Greater Houston’s largest NARHA premium accredited center providing equine-assisted therapy to children and adults with disabilities
Fall 2008
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2
5
Ike Deals a Big Blow to SIRE
7
Why NARHA Accreditation
9
Ride-A-Thon
6
Meet Wyatt
8
Serving SIRE
10
SIRE Fort Bend Donor Thank You
SURVIVING IKE
SIRE, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization
Ike Deals a Big Blow to SIRE
A
s predicted by local forecasters,
flap in the wind like a weathered flag. As the
Hurricane Ike blew in during the
deafening sound of shattered metal blared
predawn hours of Saturday,
ever louder with each forceful gust of air,
September 13th. And like so many
Jim Brewer, our Hockley facility manager,
individuals living on the Gulf Coast, SIRE
his wife Peggy, and daughter Tori grew
too has its own Ike story. It is one of
increasingly concerned for the horses. This
courage, determination, and generosity. But
apprehension urged the Brewer family from
before we get to that, let me reassure you
the safety of their SIRE home, through the
that all the SIRE horses, at each of our sites,
high winds and heavy rains, and into the
weathered the storm without injury and are
barn. Jim said, “I believe it was the horses’
doing well.
natural herd instinct that helped to keep them calm during the crest of the deafening
IKE REVEALS UNYIELDING COURAGE
noise. And I’d like to think that maybe our
It was some time after midnight when the
being there may have helped just a little.”
winds began to howl and the ominous
For five hours through the height of the
sounds of splintering wood echoed through
storm as the roof damage continued to
the dark night. Several large oak trees
worsen, the Brewer family remained in the
standing sentry by the front gate of SIRE
barn to monitor and calm the horses.
Hockley now lay across the driveway. Then
Finally, dawn broke, offering just enough
somewhere around two a.m., a strong gust
light for Jim to inspect the damage: the
lifted the tin roof off the barn, causing it to
middle section of the barn roof was gone
leaving three rows of stalls open to the sky
In humble response to the outpouring
and elements. Working as a team in the
of praise and gratitude for his family’s
wind and rain, the trio carefully led the
courage, Jim responded, “We are not heroes.
horses out of the battered barn and into the
We did what anyone would have done in
safety of the far pastures. Trees and fences
the same situation.” SIRE gives a big “thank
were down; the front gate and several
you” to the Brewer family for their
majestic oaks lining the drive were gone as
overwhelming dedication.
well as the SIRE sign.
Ike Recovery
SUPPORT While insurance covered the physical damage at SIRE,
SIRE Hockley was without electrical
GENEROSITIES MUCH APPRECIATED
the loss of income of over
power for three days, and during those long
As the storm continued to rage during the
$15,000 from cancelled
days the weary Brewer family continued
early hours of Saturday morning, Jim
classes was not covered.
their heedful watch and unrelenting care of
Brewer’s cell phone rang out. The voice of
To donate, please send
the horses. No electricity means no water;
his friend, Carl Benge, from Santa Fe Ranch,
contributions to SIRE at
an electric pump sends water from the water
could be heard reverberating through the ear
24161 Spring Drive,
well to the faucets, and, in addition, the
piece. Carl asked if everyone was okay and
Hockley, TX or go to our
generator was damaged. The horses were at
if they were in need of help. Jim shared his
website www.sire-htec.org
risk for dehydration and colic, and
concern about the debris-blocked driveway,
for other ways to support
dedicated personnel took action in the rain
and before long Carl came rolling down
SIRE (at no cost to you).
to haul buckets of water.
