Victory Farm Denim And Diamonds Gala
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Yeah Boy!
That popular rail-side comment sums up Victory Farm’s second annual Denim & Diamonds Fundraiser. Simply put, the Gastonia, N.C. Therapeutic and Adaptive Horsemanship met its projected 2016 operating budget. The 501(c)3 organization now can concentrate on their second largest need, a new facility where their average 22 special needs children and adults can ride – and a better home for their primarily-donated horses.
Volunteers transformed Jon Walker Stables from a working barn into a sparkling party venue the evening of November 7. Approximately 200 guests enjoyed a catered dinner, music, live and silent auctions and success stories from parents and volunteers.
Victory’s Golden Heart, a painting by Tucson, Az. artist Elizabeth Sage, topped the silent auction. The painting, Ms. Sage’s artistic interpretation of the way Victory Farm cares for their riders and horses, features a mare nurturing, protecting and caring for her foal.
Terri Preiser, who fought back from cancer to return to a successful show ring career, Jon Walker Stables and Herman Reeves Sheet Metal were Diamond Sponsors for the event. Crystal Sponsors include the Allen Bosworth family, Lake Wylie Tax and Bookkeeping and Standard Distributors of Gastonia. Harrison Shiflet Stables, Choice Beverage USA, the Jack Brinkley family, Bowman Hollis Manufacturing, Debra and Ali Clark and Jana and John Trotter contributed at the Denim level. Volunteer Joy Devine chaired the event.
Staffed totally by trained volunteers, Victory Farm clients include 12 adults from the nearby Gaston Residential Services group home and 10 children each week. Clients include children as young as two years of age, adults who have suffered traumatic brain injuries and wounded warriors and the elderly.
Director and Founder Dory Pell has been part of the American Saddlebred community most of her life. Having shown Saddlebreds, she is well aware not only their excellent gait but their willingness and dispositions which make many ideal mounts for those with disabilities. Almost all her horses are rescues, retrained to work with special needs riders.
“Our horses and volunteers have truly bonded with our riders to teach them valuable tools which strengthen their bodies, minds and spirits,” Pell said. “Each rider has an individualized program teaching them to help care for their horses, riding techniques and farm responsibilities.”
Victory Farm relies totally on donations, grants and fundraisers for their operating needs. They receive no insurance government assistance or growth grants.
For further information about the program, contact Dory at Post Office Box 6341, Gastonia, NC 28056. They may be found on Facebook at Victory Farm Inc. or on the Internet at www.victoryrides.org.
Dory and Kevin Bower display the Elizabeth Sage painting he and hismother won at the silent auction.
The story of Josephine, as told by her father, Zach Miller, moved the audience to tears.
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