May/130
Attention Horse Enthusiasts…Spring Barn Warming!
Come one, come all for a fun-filled day with the horses of Mid America Horse Rescue! We're celebrating our new home with a "barn warming," inviting friends, family and neighbors to get to know more about us on Sunday, May 19. Meet our rescue horses, take a tour, watch a live demonstration from natural horsemanship trainer Stormy Mullins, and top off the day with some tasty BBQ!
Register now at http://horserescuebarnwarming.eventbrite.com/#
We hope you can make it!
Margo, Buck and the Volunteer Crew
Feb/120
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR MID AMERICA HORSE RESCUE’S “ST. LOUIS DERBY PARTY”
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Kristin Gumper
(314) 630-5459
kristin.gumper@yahoo.com
Katie Schergen
(314) 740-5955
katieschergen79@webster.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR MID AMERICA HORSE RESCUE'S "ST. LOUIS DERBY PARTY"
Funds generated will help rescue, rehabilitate and retrain ex-racehorses
ST. LOUIS (February 29, 2012) – On May 4, 2012, Mid America Horse Rescue (MAHR) invites all to celebrate the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby by attending “St. Louis Derby Party,” a fundraising event to rescue ex-racehorses from slaughter, which is a practice that could be restored in the U.S. following the lift of the November de facto ban.
Funds gathered from the event will go directly to the care and nourishment of the rescued Thoroughbreds, who are awaiting training for therapy programs to serve people in need.
Tickets cost $75 and are available for purchase before Friday, April 27, at http://derbypartyhorserescue.eventbrite.com. Attendees will be treated to wine, beer and the comfort of southern style hors d’oeuvres at The Four Seasons hotel in downtown St. Louis from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
In light of the lifted ban on horse slaughter, “St. Louis Derby Party” celebrates the lives of these noble creatures and showcases the opportunities for second chances once they stop winning.
“We believe that by retraining Thoroughbreds, which are naturally intuitive, intelligent and athletic creatures, we can transform the racing industry,” said Margo Sutter, MAHR founder. “By giving unwanted ex-racehorses the retraining they need to carry out their next purpose, they can become service animals, and profoundly enhance the lives of those with disabilities or life challenges.”
In 2011, MAHR launched new therapy programs in collaboration with Arise Equine Therapy. In addition, through collaborative efforts with the racing industry, MAHR helped kick-start aftercare programs, such as the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Galloping Out program. Programs such as these support vibrant new lives for ex-racehorses.
Guests will hear about successful ex-racehorses now thriving in the Midwest, and from legendary Derby jockeys, who will bring guests to the forefront of the racing action. Silent and live auctions and a raffle will feature items such as VIP tickets to the Arlington Million, private stable tours, stone cellar wine tastings, and unique dining experiences provided by Cardinal Club Chef Alex Eusebio. Attendees will walk the red carpet, and sip on Churchill Downs’ official libation, the mint julep (available for purchase in souvenir glasses to benefit the organization). Ladies are highly encouraged to don their derby hats for the Derby Hat Competition.
Join MAHR in saving these noble creatures and providing programs that make a difference by purchasing tickets to the event at http://derbypartyhorserescue.eventbrite.com. All proceeds will go directly to the Thoroughbreds, who are in desperate need of funding for food and retraining. Those who would like to help but are unable to attend can make a donation via the same page.
About Mid America Horse Rescue:
Mid America Horse Rescue, a non-profit organization based in Millstadt, Ill., was founded in 2008 to fill a void in the horse racing industry. The group rescues, rehabilitates and retrains ex-racehorses for adoption, or for therapy programs to serve people in need. The organization also assists the racing industry by encouraging the development of retirement funds to support horses after their racing career is finished (often retired at only four-years-old). The facility currently cares for about 50 Thoroughbreds – with needs ranging from training and complex medical care, to simply love. It is one of only 13 licensed equine rescue facilities in Illinois. We need financial support in order to continue operating the rescue and shelter facilities.
Please join our mission at www.midamericahorserescue.org.
