Rider Magazine from High Hopes - Spring 2019

Spring 2019

In this edition: Goodbye is Always Hard Share Hope Let’s Meet Tomissin Online Bidding

It is with very mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Patti Coyle, Training & Education Director since 2013

At the end of April, we wave “zàijiàn” to AMY TRIPSON, Volunteer Manager and valued Instructor.

and member of the National PATH Intl. Board of Directors since 2014. Patti has been both an innovator and a steady pair of hands; bringing to High Hopes the passion of a lifelong horsewoman, the vocation of a teacher and mentor, and the business experience of a career in finance and banking. She has developed High Hopes into a world-respected training & education asset for the therapeutic riding industry.

Amy is a traveler at heart; having spent time in South Korea, India, and Europe, she is now setting sail on a new adventure to China. Amy will be taking a little of High Hopes with her as she starts working for H.O.P.E. (Horses Offering People Enrichment) in the capital, Beijing.

Amy, a PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor, will be teaching, mentoring and consulting with H.O.P.E. as they explore further certification with PATH Intl. and or the RDA (the Riding for the Disabled Association.) Amy’s skills in outreach and volunteer management will be put to good use as H.O.P.E. seeks to expand its services, recruit more volunteers and educate the general public about therapeutic horsemanship.

IT’S ALWAYS HARD TO

Say Goodbye

After retiring (the first time around) from a highly successful career in finance and banking, Patti returned to her childhood love of horses, volunteering part-time at a local therapeutic riding facility. Unsurprisingly, this led Patti to High Hopes in 1999 as an Instructor in Training Candidate, receiving her certification later that year and her Advanced Certification in August of 2000. Patti was appointed Training & Education Director in 2013.

“Her passion and talent helped position her in the role of mentor and Training & Education Director. Her thirst for knowledge is second only to her love of this profession and all those who work in the industry,” said Kitty Stalsburg, Executive Director. “We will

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miss her, but we wish Patti and her husband, Chris, every happiness in their retirement.

Her professionalism, dedication and personal commitment to her participants, families, and Instructors in Training, have made her an invaluable asset to not only High Hopes but also the therapeutic riding field as a whole.”

When asked how her colleagues reacted, Amy said, “Everyone has been very supportive and excited for me, but their first question is ‘what is happening to Max?’” Max is Amy’s beloved dog who has become well known to the staff at High Hopes. “Max will be taking his first flight to Pittsburg, PA, where he will be relocating to live with my parents.”

Good Luck Amy!

Congratulations to Sarah Carlson, who has been appointed new Training & Education Director. Sarah will officially take over from Patti, on July 1, 2019. “Sarah and I have been working towards this transition for the past eighteen months and I am excited about all she has learned, and the passion she consistently demonstrates for training and education,” reflects Patti with a smile.

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Horse Show Days Week (all welcome)

The Big Barn Bash (gala)

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IMMERSION camp with L+M Hospital

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what’s new at

ENTERING THE PUBLIC PHASE OF OUR NEW ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN

“Share Hope”

Janie and her siblings - aged about 10 yrs old

Last September High Hopes launched one of the most significant endeavors of our 45-year history – a $3 million endowment

campaign to ensure High Hopes’ long-term sustainability. The genesis of this campaign and High Hopes’ existing endowment lies in the vision and commitment of a wonderful couple – Cottie and Janie Davison.

Cottie and Janie were early recruits to Sis Gould’s vision of creating a therapeutic riding center that would serve the shoreline community.

Janie was a life-long and passionate horsewoman, but she was also an educator who knew the benefit that equine assisted activities can have on a struggling learner. Cottie was an astute businessman and financial advisor who understood the challenges non-profit organizations, particularly fledgling ones, have in sustaining their programs.

Thanks to Cottie, Janie, Sis and strong Trustee leadership throughout High Hopes’ existence, transparent financial accountability has been

coupled with New England thriftiness and prudent management. In other words ”don’t spend what you don’t have” and “whenever possible, put aside money for that rainy day.”

Foundation made a gift that funded the Janie Davison Scholarship Fund; this became the first gift to the Share Hope Endowment Campaign formally launched last September.

