Fundraiser Raises Thousands for Horses with Heart

“Hearing the squeals of delight from children who interact with Horses with Heart is payment enough for all the time and effort we put into making this organization a success.”
Angelique LeVell, executive director for Horses with Heart in central Arizona, stressed her heartfelt support for programs that provide therapeutic encounters with horses to support empowerment of individual with medical or psychiatric conditions.
She told more than 100 attendees at the annual Sequins and Saddles event that because of support they help generate, intense and caring experiences are available for hundreds of people. The dinner program was staged 4 to 9 p.m., Nov. 13 at the Phippen Museum.
LeVell, who lives in Paulden, said the fundraiser supported such activities as: therapeutic riding lessons for people with special needs; rides for veterans, active military and first responders; Horses with Heart competition teams for those with intellectual disabilities; “Silver Saddle” lessons ages 55 and older; and “Marvelous Minis” program for outreach to schools, senior living facilities and community events with miniature horses.
LeVell and her fellow board members spearheaded both a silent and a live auction that raised about $10,000 for nonprofit organization.
Mary Smith, president of the nine-member board of directors, introduced speakers and gave the invocation.
Local sponsors came from throughout the Quad Cities, including Tonia Fortner, Prescott Valley. She praised local businesses for their “enthusiastic support of our unequaled organization. Without them, we would not be able to do what we do to provide effective interventions for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and post-traumatic stress.”
More information is available at
www.horseswithheartaz.org.