###
Editors Note: Please contact Kristin Gumper at kristin.gumper@yahoo.com or (314) 630-5459, or Katie Schergen at katieschergen79@webster.edu or (314) 740-5955 for photography of the rescued Thoroughbreds.
Feb/120
A Volunteer’s Take – And Invitation
Hello fellow equine enthusiasts. My name is Corey Hudson and I have been volunteering at Mid America Horse Rescue (MAHR) for 1.5 years. Before that, I volunteered at another equine rescue for 4 years. Thanks to MAHR, I met my boy Chap, the ex-racehorse that I adopted in 2011.
I got involved in volunteering because I learned about the uncertain fate that horses now face. These majestic creatures – whose ancestors we credit for helping to build this country – are being discarded as if they are no longer have any use. Their fate often ends in neglect, abuse or even slaughter.
Now more than ever, horses desperately need the assistance and support of horse owners and equine enthusiasts.
What makes MAHR different than other rescue facilities is a unique idea that has just recently taken shape. MAHR's concept involves rehabilitating and retraining ex-racehorses (primarily Thoroughbreds) for equine assisted therapy programs.
The concept not only benefits the horse by making it a useful tool to mankind, it also enhances the lives of those who need this type of rehabilitation (both horses and humans).
As a seasoned volunteer, I must say that volunteering is not easy, but it sure is fun. It's physically demanding and a person needs to be in pretty good shape to work at the facility. Regardless, the work is so satisfying knowing you are caring for the horses by giving them a second chance.
If you would like to learn more, or are thinking about volunteering or supporting Mid America Horse Rescue, we encourage you to join us on May 4, 2012, at the St. Louis Derby Party. The fundraiser will support the care and nourishment of these noble creatures, and allow us to share more with you about how ex-racehorses can enhance the lives of those with disabilities or life challenges. Just be sure to purchase your tickets by April 6 via http://derbypartyhorserescue.eventbrite.com.
It will be a great time for a great cause and I guarantee you'll be inspired. On behalf of the volunteer crew at Mid America Horse Rescue, I hope to see you there!
-Corey Hudson
Feb/120
St. Louis Derby Party!
On May 4, 2012, Mid America Horse Rescue invites you to celebrate the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby by attending “St. Louis Derby Party!”
The fundraiser is slated as THE Derby Party in the Midwest – and even better – funds will provide food, shelter and medical care for more than 50 ex-racehorses at Mid America Horse Rescue.
Purchase tickets by April 6 via http://derbypartyhorserescue.eventbrite.com!
Oct/110
A Night with Mid America Horse Rescue Fundraiser – November 10, 2011
Come one, come all to an evening of fun, food, and helping more than 50 gorgeous Thoroughbreds!
We cordially invite you to our inaugural Night with Mid America Horse Rescue (MAHR). During the event, ideally timed just a week after the Breeders Cup Classic, we'll raise money to help save the horses that we've cheered on throughout the racing season.
Why? Although horse racing is a thriving American sport and pastime, nothing protects the lives of these noble creatures once they stop winning. MAHR rescues these horses who are not fortunate enough to have aftercare programs in place, yet have so much more to give, and rehabilitates them to serve people in need.
During the event, we'll introduce you to Fran Natoli, founder and program director of Arise Equine Therapy, who will share how these horses can improve the lives of children and adults who are mentally and physically challenged. Horses naturally mirror people's emotions, which leads to awareness on a deeper level. Therapy participants often build confidence, trust, patience, and self-esteem.
Together with our friends, horses, and Natoli's assistance, MAHR is launching its therapy services in collaboration with Arise Equine Therapy. Attendees will be among the first to hear how these services will benefit the community in the coming year.
Also attending the event will be Alex Brown, horse welfare advocate and New York Times-published author of Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and his Legacy. Brown has brought national awareness to horse welfare through the legacy of Barbaro, the racehorse who fought for life after his Kentucky Derby win. Signed copies of Brown’s book will be available for purchase.
Attendees will be treated to an open bar featuring handcrafted beer, wine and mixed drinks, and an array of appetizers including juicy beef tenderloin and ribs with orange habanero barbecue glaze, cracked wheat salad with grilled vegetables, smoked turkey and white bean soup and delectable desserts. The evening will also include a 50-50 raffle and a Smoke in Mirrors auction.