In 1990 High Hopes engaged in an ambitious building program that transformed the farm into a world-class center to meet the growing demands of our program, while also allowing us to expand our training and education offerings. Spearheaded by Cottie, and true to our fiscal roots, High Hopes launched an endowment campaign alongside the capital campaign that would ensure we had the financial resources to support this expansion.

To date, the Campaign has raised just over $2m towards its goal. Meeting our $3m target will lessen High Hopes’ dependence on the uncertainties of annual appeals and special events, while still providing fiscal stability, helping to retain experienced staff, and ensuring that those who can benefit from the therapeutic benefits of riding, driving, and equine learning are not prevented from doing so by cost. Having access to an increased allowable endowment drawdown will help close the fiscal gap we face each year between operational expenses and revenue from fees, as well as help to meet the higher need for financial aid from our

That first endowment campaign met its goal and over the years has provided a critical financial buffer in times of economic instability.

Now, 28 years later, High Hopes has launched a new Endowment campaign, “Share Hope,” and once again the impetus for this came from the Davison family.

In 2017, to honor Janie and Cottie’s abiding commitment to High Hopes, the Ingalls Family

For more information regarding the Endowment Campaign, contact Sara Qua, Development Director, squa@highhopestr.org or call her at 860-434-1974 x 122. participants.

Equine Lea

The Equine Learning Program curriculum is des excellent way for individuals to develop confid for vocational training. The program is also grea

ELP Participant, Anne, is a life-long horsewoman and member of the High Hopes family. She came to High Hopes in 1989 when she was eight years old. She knows every horse’s name on sight and can usually tell you some statistical information about them as well. Anne knows every grooming tool and how to use it properly, how to halter and lead horses and turn them out safely. “After 30 years, spending time with horses is still Anne’s favorite thing to do,” says Tomi, “just like me.”

During my first lesson with Anne this Fall, she had a challenging and emotionally overwhelming experience when a volunteer she didn’t know was asked to lead her favorite horse to the arena. Anne can become anxious, and her emotional energy can “snowball” rapidly. Anne told me that she does not like, and is not good at, sharing.

During Horse Show Days (May 18, 2019 - May 24, 2019) we hold a bake sale to keep our riders and families fed and watered, as well as contributing much-needed funds.

We are looking for whole cakes, loaves of bread, pies, as well as individually wrapped cookies and bars/brownies. Packs of water and juice boxes are also needed. Please contact Diana Artiles, dartiles@ highhopestr.org or call 860.434.1974 x 112 if you can help.

Sharing can be scary because it can make us feel like we are losing something; scary because it can make us feel vulnerable, like sharing our feelings. Alternatively, sharing can be empowering, like sharing your unique knowledge about a topic that you love; eliciting joy as someone learns something from you.

Sharing became our theme for the year.

Sometimes as adults, we have to share even if we don’t want to. However, sharing does not mean giving something up or giving something away without getting anything in return. Sharing is friendship, community, and teamwork - a sense of belonging.

arning Programs (ELP)

by Tomissin Beck, Instructor

signed on an individual basis to accommodate each student’s needs and goals. ELP is an dence and become comfortable working with horses for pleasure, to build life skills, and at for home-schoolers.

Early in December Anne began working with an ELP Volunteer Coach, Jeremy. With encouragement, Anne agreed in the first lesson to let Jeremy use one brush on her favorite horse during grooming. Although it was a challenge for her, she allowed Jeremy to lead her horse for five steps on the way out to the paddock. Jeremy returned Anne’s horse as promised, so she agreed to let him lead for ten steps during the next lesson and shared her grooming knowledge by educating Jeremy on the use of another brush.

Meet Tomi:

jokingly referred to as a “Three-Quarters Time” Instructor, Tomi teaches classes four days a week, both mounted riding instruction and unmounted Equine Learning Program lessons.

HOW DO

“The most important skills that I can teach participants through riding and ELP are to have the selfconfidence to face challenges with a can-do attitude and the mental flexibility to lead a more resilient, creative, and fulfilling life.”

Horses

HELP?

