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Not quite a month ago we received notification from the Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce that we had been nominated for the 2018 Non-Profit of the year award. I was quite surprised because as busy as we have been with so many horses in need last year between watering the drought victims and 9 emaciated horses that needed rehab and nursing care, I had not been able to attend a meeting which I felt really bad about (but the equine always come first).
This is quite an honor and we were on the ballot with the Snowflake Academy Foundation and the Snowflake Unified School District, both well established in the community. I was hopeful but didn't really think we had much of a chance.
On April 3rd, Lary and I attended the awards dinner and I have to admit we felt a little out of place in the large room of attendees because we didn't really know anyone. Luckily, Barbara Bruce, a reporter for the White Mountain Independent newspaper, who covered our Help A Horse Day event in 2017 sat down at our table and we were able to catch up on many things.
Our category was called, I held my breath as she read off, "and the winner is Equine WellBeing Rescue". Did I hear her correctly??? Lary and I looked at each other with tears in our eyes because we were so surprised.
As a small non-profit I know we bring revenue to the local communities but it wasn't till I looked at the numbers for 2018 that I realized how much. Of the $100,000.00+ we raised last year, well over $50,000.00 of that stayed in the local communities with purchases of hay and feed, vet care, farrier, local labor, fuel, training, supplies and so much more.
Our Hope's Legacy Emergency Equine Food Fund assisted 24 equine from seven local families with urgent needs and in 2018 we took in 40 horses, donkeys and minis, and rehomed 26 horses, donkeys and minis. At year end we still had 33 on-site at the rescue in our care. Additionally we provided troughs and water for the drought stricken horses (and other animals) in the local national forest for many months so I'd say we had a really productive year. But I didn't think people other than our friends, volunteers and you would even know about us and what we do. I guess I was wrong!!!!
I just have to say how humbled we are to be recognized by our community as the best non-profit for 2018. We must share the credit with all of you who volunteer, adopt, foster, support, provide services and help us in so many ways. I want to say a special thank you to Lary Griffin who does so much out of his love for these precious animals...what a wonderful husband.
Finally, thank you to the board and members of the chamber who felt we helped the community enough to deserve this award and recognition. We love living here and have met so many wonderful people since we moved here and have built such wonderful relationships...we truly feel at home.
We are blessed to be your 2018 Non-Profit of the Year!
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Many, many thanks for all you do to help the rescue! Christine |
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