This is difficult for me to write, I’ve been working on it in my head for over 24 hours.
For months we have been soliciting sponsors, participants, and volunteers to hold the First Annual Golf Scramble to benefit our Community Outreach Program. Yesterday was the day we spent so much time and money to get to. Due to emergencies (natural and those at the rescue) we had to change the event date twice. We understand that life happens – we live it daily – and that other things may have taken precedence.
We were able to gain several sponsors for individual holes, gift prizes, meals, and auction items. Volunteers baked for several hours to have something sweet to provide. We showed up ready to have a wonderful day on an excellent day to play a round of golf.
NO PARTICIPANTS ARRIVED and we were obliged to end the event so the golf course could reopen to the public. I’m sad, a little angry, and a lot disappointed.
Over $1100 was spent in preparation for this event and we are obligated to return all sponsor funds and gifts. After returning sponsor funds our account balance is less than $200.
Hay season is now and will cost $200 per week, minimum. Our feed bill is $108 every six days. Medications, supplements, Coggins, farrier (x15 every 6 weeks), and emergencies are all required items that cost thousands every year. No individual is paid here at our rescue and we receive no federal, state, or county funding.
We do receive calls and messages daily from people who know of an equine in need. We pulled eight horses in five days from three different local counties agencies last month. Every equine on the property is given the best care and training we can provide so they have a chance to become someone’s perfect partner. We have opened our gates to people of all ages, disabilities, and experience levels (the bond benefits both horse and human). Since our gates have opened in August 2013 we have helped 172 equines into a better life through education, assistance in the field, rescue, and sanctuary. Over 90% of that 172 have been from within a 60-mile radius of our pasture.
Horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, and drafts are everywhere in our surrounding counties – they are not just the rich man’s toy, most are owned by lower to middle class income families. Look around the next time you’re driving through the county roads.
Second Chances is a 501(c)3 dedicated to helping as many equines as possible but we cannot continue without your support. We are the only nonprofit horse rescue on the GA coast, the next nearest facility is over an hour away to the west. What do we need to do to gain community support? We ARE open to suggestions. Every life is worth being saved or being helped along the Rainbow Bridge with dignity and compassion. Your help is needed so we can continue to help our equine community.
Please consider a tax-deductible donation towards our annual fund. Sponsor your favorite horse, burro, or mule for a specific item or a month. Contact us to see if any of our herd would be a perfect fit to add to your family, we have several available for adoption. Every penny in donations goes directly in or on one of our herd, overhead costs like power and facilities are provided by our Board of Directors. If you can provide your time and energy, help us by volunteering to coordinate events and fundraisers.
Thank you for taking the time to read the entire message.
Andrea Doolittle
CEO/Founder
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