Oktoberfest Fundraising Success

It was the perfect, crisp, fall evening for a fundraiser and we were so happy to see many of our friends and fans come out to support our healing efforts! The Mobile Minis™ were very excited to have a chance to enjoy the untouched lawn outside of the Gathering Building and it wasn't until towards the end of the evening that they were able to tear themselves away from the tempting grass. Then they started to pop their heads up to see everyone, especially when Project Horse therapist, Heather Kirby, brought guests over and started describing the minis individual talents in working with different kinds of clients. 

There were delicious beverages from Sunset Hills Vineyard and Old 690 Brewing Company, an authentic German spread by Culinary Occasions, and an amazing silent auction. All of us at Project Horse felt in great company as we spent the evening with new donors as well as long-time supporters, friends, family, and various members of the community! We were thrilled to have Dominion High School and Loudoun County Public Schools well represented, as well as Loudoun County Department of Family Services, the Loudoun County CSA and local members of our veterans community.

This was our first fundraiser of its kind and we are pleased to announce that the gross proceeds raised came to a total of:

$15,667.63

We could not have accomplished this feat without the dedicated help of our volunteers and the generosity of our wonderful donors and sponsors. With that being said we have to extend our most sincere thanks (not arranged in order of importance) to:

The Grooming Gurus

Maria Kimble
Jan Bickhart
Suzanne Freeze
Kelly Griffitts Cole

Event Planning & Implementation

Melissa McDonald
JR McDonald
Holly Cunningham
Gail Kelly
Martha Briggs
Darcy Woessner
Andrew Woessner
Jeff Williams
Emily Williams

Sponsors & Silent Auction Donors

Holly Cunningham
John Cunningham
Angela Nunez
Fiona Fudge
Marriott Ranch
Salamander Resort & Spa
Melissa Lew
Sunset Hills Vineyard
Old 690 Brewing Company
Jack's Run Brewing Co.
Lothar's Butchery & Gourmet Sausages
Not Your Average Joe's (Reston)
Coach's Corner
Will Baskin
Laureanne Venter
My Plumber
Meredith Ehler
Culinary Occasions

Thanks to Our Board Members

Sharon Hogan
Courtney Marshall
Cassi Spigle
John Browning
Jeff Kimble
Tom Morley
Darcy Woessner
Andrew Woessner

A Special Thanks to

Regina Vall
Heather Kirby
Christine Vitkus
and
Lockheed Martin, a corporate sponsor of our Warrior Herd™ Initiative

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VetsAid Grant Awarded to Project Horse

Project Horse is excited to announce that we have been selected as one of only 10 local nonprofits to be awarded a grant from VetsAid. Funding for grant awards is coming from the first annual VetsAid "Concert for Our Veterans", to be held September 20, 2017 in Fairfax, Virginia.

What is VetsAid?

“VetsAid is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by rock legend Joe Walsh to raise and disperse sorely needed funds to veterans groups across the country that are serving the men and women who served our country with the dignity, compassion and honor they deserve.”

— VetsAid

Project Horse's winning grant proposal describes a 12-month pilot program which we have just launched. The program, called Warrior Herd, focuses on strengthening veterans' families and the pilot year offers:

• 5 workshops which focus on couples (veterans reconnecting with their significant others)  **the September workshop was held 9/17**
• 5 workshops which focus on strengthening family connections
• a Family Day at the farm for all members of the military (active, inactive, veterans, reservists) and their families
• a weeklong summer camp for children who have lost a parent in combat

All programs will be FREE to participants. The VetsAid grant will cover approximately 50% of the cost of the Warrior Herd pilot. The other 50% of funds to deliver Warrior Herd still need to be raised, and Project Horse is seeking support for this innovative program from businesses and corporations with a commitment to our nation's military.

If you are interested in donating or participating in this program, or would simply like more information, please contact us today!

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First Responders Wellness Workshop

Project Horse is looking forward to giving back to the community by offering free workshops for first responders.

If you are a first responder, come enjoy some relaxation in a peaceful setting with our healing herd.

• Promotes calmness and connecting

• Enhances trust and communication skills

• Develops stronger coping skills and stress management

  Project Horse is offering 2 hour monthly wellness workshops at no cost. First responders are often exposed to sights, sounds and smells that can leave them feeling overwhelmed. Come join our monthly wellness sessions the 2nd Monday of every month! Join other first responders for this restorative, non- riding, no-pressure workshop. 

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Join Us: Oktoberfest Fall Fundraiser!

Project Horse Empowerment Center

presents

Our Oktoberfest Fall Fundraiser!

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When?

September 30th, 2017

5pm – 8pm

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• please join us for some serious fun and delicious German fare
• sip delicious wines from Sunset Hills Vineyard
• taste craft brews by Old 690 Brewery
• meet our horse and human staff, learn how they partner in healing, and discover their restorative power
• explore our silent auction items including a trail ride and overnight getaway from the Marriott Ranch, beer and wine tasting trips, an equine personal development program and trail ride from Salamander Resort & Spa, a gift basket of locally grown and raised items, a miraculous makeover & massage, designer jewelry, a private horse yoga class, and more!

Tickets: $50 each

Bring friends: $275 for 6 tickets

All proceeds will benefit Project Horse and help replenish our Foster Scholarship Fund for families in need.

Thank you to our Event Sponsors!

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Walk-In and Get to Know Project Horse

This summer and fall we are excited to offer our first Walk-In Workshops at our new facility. We have Walk-In Workshops designed for individuals who want to try out our wellness programs without having to register in advance. These workshops are affordably priced to give everyone the opportunity to try out equine assisted learning. We've scheduled these with your busy schedules in mind on weekends and weekday evenings. Each workshop is designed with specific goals in mind, such as reconnection for our weekend warriors, insight for new empty nesters, and unplugging and connecting with the natural world for teens.

What workshops are scheduled?

• Teen Empowerment (navigate fun obstacle courses and gain valuable life skills)

Monday, Aug 14
6 – 7:30 PM
Registration from 5:45 – 6 PM

• Empty Nesters (our Executive Director will be participating as a new empty nester!)

Saturday, Sep 16
10 AM – 12 PM
Registration from 9:45 – 10 AM

• Weekend Warriors (for active duty/retired military and their significant others)

Sunday, Sep 17
10 AM – 12 PM
Registration from 9:45 – 10 AM

No registration is required and walk-ins are welcome, but if you'd like to ask us any questions or RSVP in advance you can do so below!