Marion Therapeutic Riding Association was once again humbled to honor our many hardworking volunteers, clients and staff for their selfless contributions to our organization. From our riders and instructors to our part and full time staff and volunteers, we couldn’t do it without you and our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner is just a small way for us to thank you for your devotion to our cause.
This year, we enjoyed a picnic theme at our Greenway facility with Nick Gettys and Eric Halsteter serving as our grill cooks for hotdogs and hamburgers, and with many side dishes and desserts provided by board members and volunteers. We had games and music and enjoyed each other’s company in a festive atmosphere! Below are our award recipients for 2014:
- Volunteer of the Year was our familiar face in the office as our trusty administrative assistant, Nancy Moore. As our Executive Director, Leslie Gettys says, “Nancy has been an absolute delight to work with…She always has an upbeat attitude and care genuinely about MTRA and the people there. She is a blessing to all of us.” Nancy actually purchases all paper products and trash bags for Greenway, as if her time in the office wasn’t enough!
- Youth Volunteer of the Year was the hard working Joshua Pritchard. This eager young man is always on the job early on Saturdays and is willing to do whatever jobs we may have for him. He never complains and goes out of his way to help new volunteers. He has only been volunteering for less than a year, but he is here every Saturday and for any events he is asked to assist. He is a great role model for all of our youth volunteers!
- Our Adult Rider of the Year, Becky Ann O’Brien, has been in our therapeutic riding program at MTRA for many years. She loves the horses and especially enjoys grooming the horse she rides. Becky Ann is very social and caring with her fellow riders and volunteers.
- Hannah Fouché, has made tremendous strides since she began riding with MTRA in January of 2014. Just six years old and bravely riding every week, she began on a bareback pad with no reins and a gait belt and received maximum support from our sidewalkers in order to maintain an upright position. Now, Hannah rides in a western youth saddle with reins, does not need the gait belt and is able to maintain an upright position with minimal support. Her progress in a short time with us is a testament to the benefits of therapeutic riding and our instructors felt she was a standout as our Youth Rider of the Year for 2014.
- MTRA PATH Instructor of the Year, Terri Libera, arrived in Florida from her home state of Maine last February, 2014 and jumped in with both feet. She has been a tremendous mentor to our Instructors in Training, and her students here have excelled. Terri has a wonderful ability to see the real personality of her clients, the instructors and even the horses. She gives 110% to her riders and is always available to help with anything that is going on at the barn or other locations. She shows up every day with a beautiful smile on her face and stays upbeat and positive at all times. She is a great asset to MTRA as our Program Director and we are thrilled to have her here and be able to recognize her as our Instructor of the Year for 2014.
- Our Dreamer Award for 2014 was deservedly earned by our MTRA Board of Directors President, Tami Johnson, who has dedicated a huge amount of her time advocating for MTRA. Her website and graphic talents have put MTRA above other therapeutic programs and her dedication to the board has been second to none. We would not be where we are today if not for her efforts. She had a dream to rebuild MTRA and worked hard to bring it to fruition!
Volunteers recognized for contributing 1,000 hours of time as an MTRA Volunteer:
- Jan Blythe – 1,390 hours
- Nancy Moore – 1,366 hours
- Carol Bardin – 1,378 hours
- Ralph Flood – 1,240 hours
- Eleanor Wright – 1,087 hours
- Sue Havel – 1,107 hours
- Chuck Decker – 1,100 hours
- Peggy Heier – 1,100 hours
Volunteers recognized for contributing 500 hours of time as an MTRA Volunteer:
- Karen Decker
- Ron Hebert
- Kathy Herndon
- Patti Homschek
- Sally Ann Lyle
- Jay Morse
- Susan Nicharot
- Fred Setzer
- Dot Schaeffer
If you would like to join our “Dream Team” of volunteers at Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, whether in an administrative, marketing, fundraising events, maintenance or hands on horse help, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Karen Holmberg, by eMail or give her a call at 352-732-7300. We are especially in need of volunteers to assist in our lessons at the Hillcrest School on weekdays during business hours, which is a very rewarding endeavor.