Spring Drive in a large tractor and made
quick work removing the trees. Another call
Important
DATES
JAN. 7, 2009 Volunteer Orientation JAN. 10, 2009 Volunteer Training FEB. 23-25, 2009 Top Hands Horse Show MAR. 28, 2009 Horses & Research Presentation MAY 9, 2009 Annual Shindig MAY 30-31, 2009 State Special Olympics June 3, 2009 Summer Training June 6, 2009 Volunteer Orientation
4 The SIRE Crier
Karen Gardner and her husband, John,
came from the area veterinarian; Dr. Chris
cleaned out the therapy room which had
Boutros inquired not only on the safety of
sustained water damage when the roof blew
the family, but on the safety and needs of
off the barn. A crew of staff and volunteers
the horses. By mid-morning on Saturday,
focused on clean-up. Molly Sweeney, Joelle
Eddie Martinez had driven over to check on
Devlin and Deborah Gottselig helped feed
the Brewers and to help.
the horses.
SIRE’s main electrical box located on the damaged barn was a major concern—D & L
SIRE SPRING & SIRE FORT BEND
Electric Company was on-site before 9 a.m.
During the storm, SIRE Spring’s Daniel
Monday morning, checking the lines and
Narvaez and his family kept a watchful eye
straightening the boxes. The D & L
over the horses, arena and their home.
employee, Chris, then offered his assistance
Several trees were down, the toy shed lost,
in any capacity needed.
run-in shed damaged, and all the sand in the arena vanished with the wind.
A HORSE e SPONSOR ay season, w ring the holid u d r te in w h Eac much joy es that give so rs o h e th r o n ho the special tic healing to eu ap er th d an ugh the It is only thro . E IR S f o s er rid e are granted others that w f o ty si o er en g azing friends. re for our am ca to s d n fu e th is very look out for th So, be on the open your g. And please lin ai m l ia ec sp ble heroes these remarka p el h to s rt ea h ey do. s work that th u lo u ac ir m e continue th reciated and is greatly app rt o p p su r u Yo py and our horses hap ep ke p el h ill w . ghout the year healthy throu
There was no substantial damage reported at SIRE Fort Bend. Kudos to Molly Sweeney for helping to evacuate these horses and bringing them home again. PRAISING DEDICATION Through contributions of time and effort by staff and volunteers, we have been able to take those first steps toward recovery from the Ike storm damage. We sincerely thank you all for your heartfelt generosity and unyielding dedication—hope has been renewed through the kindness of your spirits. —Deborah Gottselig
Meet Wyatt
W
yatt Womack is a beautiful three-year-old boy with Down Syndrome. He came to SIRE as a very timid and dependent little boy. During
his evaluation he would hardly associate with the therapist, choosing instead the comfort of his mother’s arms. He could walk a little, but preferred to be carried. At home, his mom referred to him as the “King”—any time his wants were not met, he would plop down on the ground and refuse to move until he got what he wanted. Wyatt started riding at SIRE during the fall of 2007. At first, riding would exhaust him after only 30 minutes. But it wasn’t too long before he had built up his strength and endurance to complete the entire 45 minute class. And boy,
Just Say “Hi”
has that stamina paid off! Now when Wyatt walks into the
What do you say when you meet someone for the first
arena, he looks for the horses. His focus, strength, and
time? You make eye contact, reach your hand out for a
participation have all improved immensely.
firm handshake, and you say, “Hi, my name is ___.”
And the benefits are beginning to show. Since riding at
Then you wait for the other person to respond. We all
SIRE, Wyatt has become a different child. He now walks
do this on a regular basis without giving it much
everywhere he goes, exploring his world with renewed
thought. Yet, when a person with disabilities enters the
curiosity. His shy, timid demeanor is disappearing, and he is
picture, suddenly people do not know what to do.
becoming aware that people outside his family can be
Confusion settles in, your mind begins to panic, and
trustworthy, too. Although Wyatt continues to be strong-
you think, “What do I do, what do I say?”
willed, he now abides by his family’s rules of respecting others and doing more for himself. What is more exciting is that Wyatt’s story does not stop
So, the next time you come upon someone who has a disability, stop. Look at the person in front of you and appreciate that this is an individual—a real person,
with him; SIRE has become a family affair. Both Wyatt’s
someone who has feelings and emotions just like you.