A few weeks later Anne’s favorite horse passed away and to help herself and others feel better, Anne shared her thoughts and feelings about “B-D-Y” (her unique nickname for her best horse-friend.) Jeremy wrote them down, and Anne posted them on Buddy’s stall door to share her memories with all of our participants, volunteers, and staff. Flash forward to March.

Anne and Jeremy share leading responsibilities

throughout the lesson. Sharing horse time and horse knowledge with her ELP coach is having a profound impact at home.

Anne began by sharing horse books which she borrows each week from the library. She now talks about the horses with a housemate who also attends High Hopes. Through this shared interest, Anne is forming closer friendships with others in her group-home.

Six things you didn’t know about Tomi ...

• I take care of a small herd of polo horses in Madison. Those horses are my best friends.

• I ride almost exclusively in a bareback pad, so I always feel weird when I am in a saddle.

• I have two dogs, Elvis and LeRoy Brown; and a cat, but she won’t tell me her name.

• I studied literature and philosophy in college, and I am currently pursuing certification as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist.

• In the summer I am also a Monster Truck Driving Instructor at Drive Blue Buzzard - my dad’s Monster Truck Driving Experience.

• I would title my staff photo “Barn Hair Don’t Care.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THIS YEAR’S

Big Barn Bash

Have you got your tickets?

It’s nearly time for our June Gala, and we can’t wait for Saturday, June 8. This year our theme is ‘The Big Barn Bash,’ and you’ll see some fun changes from the auction format to the layout of the room and dance floor! Amid the changes, we will still have many of your favorite features.

Our Event Co-Chairs, Hannah Childs and Emily Jewett, along with the beverage committee, are busy dreaming up some delicious specialty cocktail creations with our friends from Grand Wine & Spirits. Five of your favorite restaurants are donating appetizers this year - Pasta Vita, Fresh Salt, David Alan Hospitality Group, Best of Everything Country Gourmet - and who is ready for cocktail shrimp with ‘tears of joy’ cocktail sauce donated by Flanders

Fish? Gourmet Galley Catering will serve an exquisite menu, described as ‘gourmet farmto-table,’ and Omar Coffee is again donating a cappuccino and espresso bar for your afterdinner enjoyment. The stage and dance floor have changed, and also new to High Hopes is the eight-piece band “Fever.”

Not so new are some of the faces behind the band who also perform with last year’s band “Sugar.” So get your dancing shoes on because you know it’s going to be fun!

We cannot thank our friends enough: Northstar Wealth Managers and Dominion Energy for their support as Event Partners; the always-amazing design work of the team at Julia Balfour, LLC.; promotional support through 98.7 WNLC; and a video that we cannot wait to show you - kindly donated by Dreamscapes Design Group.

THE BBB ELECTRONIC AUCTION

Many people don’t realize that we serve participants as diverse as Veterans recovering from PTSD; families dealing with the impact of domestic abuse; and youth-at-risk of dropping out of school. Fees-for-service covers only 30% of the actual cost, so your support of our biggest fundraiser of the year is vital to ensure that we can continue to provide our services to such a diverse range of individuals, regardless of their ability to pay.

Valet parking! You asked we listened.

New to The Big Barn Bash this year will be complimentary valet parking for all our attendees. “We try to keep the gala fresh,” says Event Manager, Trudy Burgess. “What better way to enjoy an elegant evening of fun, friendship and fundraising - or, as one of our Trustees puts it ...

a helluva party! ”

tickets at: highhopestr.org/BASH

how it will work

The time has come for High Hopes to

follow many other of your favorite charities and move to electronic bidding for our Big Barn Bash Auction.

There are several reasons. Firstly, it will reduce the amount of administration time we take to run the auction.

Secondly, it allows us to reach a wider audience of our supporters, not all of whom can make it to the BBB from their homes across the globe.

Thirdly, it means that we can process your purchases immediately after the auction closes. There will be less hanging around to check-out at the end of the evening, or popping back to High Hopes to settle up.

Finally - it’s fun! Buy your tickets online, and you are already registered to bid - it’s that easy!

Look out for some fantastic items such as a Night at the Opera in Santa Fe; a five-night stay in the Rocky Mountains at Steamboat Springs; a Fun Family Penguin Adventure and a NASCAR V.I.P. experience in New Hampshire.

