Egg money to hatch great things at Riding To The Top

Allie Mannette is an eight-year-old budding equestrian who raises chickens at her family farm in Standish. Every year she sells her eggs and her handmade Christmas decorations at her grandparent’s family hosted craft fair in Gorham and then donates the money to charity.

Allie with Lily the horse and Sarah Bronson

In the past she has donated to the Animal Refuge League and to her school’s Back Pack Project that provide weekend meals for kids in need. This year she has decided to donate all the money she made to Riding To The Top (RTT) because of how highly her grandparents have spoken of the local nonprofit.

Her grandparents -- Mary Jane and Gerry Strumph attended RTT’s annual signature event, the Triple B ~ “Boots, Band and BBQ” in October as guests of their friends, the Vances. It was their first introduction to Riding To The Top and the impact that the organization has on the health and wellness of people with disabilities and their families.

On Thursday, December 6 Mannette visited RTT with her mom, Natalie Hodgdon, as well as with her grandparents and she got to see firsthand how her donation will make a difference. Mannette observed a lesson, toured the farm and met some of the 19 horses at RTT.  “After I heard about the event that my grandparents went to and what it was for, I thought it would be nice to donate here.” 

Mannette’s egg and crafts fair proceeds this year totaled $126 which she presented to Executive Director, Sarah Bronson during her visit.

“In addition to being a budding equestrian, Allie is a budding philanthropist! She personally understands the impact that horses can have, and for her to make this donation to Riding To The Top as an 8 year old is truly heart-warming. We were touched by her gift and visit to the farm and look forward to seeing her back as a volunteer in the future!” said Sarah Bronson, Executive Director.

   

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

“Changing lives through the healing power of horses”