mom and dad attend most of their son’s classes—and many
Then, as you would do with anyone you would meet:
extended family members have come to watch. In fact,
lean in a bit closer, make eye contact, and reach your
watching Wyatt ride was a special event scheduled into a
hand out and say, “Hi. My name is ___.” Wait patiently
family member’s wedding weekend. One of Wyatt’s uncles
for the response; you will be pleasantly surprised at
pays the SIRE tuition through his company. And last but not
what that person may share.
least, Wyatt’s grandmother was so impressed with the
Sometimes the person will not indicate that they
improvement he experienced that she now volunteers at
heard you. They may not be able to make eye contact,
SIRE. (We just have to remind her, from time to time, that
or talk back to you, or reach their hand out to you. But
Robert is not only “Wyatt’s horse!”)
just because their body won’t do what they want it to,
Wyatt’s family is excitedly sharing their story throughout
they are glad to hear you. And either way, you have
the Down Syndrome community in an effort to educate
given the right message: “Welcome. I care, and I am
others about the powerful benefits of SIRE. But to Wyatt,
interested in you.” Believe me, these people and their
riding is simply something he looks forward to each week!
families do not experience that often enough. So, go
—Lee Ruonavaara
ahead do the right thing, and offer a simple “hello.” The SIRE Crier 5
The dream of a new arena at SIRE Spring was realized by grants from the Humana Foundation & the O’Neill Foundation, increasing our capacity for riders from 51 to 150.
Disabilities Served Developmental Delay 11%
Other 27%
Molly the Miracle Pony provided inspiration at a recent visit to SIRE. The plucky pony survived Hurricane Katrina, survived abandonment, and survived a horrible injury that resulted in amputation and an artificial limb—now she is giving hope to others.
Roger Kopp proudly shows his award at the Special Olympics. 36 SIRE riders participated at Regional Special Olympics, and eight riders exhibited at State.
Momentum
By this time next year, SIRE may well be the largest therapeutic equine-assisted center in the United States. Or should I say, centers. In the movie, Field of Dreams, Kevin Costner’s character believed, “If you build it, they will come.” Here at SIRE, we believe, “If we build it, they CAN come.” As our rider capacity grows, so does our need for unrestricted operating funds; this is even more critical after Hurricane Ike. SIRE needs your financial support
Down Syndrome 4% Autism 24% Cerebral Palsy 23% Based on 2007 Annual Report
Why NARHA Accreditation? You will have seen on some of our literature that SIRE is a NARHA Premier Accredited Center. We are proud of that, but what does it mean to you? NARHA is the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, the national organization for therapeutic horsemanship. The mission of NARHA is to provide national standards for facilities and programs and to certify instructors and therapists. Being NARHA accredited is necessary for the public to know that our services meet national standards of quality and safety. Going through the accreditation process is both challenging and rewarding; we spent over a year in preparation. Each of our locations— Hockley, Fort Bend and Spring—had their own site visit by NARHA evaluators to review the organization, program, facility and horse care, and we passed 100% as a Premier accredited Center. Being part of SIRE means being part of a top quality program. SIRE means success!!! —Karen M. Gardner
Ages Served
now more than ever.
Age 3-5 4%
In October, I celebrate my fourth year at SIRE, and all I can say is, “What a ride!” It has changed my life.
Mental Retardation 11%
Age 18+ 33%
With increased ridership comes the need for new instructors, support staff, volunteers and, of course, horses. The balance of growth, fund-raising and donor
Age 6-17 63%
cultivation continues to be my goal as SIRE’s executive director.
