STRIDES Fundraiser a Success

Laura Blume, Program Coordinator at STRIDES, and Sherry Ladislas, Director of Development, were thrilled with the response to the program’s August 30 fundraiser. (Story and photo courtesy of STRIDES)
Laura Blume, Program Coordinator at STRIDES, and Sherry Ladislas, Director of Development, were thrilled with the response to the program’s August 30 fundraiser. (Story and photo courtesy of STRIDES)

On Wednesday, Aug. 30, the Community Impact Committee of the Village of New Lenox held a fundraiser to benefit STRIDES Therapeutic Riding Program in Manhattan.

STRIDES, founded in 1990 as a Trinity Services program, provides therapeutic riding lessons and animal experiences for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities and mental illness.

STRIDES also provides public services that raise awareness and funding for the therapeutic services. The public services include riding lessons, petting zoo, birthday parties, professional photo shoots, and fun family events.

Last year, STRIDES hosted their first Farm Family Day, which was a huge success. “Over 300 people turned out,” said Laura Blume, Program Coordinator for STRIDES since December 2020. “STRIDES is definitely building a name within the community.

This year, STRIDES has developed a partnership with the Lincoln-Way Special Recreation Center to provide riding lessons for the people they support that begins in the fall. Blume is also looking to develop corporate sponsors.

“Gaining corporate sponsors would allow STRIDES to continue to improve the program, to add on more lesson courses as needed, and help with the care and feeding of the animals,” explained Blume. “We need $3,000 to $5,000 a month for each horse, which includes feed, vet care, medications, and equipment. Corporate sponsors can play a huge role in supporting our bottom line.”

Blume gives a lot of credit for STRIDES success to her staff and volunteers. “We have a great team,” said Blume. “Everyone has a positive spirit and works together very well. It makes a big difference when you have people who are passionate about what they do.”

In addition to developing ongoing partnerships and corporate sponsorships, Blume hopes to get certification to offer therapy services for people with behavioral needs. “Our goal is to be able to work with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and mental health therapists to provide animal therapy opportunities.”

STRIDES is always looking for volunteers and will host a volunteer open house at their barn located at 276555 South Gougar Road in Manhattan, Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 30.

For more information about becoming a partner or a sponsor, or to make a donation, contact Laura Blume at [email protected].

 

 

 

 

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