Our Goal was to raise $26,200 to cover the winter hay and senior feed for our elders to keep them warm, happy and healthy.
We have 3 wonderful people who combined, offered to match up to $12,000 in donations in an effort to help us raise much needed funds.
This has been a tough year for so many. It really hit us hard as donations have been down 45% from prior years. We understand, heck when we go to the gas station or grocery store everything costs more. The last few years we have gotten almost daily requests to take in horses or donkeys because people had their own financial struggles and could not keep them. We get it. The struggle is real for so many.
We have always been frugal, no employees, no salaries or wages means our dollars stretch much farther and directly impact the lives in our care. Even with our tight belts, the cost of caring for 26 horses, donkeys and minis and making sure the funds are here to care for everyone has been a priority.
This year both Lary and I have had health issues, Lary has had both shoulders repaired in the last 12 months and I am recovering from a torn meniscus and MCL. We are both doing better, but being out of commission for a while we were unable to do the fall auction you have all looked forward to and we have been unable to do some local events that usually raise funds. Thankfully our volunteers, the BEST EVER, have been able to provide the daily care that the equines need and all the horses, donkeys and minis are healthy.
Have we been worried, yes, I will admit it. We really want to be sure we are being fiscally responsible. This summer we have seen other rescues in the area and around the state close their doors. We have also had several of our adopted equine returned when their families have had unexpected issues, but we are always a safety net for our adopted and fostered equines, so we will always take them back.
When our secret Santas' offered to help us with matching funds, we were so encouraged and really prayed for a successful #GivingTuesday. Well, successful it has been. Mid-day on Tuesday we had raised $6000.oo...and then.....donations continued to come in.
As of today, after adding in two checks that were hand-delivered, Venmo, Zelle and Facebook donations we are at $22,499 donated funds. There were almost 100 people and businesses that donated to the rescue which is FANTASTIC!!!! When we add in the $12,000 in matching funds our total will be $34,499, and gives us a wonderful buffer going into the winter months. We are still behind prior years donations, but when I woke up this morning and tallied the totals it brought tears to my eyes.
We simply cannot express the depth of our gratitude to each and everyone who helped us raise these funds. You are all angels!!!!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.......
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