EVENTS
socially speaking
Taking the
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON | SOCIAL EDITOR Ron@ocalamagazine.com
Right Strides
R
ecently, the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club was the scene for the Goin’ for Gold fundraiser for Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center. Guests enjoyed popular tunes performed by Gainesville band, Moondog, while sipping drinks and sampling delicious hors d’oeuvres as they surveyed theme baskets and auction items before a sumptuous dinner. Renee Phifer, Stirrups ‘n Strides rider, spoke of her fantastic dream-come-true experience as the youngest Special Olympics Equestrian Team competitor and her wonderful accomplishment of bringing home three gold medals for Team USA. Stirrups ‘n Strides provides therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving to anyone with physical, mental or emotional challenges. Such horse encounters improve the quality of life for those individuals with the opportunity for emotional, educational and physical growth through horsemanship and
competition. Stirrups ‘n Strides is quintessentially representative of Ocala/Marion County. Stacey Spence, pastor and board president, states, “The Goin’ for Gold committee worked diligently to provide a way for others, who believe in our mission, to give. We provided a holistic picture of our organization and snapshot golden moments of what our program means to our riders, volunteers and staff. This event is about much more than raising money. It is about elevating individuals so they can be all they want to be by setting goals and achieving them. It is also about how the horse and rider team up to win the day.” The success of the fundraiser was due in large part to the giving spirit of sponsors, donors and volunteers. Silver sponsor for the event was the Ocala Star Banner. Bronze sponsors included TJM Promos and Jim and Jan Olson. Former Stirrups ‘n Strides board president Jim Olson also acted as emcee and observed, “It has been one of the greatest joys of my life, to be involved with Stirrups ‘n Strides for many years. As a donor, supporter, event emcee, board president and volunteer, I always have felt that I received more than I gave. I can’t imagine a better way to use time and resources.” The intent for the funds raised from this event was to further enable the center to complete Phase 3 of their Striding into
Connie Latour, Betty Gray and Brenda Matusik
Rene, Tara and Lauryn Phifer
Nicole Amaro, Gail McDaniel, Abby Zavaski and Grace McWhorter
Debbie Putnam, Sandy Arbour, Stacey and David Owens