—Jimm Williams 6 The SIRE Crier
Based on 2007 Annual Report
Serving SIRE Through the Board
S
o… what exactly does it mean to
To focus directors’ talents on specific issues,
serve on the SIRE Board? The
the board has both standing and ad-hoc
process begins with a candidate’s
subcommittees. Standing committees such
recommendation to the board of director’s
as audit, finance, board resource,
Board Resource Committee for the vetting
development, and executive have ongoing
process which involves an application,
responsibilities and their work continues
background check, and face-to-face
uninterrupted year to year. Ad-hoc
interview with the committee. The
committees, created for a particular
committee makes a recommendation for
need, tend to be time specific until a
consideration to the full board. Then the
project or task is completed. These
prospective director
include Shindig, Ride-A-
attends a board
Thon, and Trailblazer
meeting for a final
Luncheon; the Spring
interview and approval.
expansion; and our
The interview process
strategic planning initiatives
is the easy part, now
such as Medical Research,
begins a two-year
Training and Education,
commitment to SIRE.
and Best Practices.
The “official” role of the
Our current board consists
board is to serve and
of homemakers, executives,
advise SIRE so that it,
consultants, retired college
in turn, can best serve
professors and engineers,
its clients and the
business owners, non-profit
greater Houston
executive directors,
community. While preparing for and attending our bimonthly board
Erin thinks it is a lot more fun to do therapy exercises on a horse!
Round
UP
IT’S MORE THAN A TOUR! Learn about SIRE by joining us for one hour HOCKLEY - 10am Saturday, Jan 17, 2009 Saturday, Feb 21, 2009 Saturday, Apr 4, 2009 Saturday, May 16, 2009 Saturday, July 18, 2009 Saturday, Oct 3, 2009 Saturday, Nov 14, 2009
attorneys, CPAs, and some SIRE President Whitey White with Nicole Larson at the 2008 Saddle Up for SIRE Ride-A-Thon
who are just committed to seeing SIRE’s mission realized. We are in need of
meetings is a very visible aspect, some of the
directors that have experience in accounting,
other less obvious roles include participating
real estate, IT - computer software and
on board committees and hosting a Round-
systems, insurance, as well as marketing and
up at home or chosen venue for recruiting
sales. If you have or you know someone that
friends, family and business associates to
has these skill sets, please let us know. I can
hear the SIRE story. Also, a very important
tell you from personal experience, you will
responsibility is assisting in our major
find the entire process extremely
fundraising events such as client
rewarding—knowing you have played a
sponsorship at Ride-A-Thon, or hosting a
significant role in helping SIRE reach its full
table at Shindig and/or our Trailblazer
potential and ensuring our future success.
Luncheon.
—Richard ‘Whitey’ White
SPRING - 10am Saturday, Jan 31, 2009 Saturday, Mar 7, 2009 Saturday, Apr 18, 2009 Saturday, June 13, 2009 Saturday, Sept 12, 2009 Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 Saturday, Dec 5, 2009 FORT BEND - 10am Saturday, Feb 7, 2009 Saturday, Mar 28, 2009 Saturday, May 2, 2009 Saturday, June 27, 2009 Saturday, Sept 19, 2009 Saturday, Nov 7, 2009
The SIRE Crier 7
Erica Haase focuses on her reins while out on the Trail
Client Nicole Larson rides as Trail Boss, a coveted title she earned by raising the most funds
The Denmark family, Martin, Milliann & Erin, follow behind the trailriders
Allison Funk enjoys riding the popular SIRE horse Jo
Breaking Records
The 16th annual Saddle Up for SIRE Ride-A-Thon broke records again this year! Over $95,000 was raised by clients, trailriders, volunteers and underwriters. There were 243 riders, including the 15 top fundraising clients. Client rider Nicole Larson earned the title of Trail Boss by raising $13,425. The second- to sixth-place top client fundraisers were Chloe Creel, Will Trulove, Nathaniel Hunter, Casey Aulenbach, and Allison Funk. Other top fundraisers included the team of Gleannloch Gals, raising $3245; individual Rebecca Cohen with $1200 in donations; and volunteer Julie Most garnering $5295 in funds for SIRE. $61,770 was received in Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze donations. And, a big thank you to the 100+ volunteers!
