 Equestrian |
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Adopt-A-Horse
To Whom It May Concern:
According to the United States Census bureau Report, there are over 100,000 residents with disabilities living within the greater New York Metropolitan area. In order to become self sufficient to the greatest extent possible, these people require help.
Students Becoming Independent
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc. was founded to answer this need. Its mission is to teach therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with disabilities, whether those disabilities be cognitive (mental retardation, autism, downs syndrome), physical (multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, stroke), or emotional (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder) in nature.
It has long been established that therapeutic riding represents an effective means of treating those with disabilities by promoting independence, socialization skills, community integration, mobility, confidence, and self-esteem. Gains can be observed in motor functioning, gait, conceptual imaging, sensory integration, cortical organization, respiration, circulation, posture and balance.
To Whom It May Concern:According to the United States Census bureau Report, there are over 100,000 residents with disabilities living within the greater New York Metropolitan area. In order to become self sufficient to the greatest extent possible, these people require help.
Students Becoming Independent
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc. was founded to answer this need. Its mission is to teach therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with disabilities, whether those disabilities be cognitive (mental retardation, autism, downs syndrome), physical (multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, stroke), or emotional (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder) in nature.
It has long been established that therapeutic riding represents an effective means of treating those with disabilities by promoting independence, socialization skills, community integration, mobility, confidence, and self-esteem. Gains can be observed in motor functioning, gait, conceptual imaging, sensory integration, cortical organization, respiration, circulation, posture and balance.
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Why am I writing this letter? The answer is simple - to ensure that my efforts at Pal-O-Mine are not inhibited by lack of funds. |
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Dramatic Strides
Sometimes these strides are painfully slow, as in the case of nineteen year-old Michelle, severely disabled with cerebral palsy. Initially, she would fall forward onto the horse's neck unless supported by a back rider (instructor riding behind her on the horse) and a side aide. Now, three years later, she is able to sit with minimal support for ten to fifteen minutes, and steers her mount through simple obstacle courses. Sometimes the strides are dramatic as evidenced by Chris, in his twenties with a traumatic brain injury. Initially, he had to be wheeled up the mounting ramp, and it took three individuals to help him onto a horse and then support his back and keep his balance as the horse moved off at a snail's pace! Today, Chris walks up the ramp with a little support from the railing, mounts the "able bodied" way, and rides independently. But whether results are steady or dramatic, in all cases, gains made are terribly significant to participants and their families!
Pal-O-Mine is atypical of not-for-profit organization: currently we have a staff of 6 full time people and 8 part time instructors. There are no professional fundraisers on staff. There are no public relations people on staff. There is no bureaucracy. Pal-O-Mine depends almost exclusively on volunteers, and funds donated go directly to support programs that help people with disabilities.
A Roof Over Our Heads
Why am I writing this letter? The answer is simple - to ensure that my efforts at Pal-O-Mine are not inhibited by lack of funds. Seventeen dedicated colleagues and myself carry the weight of the program on our backs. It is through our patience and skill that individuals with disabilities take strides towards greater independence, self-confidence, and self-esteem. We volunteer one hundred percent of our time to the program, yet do not draw a penny in salary. All we seek is minimal support - a roof over our heads, adequate feed, a change of shoes every now and then, some medicine when we get sick, a warm blanket for the winter months. My basic needs cost about $8,000 each year - a sum considerably below what our government considers "poverty level".
Sponsor My Activities
You have probably surmised by now that I am of the equine persuasion. In all honesty, I did not type this letter; thank God for voice activated software! Will you consider helping Pal-O-Mine Equestrian continue and indeed expand its mission to aid those with disabilities in and about the Long Island region? While any donation would be gratefully appreciated, my personal hope is that you or your company will consider sponsoring my activities over the course of the next twelve months. Not only would I be most grateful, but so too would the many riders with disabilities who have become my close friends. The attached resume should convince you that my credentials are impeccable. If it is not within your means to support my annual needs, please click on our Adopt-A-Rider Program for other options.
Your Office or My Stall
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you (your office or my stall) at your earliest convenience. To arrange such a meeting, please call my assistant, Lisa Gatti, or myself at 631-348-1389. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
My Resume
cc: Lisa Gatti
Want to help?
Please print out this form and mail it to Pal-O-Mine with your contribution. It is greatly appreciated!
Adopt-A-Horse Program
I wish to sponsor one horse for:
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1 Day | $25 |
| • | 1 Week | $200 |
| • | 1 Month | $1,000 |
| • | 3 Months | $2,500 |
| • | 6 Months | $5,000 |
| • | 1 Year | $8,000 |
| Please accept my gift of $_______ to offset fees | |
| Name | ___________________________________ |
| Street, Apt | ___________________________________ |
| City, State & Zip | ___________________________________ |
| Enclosed is my gift of | ___________________________________ |
| (optional) in honor of | ___________________________________ |
| (optional) or in memory of | ___________________________________ |
Mail to:
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc.
829 Old Nichols Road
Islandia, NY 11749
All donations are tax deductible
Other ways to help Pal-O-Mine:
Pal-O-Mine is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law, click here.
For more information, please contact us.
| Want to give a gift to our Horses? Take a look at their list! See photos of our horses, Horses Photo Gallery featuring some of Pal-O-Mine's recent events! Wish List: We need many items; please take a look at our Wish List Petting Zoo! See photos of our newest addition – "Carol Channing", the chicken! NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION: Monday, May 19th, 6:30pm - 8:30pm at our facility "Hold Your Horses" Fund Raiser: See blog for more information. Adopt-A-Horse |