14-Color
14 The Independent
August 8, 2013
SaddleUp! gala reins in local jet set Airport event benefits equine therapy ranch By Deborah Grigsby
dgrigsby@ourcoloradonews. com Travelers adorned in gauzy light summer pastels packed their bags for the third annual SaddleUp! Suitcase Party, each hoping to win seats on a private jet bound for California wine country, departing directly from the event. The popular gala filled the Mayo Aviation Hangar at Centennial Airport SADDLEUP! on Aug. 2 with FOUNDATION patrons, To learn more about prizes, SaddleUp! or to pay for hay, fine wine, go online to www.saddleup and an foundation.org or call 303“A” list 788-1666 of local Locations: media, SaddleUp! at Bear’s Barn sports 11152 E. Daley Circle celebriParker, CO 80134 ties and politiSaddleUp! at Swift Creek cians, 39850 Swift Creek Circle all with Elizabeth, CO 80107 hopes of helping others. The SaddleUp! Foundation is nonprofit organization that provides equine-assisted therapy to adults and children with special needs. With facilities in Parker and Elizabeth, SaddleUp! conducts supervised therapies in a family-
Patrons at the SaddleUp! Suitcase Party enjoyed posing for photos in front of the private jet that was waiting to whisk one lucky couple away on a trip to the California wine country. Photos by Deborah Grigsby friendly ranch environment. “Although I’ve never had need, myself, for equine therapy, I think what this organization does with kids is absolutely amazing,” said Joan Marks, of Denver. “There is
Supporters of equine-assisted therapy packed the Mayo Aviation Hangar at Centennial Airport on Aug. 2. The annual gala event is a fundraiser for SaddleUp!, a nonprofit organization with locations in Parker and Elizabeth that provides therapy horses for children and adults with special needs.
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just something so special in that connection between kids and horses. I just can’t explain it, but it seems to work.” Sporting a throwback aviation theme, patrons were treated to live entertainment and dancing by “American Idol” contestant Richie Law, as well as The Moderators, a Denver-based band comprised of local titans of industry, including presidents and CEOs of Colorado’s small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike. Silent and live auction items included VIP tickets to the Solheim Cup, weekend use of a Ferrari and mountain vacation packages. Some patrons chose the “pay for hay” option, donating directly to a fund that feeds the organization’s 15 horses. “I have horses of my own and know that it’s not cheap, so this option fits our family better than a set of golf clubs or something,” said Anna Steele. “Besides, I always have a soft spot for anything that has to do with horses.” SaddleUp! Foundation pro-
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If hom out-o rado worl posit dant dog d Th plus Nort throu mou Colo sible It fishin overl is Su lot, r view inclu belle Fifteen-year-old singer-songwriter Gracie Lawson wowed patrons at the third annual ular SaddleUp! Suitcase Party on Aug. 2. as cu one o be a grams provide therapy for men- School of Social Work, the pro-man tally, emotionally and physically gram serves an average of 4,500mon challenged individuals. Working participants per year. W More than 150 volunteersyear. with several established healthcare providers such as Craig Hos- guide horses and spot riders, soweed pital, Children’s Hospital and the participants can ride safely andestin University of Denver Graduate train with therapists. cone The built
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