The auction will be available for preview during May (watch out on social media.) Bidding will open June 1st.

PREVIEW ...

ON THE NIGHT ...

as always, we will have a few items available for prepurchase or “buy now.” These are the amazing events our supporters host; unique opportunities only available to High Hopes supporters.

bring your fully-charged smartphone and start bidding. If you prefer, register at the BBB welcome desk and then visit one of our concierges to place a bid for you from dedicated iPads.

CHECKING OUT ...

TAKE YOUR WINNINGS ...

although we will ask you to register a credit card to access the bidding platform, at the end of the evening you will be able to pay by that card, check, or by cash.

at the end of bidding, all items will be prepared ready to take with you. If you have the winning bid but have left, we will charge your cards and keep your winnings safe until you collect them.

HELP US GIVE OUR VOLUNTEER TEAMS

a huge shout out

Teamwork: the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient.

Volunteer groups help to create the foundation for many of our most significant events at High Hopes including our June Gala. While individual commitments help keep program running, corporate groups magically transform the indoor arena into a beautiful ballroom and back to a working barn the following Monday.

Liberty Bank and Eversource are the critical players in benefit prep, and what can be a highly stressful and pivotal week for staff is alleviated by the excitement and efficiency of so many new faces. Faces that once a year bring a refreshing outlook on all that we do.

They are excited to help in any way possible and through out the week witness the transformation of the arena for our largest fundraiser of the year.

The week starts out with an (exceptionally) clean slate. The team from Liberty Bank scrub and polish anything and everything they can.

Eversource then comes in on Wednesday with the heavy hitters ... the carpet crew. Nothing else can happen until the carpet is put down - a physically demanding and meticulous process - that Eversource has committed to for years! Those who are not helping with the carpet organize décor and prepare items for the Friday Liberty Bank group who really piece everything together. Decorating tables and finalizing place settings helps the room feel finished and ready for the event. You might think this is the end of the road for benefit volunteer groups; but, alas, it is not. What used to include an early Sunday wake up for

all staff and committee members the morning after the event has now been picked up by a couple different groups. Medtronic was the first to come in on the Monday after benefit as the official cleanup day, and we will forever be grateful for their help. What used to take a full day, now takes a few hours with many helping hands. This year Citizens Bank has offered to help that Monday, and with a sigh of relief, we gladly said yes. The Monday after benefit is the culmination of a week of teamwork from all our corporate groups that have each played a part in ensuring the June Gala continues to be our biggest fundraising event.

Each and every volunteer that comes out contributes time and energy that, simply put,

keep us moving forward.

HIGH HOPES IS

proud to partner with

Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as other programs, Dominion Energy contributed nearly $35 million in 2018 to community causes throughout its footprint and beyond.

Grants are awarded in four areas: Human Needs, Environmental Stewardship, Education and Community Vitality. High Hopes is honored to be a grant recipient.

“Northstar Wealth Partners has been built by developing close and longstanding relationships with our clients and the communities we serve. Since we expanded to the shoreline with a team of seasoned local advisors, we have been proud supporters of High Hopes and the outstanding and meaningful work that takes place there.”

Julia Balfour, LLC is an award-winning full-service integrated agency specializing in strategy, marketing, social, content, code, and creative located in Connecticut close to New York and Boston. We love working with this talented team that donates so much time to High Hopes, our participants and all of our programs.

36 Town Woods Road Old Lyme, CT 06371 860-434-1974 www.highhopestr.org

Save T The h e Date!

Nov

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT # 119 DEEP RIVER, CT

11 - 4 P PM M

Summer Fun at HIGHHOPES Camps Week 1, June 24 – June 27, 2019 9am – 1pm for ages 3-6 Week 2, July 8 – July 11, 2019 9am – 1pm for ages 7-12 FULL: Week 3 , July 15 – July 18, 2019 9am – 1pm for ages 4-12 (3:00pm with extra fee)* Week 4 , July 22 – July 25, 2019 9am – 1pm for ages 3-6 Week 5 July 29 – August 1, 2019 9am – 1pm for ages 7-12 highhopestr.org/summer-programs

REGISTER ONLINE, ONLY 16 PLACES FOR EACH WEEK & FILLING FAST!