The people behind Dream Catchers are gearing up for their biggest fundraising effort of the year, a chance to combine good times with a good cause. The nonprofit’s Bridles and Boots event saddles up Saturday at the Toano horse-riding center.
“It’s very exciting around here. This is our premiere event every year,” said Janet Mayberry Laughlin, the nonprofit’s interim executive director.
The organization provides therapeutic riding to individuals with special needs. The Bridles and Boots event raises funds to help keep lesson fees affordable for clients, and the evening’s live auction supports its Dream Riders scholarships.
The latest auction features items such as trips to Nashville and a Caribbean vacation, dinner at various area restaurants and a Redskins package including tickets to games and the chance to meet players.
The event begins with a cocktail reception, facility tours and a jumbo screen showing of the Preakness. Dinner follows with a buffet lineup from the Catering Company alongside the auction.
“We do our best to make it super fun. It is one of the premiere social events in Williamsburg now,” Laughlin said.
The evening also includes a student spotlight, in which five clients will have the chance to share their stories.
“It also focuses on the students, their successes. They get to talk about why Dream Catchers is important to their families,” said Terry Jacoby, the organization’s development director.
As those from around the community meet students, instructors and the site’s 11 horses throughout the evening, Laughlin hopes they can better understand the organization’s impact.
“Primarily, it’s a beautiful evening out here at Dream Catchers and people get a chance to see what we do,” she said.
Want to go?
Bridles and Boots rides 5-9 p.m. Saturday at the Dream Catchers riding center, 10120 Fire Tower Road, Toano. Tickets are $100, available at dreamcatchers.org or by calling 566-1775.
Birkenmeyer can be reached by email at sbirkenmeyer@vagazette.com, by phone at 757-790-3029 or on Twitter @sethbirkenmeyer.
