different aspects of the event.
“We sold out completely last year,” Holland said. “I anticipate the same thing will happen again. We are so blessed to have amazing support from our volunteers to people who love our mission and love our kids. They really come out and support our kids that night.”
The Palace Event Center is located at 2310 N. Banner Road in El Reno. To purchase tickets and find out more information on donating auction items or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.savannahstation.org or call (580) 303-2028.