Chloe Creel was the second top client fundraisers
Our riders head to the end of the trail
Spotlight on SIRE Fort Bend
Helping Our Students Reach for Their Star
F
all 2008 is an exciting time at the
be working with Aedan on reading, writing
Fort Bend site. Combine new
and math skills in our “barn classroom.” All
programming, a wealth of
study topics will be related to the horse and
wonderful volunteers, almost 50 clients and
will be augmented by the skills taught in the
20 horses, and we have all the elements for
arena, offering a double dose of learning
an outstanding semester.
supplemented by movement.
VA CASE STUDY
EQUINE TEAM
Derrick Perkins is an Air Force Veteran and
A few of our long-time volunteers have
our first rider sponsored by the Paralyzed
teamed up to work with the horses Sienna
Veterans’ Administration (PVA). Derrick
Stables provides for our program. The team’s
recently completed a PVA case study at SIRE
goals include assessing horses for future use;
on the benefits of therapeutic riding—the
addressing equine behavior issues; and
proposal for which was submitted by two
introducing new therapy toys and tools to
recent SIRE
the horses. This team
volunteers, Glennys
will also form the
Asselin and Rebecca
basis for a Leader-in-
Neri, who are nurses
Training Program.
at the Michael DeBakey VA Hospital.
A GREAT GROUP
With hopes of
All of this would not
publication, the case
be possible without
study will be
the hard work and
presented in
dedication of
Cleveland, Ohio;
Maryanne Gerity, our
Dayton, Ohio;
Volunteer
Houston and San Antonio. NEW PROGRAM
Coordinator. Her Veteran Derrick Perkins enjoys a therapy session on Scarlett with instructor, Joelle Devlin, and volunteers, Glennys Asselin and Bob Hass.
SIRE’s newest
talents, her laughter and wonderful sense of hospitality have created an
Instructor, Aedan Sprung, comes to us in
atmosphere that is both welcoming and
the midst of his studies toward a Masters
professional.
Degree in Education. We are taking full
We have a great group down here, all
advantage of his expertise by initiating a
devoted to “helping our students reach for
formal Educational Program for our riders
their star!” That’s why we do what we do.
from Avondale House. While half the group
—Joelle Devlin
of ten students is riding, the other half will
Derrick Perkins Tells His SIRE Story I’ve never enjoyed artificial exercise. Prior to my injury I had been involved with various sports, my favorite being the martial arts. After my injury, I still do not like artificial exercise so I participate in various wheelchair sports like archery, quad rugby, bowling, etc. Even at home, my most consistent exercises are lawn care and therapeutic walking. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy therapeutic horseback riding. In the process I’ve rediscovered muscles that I didn’t know that I still had. After nine weeks of riding, my sitting balance and muscle tone has noticeably increased. Overall I’m just having a blast being a cowboy (from Houston... not Dallas). That’s right... I’m a Texan! I’m thankful for the Texas Paralyzed Veterans of America’s sponsorship as well as the SIRE Therapeutic Riding Program at Sienna Stables and their many volunteers. I’d like to extend special thanks to my instructor, Joelle Devlin, and SIRE volunteers, Bill Cunningham, Bob Haas, Chuck Schwartz and Houston VAMC Nurse volunteer, Glennys Asselin—and, of course, “Scarlet” the horse. We’re now preparing for the Top Hands Horse Show coming up in March 2009 during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The SIRE Crier 9
