Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Receives Donation from David Page for 20th Annual “Look to the Stars” Benefit
Equestrian News Release
Wellington, FL - February 8, 2006 - The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) will celebrate their 20th Annual “Look to the Stars” Benefit Auction, Dinner, and Dance once again this year. Everyone is invited to join in the effort to share the healing power of horses with those who have disabilities. The benefit is on Friday, February 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida.
This year, the benefit will have a new and exciting item for the auction. Wine connoisseur David Page of Wellington has donated a 15-liter bottle of champagne. The bottle stands almost 31 inches high (that's close to eight hands for those who think only in horse terms) and is the equivalent of almost two cases of bubbly.
Show jumping and dressage Olympic stars are scheduled to attend the benefit, which is the centerpiece of fund raising efforts by Vinceremos. The therapeutic riding center assists almost 400 handicapped riders at the riding facility in Loxahatchee, FL.
In Latin, ‘Vinceremos’ means ‘to overcome’. Using gentle movement of the horse as therapy and recreation, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center program serves to enhance the lives of special needs people in Palm Beach County.
Since its inception in 1981, Vinceremos has provided service to more than 1,000 persons with varying emotional and physical disabilities, including at-risk teens. It is the ultimate goal to instruct each rider to his or her highest potential, which may include learning to ride independently and participating in the various regional riding competitions throughout the year. These structured events foster feelings of accomplishment and help to build a sense of teamwork and responsibility among riders.
Each of the equine staff members is specially selected and trained as part of the therapy team. With thoughtful care and guidance, they work with each individual based on their specific needs. In almost every case, the sense of normalcy and competency that results from learning to control a 1,000 pound animal becomes as equally important as the physical aspects of the therapy. Grooming and caring for the horses are also an important part of the participants' experience at Vinceremos.
Over the last 24 years, the center has grown with the generosity of the community. Because of the support of their sponsors, Vinceremos has been able to make great strides of accomplishment. The center is not a United Way agency nor does it receive funding for its program from any government agency.
In 1981, the center was started as a lifelong dream of the Executive Director Ruth Menor. Her concept was to provide a center dedicated to those with special challenges who could ride horses for therapy or recreation on a continuing basis. With the assistance of a small Board of Directors, VTRC was incorporated. Beginning in a friend's backyard with three horses, 10 students, and a totally volunteer staff, it was the first program in Florida to work year round and own program horses.
In 1995, VTRC realized one of its long-term goals by purchasing 15 acres in Loxahatchee Groves adjacent to the Palms West Hospital. VTRC met another of its major goals in 1998 when the remaining note on the property was paid off and the "New Farm" property was now debt-free. Lessons enthusiastically began at the new site and continue to this day.
Reservations and information on the “Look to the Stars” Benefit Auction, Dinner, and Dance are available by calling 561-792-9900.
For more information on the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit their website at: http://www.vinceremos.com.
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