Riding To The Top celebrates volunteer contributions

Trish and David Vaughn have been honored
as Barn Volunteers of the Year by the Riding
To The Top organization. 
SUBMITTED PHOTO 

The pandemic and associated restrictions did not stop volunteers from contributing time and talent to Riding To The Top in 2020. Despite being closed for nearly four months and needing to modify lessons once the farm was able to re-open, volunteers still collectively donated more than 5,500 hours of service in 2020.

Volunteers at RTT worked in the barn, in lessons with clients, exercised horses, repaired and maintained the facilities and trails. Volunteers also served on the Board of Directors. RTT is celebrating the significant impact their volunteers make on the organization during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 18 to April 24.

“RTT is fortunate to have many committed and passionate volunteers,” said RTT Executive Director Sarah Bronson. “We truly would not be where we are today without the hearts and hands of so many individuals who are at the farm each and every day. In our eyes, all of our volunteers are our heroes, but each year we recognize volunteers in certain categories.”

Bronson said that this year’s RTT recognizes the following individuals:

Pat Niboli (Volunteer of the Year); Maddie Hurley (Youth Volunteer of the Year); Janis Childs (Administrative Volunteer of the Year); Sue Smith (Rookie of the Year); Trish and David Vaughn (Barn Volunteers of the Year); and Lisa Fink (Volunteer Schooler Award).

She said that RTT also recognizes the following individuals and organizations for outstanding volunteer contributions:

• IATSE Local 114 – Maine

• Elizabeth Holmstrom of Mindful Employer

• The Platz Family

“We missed our volunteer picnic last year but hope to have an outdoor gathering later this summer,” said RTT’s Volunteer Coordinator Nick Doria. “Meanwhile RTT plans to post thank you signs and distribute goodies to show their appreciation of its volunteers. This year a number of RTT volunteers will receive Presidential Service Awards and will be recognized on the Maine “Roll of Honor.”

Since 2003, the President’s Volunteer Service Award has recognized the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities and inspires those around them to take action, too. The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.

This year 13 RTT volunteers received The President’s Volunteer Service Award:

Bronze Level Awardees

(Adult 100-249 hours/Young Adult 100-174 hours)

Clayton Peters


Diane Powers


Elizabeth Wood


Fran Maxwell


Maureen Mathieu


Stacie Hamilton Waldron

Silver Level Awardees

(250 to 499 hours/Young Adult 175-249 hours):


David Vaughn


Trish Vaughn


Janis Childs


Patty Shaw


Gold Level Awardees

(500 or more hours/Young Adult 250 or more hours:


Dan Morabito


Lina Jordan


Pat Niboli


Lifetime Award

(4,000 or more hours)

Pat Niboli

The Maine Governor's Awards for Service and Volunteerism celebrates and recognizes the role of citizen volunteers in the success and vitality of Maine communities. At the same time, the awards seek to inspire others to be active in civic life and follow in the footsteps of those recognized.

This year, six RTT volunteers made the Maine Honor Roll:

Adult Roll of Honor

Dan Morabito

Pat Niboli

David Vaughn

Trish Vaughn

Youth Roll of Honor

Maddie Hurley

Lina Jordan

Founded in 1993, Riding To The Top Therapeutic Riding Center’s (RTT) mission is enhancing health and wellness through equine-assisted services.

RTT is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International). Located in Windham, RTT is the state’s only year-round PATH International Premier Accredited Center solely dedicated to serving people with disabilities through equine-assisted services.

It is a community-based nonprofit, receives no federal or state funding and provides scholarships to over 60 percent of its clients. Currently visitors at the farm are limited due to COVID.

For more information about client services, volunteering, or making a gift, please visit us at www.ridingtothetop.org or call 892-2813. <