Gaitapalooza
Raises Funds, Lifts Spirits
McKinney, Texas – November 14,
2012 – It was
a bright, cool day at ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship during the 3rd
annual Gaitapalooza on October 28th. This fundraising fall festival
hosts bounce houses, carnival games, and even a petting zoo. What many would
say is the best part of this event, however, would be the trail rides for the
ManeGait riders. The riders who come to ManeGait for therapy for their
disabilities usually ride their horses
through the High Five arena, but on this special day, they get to ride through
the surrounding pastures for an experience they’ll never forget.
Gaitapalooza
raised over $55,000 for ManeGait, a feat that was made possible by the
generosity of donors such as: the Eubanks family, Baylor Medical Center in
McKinney, Bob and Joy Darling, Patti Tejes with Keller Williams Realty – The
Jan Richey Team, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Chandler Cabinets, and Stereo
Home East Theater.
To
accommodate the over 700 guests and participants of Gaitapalooza, ManeGait was
graciously awarded donations from Sam’s Club in McKinney, Costco in Plano,
Costco in Frisco, Starbucks and the event sponsor: Raising Cane’s Chicken
Fingers. With face painting, miniature pony rides, barbecue sandwiches, Raising
Cane’s sweet tea and more, the attendees had plenty of fun and food throughout
the day. The riders were given goodie bags with coupons, candy, and more. When
the riders ended their trail ride, they were also given a trophy to take home.
Other
children win trophies through sports or academics. For our riders, the trophy
they win is through Gaitapalooza. While everyone is awarded a trophy for riding
in the Gaitapalooza trail ride, there is a grand prize trophy awarded to the
rider who raises the most funds for ManeGait and Gaitapalooza. Every rider in
Gaitapalooza is listed on ManeGait’s website for people to make donations on
his or her behalf. Companies and individuals can also sign up to be on a Rider
Team as a way to raise funds for a particular rider. Being part of a Rider Team
is a way help ManeGait and a Gaitapalooza rider to raise funds and even win
that Grand Prize trophy.
About
ManeGait:
A
dynamic 501c-3 non-profit therapeutic horsemanship center, ManeGait is located
on a beautiful, rolling 14-acre site in Collin County and serves all of North
Texas. ManeGait delivers the best in
therapeutic equestrian activities and therapy in a caring, high-integrity
environment for children and adults with special needs. ManeGait is a warm and welcoming community
hub, improving the lives of the people it serves while providing rich and
numerous opportunities for area volunteers and equine professionals. ManeGait
was founded by Bill and Pris Darling as a calling for their need to serve
others. Bill is also the founder of Darling Homes. For additional information about ManeGait,
visit www.manegait.org
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