RSVP: Purchase tickets for $75 (per person) by Monday, October 31. The more the merrier -- please share this invite with your friends and fellow equine enthusiasts. For questions, call Margo Sutter at 314-302-2216. All proceeds will go directly to our rescued thoroughbreds, who are desperately in need of funding for food.
PURCHASE TICKETS: http://fundraiserformahr.eventbrite.com
Dec/100
$25,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant – WE NEED YOUR VOTES
We are in the running for a $25,000 Pepsi Refresh Grant - WE NEED YOUR VOTES
http://pep.si/dOrKDb - VOTE EVERY DAY!!!
Mid America Horse Rescue is in the $25,000 category. Be sure to show your support! Spread the word and get your friends and family involved. This is OUR grant to care and retrain a portion of OUR herd.
Oct/100
Come see Disney’s Secretariat and raise money for Mid America Horse Rescue
Friday, October 8 · 7:00 p.m.
Location:
The Lincoln Theater in Belleville Illinois
103 E. Main St.
Belleville, IL
Lobby opens at 5 p.m., tickets are first come first serve. Movie begins approximately 7 p.m.
http://lincolntheatre-belleville.com/
(618) 233-0123
Sep/101
Raise Money for Mid America Horse Rescue by using GoodSearch
What if Mid America Horse Rescue earned a donation every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now it can!
GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!
GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 30 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting your favorite cause.
And if you download the GoodSearch – Mid America Horse Rescue toolbar, our cause will earn money every time you shop and search online - even if you forget to go to GoodShop or GoodSearch first! Add the Mid America Horse Rescue toolbar at:
http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/mahr-mid-america-horse-rescue
Sep/100
Help create a legacy.
Mid America Horse Rescue rescues, rehabilitates and trains off the track thoroughbreds for their second chance career. We have a new program called Equine Assistance Therapy which will touch the lives of physically and mentally challenged children and adults. You can help by selecting How To Help to make a donation of $1.00, $5.00, $10.00 or more. You too can help us create a legacy.
Jul/100
Rescued horse makes most of 2nd chance in racing
I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support on the national news article about Letdetrumpetblare, aka "Buck", aka "Trumpet", aka "Cletus" which can be viewed here! Thank you Jim Suhr and Kent McDill of the Associated Press for making this story happen. I am grateful to our trainer, Michele Boyce, for giving her kind heart and talent to this incredible horse to see what he could do. James Graham, our jockey, is one of the best and looks at each race as "Buck" aka "Cletus" learning. Thanks also to Nate Ruffolo and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horseman's Association (ITHA) along with the tracks (Arlington Park and Hawthorne Race Course) for recently implementing their "After Care Program" a pension plan for retired Illinois racehorses. Programs such as these along with this type of support from our Illinois racing industry enable facilities such as ours continue our work by supporting these horses for their second chance. Our racing industry is full of incredible, kind hearted folks whose passion for horses and the sport is an inspiration to me.
Finding "Buck" was a life altering moment for me. Many of our incredible horses at Mid America Horse Rescue are retraining at this time for their second chance career. A vital component of their second chance at life is enabling them to use their unbridle spirit and courage to benefit our fellow two-legged family. Our horses have an undeniable ability to touch people's souls, and through touch therapy programs or therapeutic riding programs for children and adults who are physically or mentally challenged, these beautiful creatures can improve confidence, as well as emotional and physical capabilities in others lives.
We would love to invite all of you to attend our inaugural "Silks and Suits Gala" fundraiser and charity ball slated for Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 6 p.m. to Midnight at the Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. Funds raised by the event will help provide shelter, rehabilitation and training for more than 65 ex-racehorses awiating adoption at our facility. Slated as the Midwest's premier 2010 equestrian event, the evening will include keynote speaker, Alex Brown, "Alex Brown Racing", a New York Times published author and horse welfare advocate.
For more information watch our website; www.midamericahorserescue.org, email us at mahrnfp@yahoo.com or call 618-534-4253. I look forward to meeting you all in St. Louis in October!