Dream Catchers’ Bridles and Bow Ties fundraiser officially sold out Thursday, but there are still ways to participate.
“We could still use some help,” executive director Nancy Paschall said.
As the largest annual fundraiser for Dream Catchers, a local therapeutic riding center, Bridles and Bow Ties largely drives the organization’s scholarship fund. You don’t have to be present to support the fund.
Paschall described a visit on Thursday from a school group of profoundly disabled children. All nonverbal, all in wheel chairs, some with feeding tubes.
“One little girl who doesn’t talk said “yay” three times and started clapping when somebody told her she was doing a good job,” Paschall said.
Every member of that school group, Paschall said, receives some sort of scholarship.
A nonprofit, Dream Catchers subsidizes its therapeutic riding lessons, cutting the cost of each lesson from $170 to $56. The organization offers scholarships in cases of outstanding need through the Dream Rider Scholarship Fund. This is where Bridles and Bow Ties comes into play.
Funds raised at or associated with the event largely pour into the scholarship fund.
“The horses have this spectacular, incredible impact, and we can’t make those impacts without the support of the community,” Paschall said.
Donations to the Dream Rider Scholarship Fund can be made online or by phone. You also don’t have to be present to participate in the Bridles and Bow Ties raffle, for which the prize is $1,500 cash. Raffle tickets cost $10 each, or $50 for six and $100 for 12.
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.
Bridles & Bow Ties
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: Sold out. Call 566-1775 to get on the waiting list.
To donate or purchase raffle tickets, visit dreamcatchers.org or call 566-1775.
