Equestrian of the Year Competition starts early at Oak Hill Farm!
Nancy and Ariel and Mark and Linda Spengler of Oak Hill Farm raised over $5000 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society Sept. 20th 2009. More than 100 people showed up for free food and demonstrations and to support a good cause. Thank you everyone!
Mary Ann Grant started the Equestrian of the Year competition several years ago to help raise money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Mary Ann's inspiration for the event comes from the courage she saw in her fellow cancer patients, especially the children and their families. Equestrians of all disciplines and levels commit to raise money to fund important research and patient services for people with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. The Equestrian who raises the most money will become the Equestrian of the Year.
To sign up for next year's Equestrian of the Year competition, contact Darby Collins at (888) 478 - 8550 or visit www.lls.org/pbeq.
Charlie and Lisa Tota of Euro American Saddlery (shown right) help to sell our saddle pads and shirts at the horse shows to raise money for the Equestrian of the Year Competition and we would like to thank them for their support.
Nancy Later helps with the fundraising by selling Mr. Positive T-shirts and saddle pads, and collecting items for the silent auction held in February. Anyone wishing to donate items or money should contact Nancy directly.
Unsung Heroes
Compiled by Darcy Clinton in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Sunday March 9, 2008
Equestrians fight cancer
Name: Nancy Pugh Later, 44 Residence: Wellington FL Birthplace: Born in Philadelphia, grew up in Ashaway, RI Career: Horse trainer Family: Parent Mickey and David Pugh of Mystic, CT and Loxahatchee Groves Cause: the Palm Beach Area Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a national non-profit organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Their mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Q. Describe your volunteer role. A. I work with other members of the equestrian community to help organize events and fundraisers for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Last year, we designed and sold T-shirts for the Equestrian of the Year award and dinner auction. This year, we designed saddle pads to sell during the event.
Q. What is the Equestrian of the Year award? A. It’s a fundraising campaign where equestrians of all disciplines and levels compete against each other to see who can raise the most money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Q. Why did you decide to volunteer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society? A. I trained a girl who had children’s leukemia, and one of my friends was diagnosed with lymphoma. I was inspired by their courage, and how much both were able to accomplish, even when faced with such difficult circumstances. The girl I trained is in college now and has a super life.
Q. Aside from money, what does your organization need? A. We always need volunteers willing to take an active role, and we’d like to raise awareness about the disease, and how important groups like this are to the individuals fighting it. All ages benefit from this program, and 100 percent of the money our Wellington group raises is donated directly to the organization.
For information about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, go to www.leukemia-lymphoma.org or call 1-888-478-8550.
