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Riley with volunteer Corissa, riding Tori over ground poles

TEC Gala Dinner Dance Raises $20k For Programs

April 7, 2008

The Therapeutic Equestrian Center, dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with special needs through horse-related activities, recently hosted 75 people at its first annual Gala Dinner Dance and Silent Auction at the Heritage Center in St. Joseph, Michigan. The event raised over $20K to benefit TEC’s programs and operations.

The Gala Dinner Dance included a cocktail hour, appetizers, and three-course gourmet meal. Music was provided by The “Otsego Jazz Ensemble”. The Silent Auction offered jewelry, framed artwork by Cyndy Callog, hand-blown Mexican glasswork, home décor from Art & Interiors, kitchen items from Whirlpool/Kitchen Aid, Café Tosi’s and potter Becky Rotter, NASCAR items autographed by Ryan Newman, various gift baskets and certificates from local eateries, a hand-carved carousel horse and a stuffed horse from The Toy Company.

The Therapeutic Equestrian Center was established in Buchanan, Michigan in 2005. This unique center offers a healing environment to individuals of all ages. TEC is the only facility of its kind in the Michiana area providing year-round therapeutic riding and other horse-related programs for children, youth and adults. TEC’s current focus is its therapeutic horseback riding program, which is used to treat a variety of conditions and concerns. Research confirms that equestrian therapeutic programs have contributed to improving the lives of people with physical, emotional or cognitive challenges. TEC will be expanding its programming in the near future to include grief and trauma programs, as well as programs for war veterans and senior citizens.

All proceeds from the Gala Dinner Dance and Silent Auction will benefit TEC programs. For more information on the Therapeutic Equestrian Center, lessons or to make a donation, please call (269) 471-0700.

Gala Committee members, from left to right:  Debe Stouffer, Deb Campbell, Pat Forbes, Linda Morris, Karla Vernasco, and Diana Kamp