Ten Broeck Farm

Horse Power - Event Raises $5,000 for Hospice

It was a monumental task, but one that paid off, shall we say “hand over hoof.” When the 2012 New England Breed Show Series rolled into Ten Broeck Farm this June, owners Orintha and Phil Silva wanted to add an extraordinary event to the line up.

In addition to three full days of showing and the nearly 100 entries, 200 visiting trainers, handlers and grooms, the Silvas hosted a sold out benefit dinner and orchestrated an evening of equine entertainment for more than 200 guests.

A portion of all proceeds from this busy weekend were earmarked for the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, owned and operated by Home Health and Hospice Care (HHHC). Employees, volunteers and friends of HHHC make up a group who give comfort to those in need and offer invaluable support to families, affectionately called “angels” despite the very difficult circumstances.

“We are thrilled to present the HHHC with $5,000, which we know will help so many people during very trying times,” says Orintha, “The Community Hospice House took care of my mom, and they have taken care of loved ones for several people associated with our farm. This evening was a way for us to express our appreciation for the awesome care the staff provides every day.”

The evening show “Celebrating our Angelic Partners” was designed to highlight horses for their unique ability to offer a true partnership to so many. Talented equines can be guides, healers and friends, and a source of inspiration and companionship. Equine therapy has been effective in treating people with a wide spectrum of challenges and the program paid tribute to a horse’s uncanny ability to bring joy when it is needed most.

An army of volunteers transformed the show ring in less than 90 minutes to a beautiful dinner theater with seating for 230, complete with pressed linens and fresh flower centerpieces. Dinner was catered by Texas Roadhouse and complimentary wine and beer donated by Jeff and Tracey Wielinski.

Weekend sponsors generously gave in all amounts, and according to Phil, “…every penny helps, we couldn’t be more appreciative to the organizations and local businesses that contributed to the weekend’s success.” Among the sponsors, The Demoulas Foundation, Friesians of Tranquility, Ms. Vickie Kolenda, HFR International Horse Transportation, Pepperell Horse Owners Association, Poulin Grain, Mr. Richard Smith, and Black Anvil Farrier Mike Licata.

The show started with a welcoming message from Dr. Karen Baranowski, President and CEO of HHHC. The program included several acts, including a parade of sparkling angels played by the child stars of Ten Broeck Farm and a dazzling white pony. The audience was also amazed by the energetic performance given by Pepperell’s own Fire Chief Toby Tyler who demonstrated some western reining maneuvers. Several horses from the farm were also highlighted with heartwarming stories about the journey from foal to retirement with the special attention and care given at every stage of life. The night concluded with a stunning Grand Finale Freestyle, musical dressage number, ridden by Orintha Silva and Paige Finnegan with a standing ovation from the audience.

HHHC development committee was impressed by the event and truly enjoyed the diversity of acts. They “loved the decorations and entire look of the arena.”

Spectator Lucy Chan commented, “It was a magical evening. You could tell so much effort went into the details…from the script to the music to the decorations. The food was excellent and the team of volunteers very welcoming.”

The crowd praised the night with feedback that included, “unlike anything I’ve ever seen before”, “I can’t believe this huge event is right here in Pepperell”, “this is the most fun we have had in ages”, “we would definitely come again if they do it next year”, “this was simply terrific, for young and old, even if you know nothing about horses!”

“The benefit dinner and show, actually the entire weekend, was a tremendous success. We are so appreciative to everyone who helped by volunteering, performing and donating…there are countless efforts behind the scenes as well. We are so happy to have raised money for such a worthwhile cause,” explains Orintha.

Home Health & Hospice Care, a nonprofit agency providing community health, nursing and other services including home care, hospice, community clinics and support groups.
Please visit www.hhhc.org for more information.

Ten Broeck farm is a 14 acre equestrian facility in Pepperell, specializing in the art of dressage and sport horse handling.

 

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