Thank You, Donors Trailblazers Society
$5000 and above
Guy & Judy Hunter
Trailblazers have pledged a minimum of $1000 per year for five years
Amegy Bank of Texas, Jim Lykes
Janet Jeanes
Connie Abbs, Global Santa Fe Corporate Services Becky and Hunter Adkins Ed Ayres Philip and Denise Bahr Elyse Brady Luis and Carol Cardenas Steve and Michelle Crawford David Culbreth, Commercial Fence Co. Inc. Carol Curran Marion Danna, City Wide Injury &Accident J.T. Davis Mike and Carol Dillingham Leslie Elkins, Leslie Elkins Architects Karen El-Tawil Genna & Jon Evans J. Warren and Carol Evans Tilman and Paige Fertitta, Landry's Restaurant James and Carmen Fitzpatrick Meridith Ford Susan Gaeta Phil and Carol Garner Becky and David Gochman Randall and Hollis Grace, Jr. Chris Hallman William E. Hanlon Bobby and Janet Horton Guy and Judy Hunter D. Blake Jackson Paige Kinkade, Medcare Pediatric Group Rick Kruger, Kruger Associates, Inc. Michael and Jenny Lambert E.D. Lester, Stewart Title Johnny Mancuso, American Speed, Inc. Jim and Rhetta McAlister Bill and Jackie McDonald Mary McKay, M.D. Barbara McLaughlin Hon. & Mrs. Robert Mosbacher Sue Mundy Bryan and Cheryl Nelson Pat Roddy and Bob Creasy M.E. Wise Sand Jeanette Shaw Bill & Sally Slick Molly Sweeney Steve Swisher, M.D. James Walker, Walker & Hunter P.C. Richard and Nancy White Jimm and Linda Williams Vivian Wise, VMW Ventures LLC William and Marie Wise
Associated General Contractors Inc., Houston
Junior League of North Harris County
10 The SIRE Crier
Peter & Jeanne Kinnear
D & L Electric Co. Ltd., Bill & Jackie McDonald
Konica Minolta Imaging USA, Inc.
Fort Bend Cares Foundation
Larry & Cynthia Lange
Kiwanis Foundation of Houston
Robert Lukefahr
The Lanier Law Firm, P. C.
Rosemary Mahony
Liatis Foundation & Robert Borick
Mason Resources LLC
Bill & Jackie McDonald
Barbara McLaughlin
OYO Geospace Shackouls Family Foundation
Kruger Associates Inc.
Jim & Rhetta McAlister Metzger Construction Company Millennium Opportunity Foundation Cowboy KIA of Conroe
TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company
Nomad Consulting, LLC
Pat Toppenberg
Dennis and Nancy Proctor
Howard & Alyce Ann Wagner
Mrs. Isla Reckling, III
Wedge Group
Republic National Distributing Co.
Richard & Nancy White
Pat Roddy & Bob Creasy
White Oak Energy Jane & Jim Wise
Pipeline Machinery Int’l
Sentinel Trust Company Jan and Thomas Simmons Specified Lighting Sales, Inc. Sterling McCall Lexus
$1000 to $4999 American Speed Inc., Johnny Mancuso
Urology Associates of Tomball Susman Family Foundation
Apache Corporation
Molly Sweeney
Fred Arnold
Dr. Steven Swisher, M.D.
Philip & Denise Bahr
Sysco Corporation
BHP Billiton
Gene & Donna Tromblee
Jenny Booth
Howard & Alyce Ann Wagner
Charlotte’s Saddlery, Mark & Missy Raisbeck
Steven & Kristin Ward
Chevron Pipeline Company
The Lord’s Servants
Christian Captal Group, Ltd.
Westside Lexus
Compass Pointe Homes
Whitley Ranch
Peter Costa
Williams
Angela & Reginald Dampeer
James & Linda Williams
DCS Interests, LP
Steven & Kirsty Williams
Curt & Sharon Webb
Dixie Services John W. Elder Embroidery, Inc. Engineering Science Contract Group En-Touch Systems, Inc. ExxonMobil Foundation James & Carmen Fitzpatrick Randall & Hollis Grace James Guild & Philippa WarfieldHine J.B. & Elizabeth Henderson Suzanne Hinds Horse Sense Trading Co. Dave & Cynthia Huber
$250 to $999 Assoc of Rehabilitation Nurses South East Texas Chapter Basic Builders, Inc. Larry & Vivian Bickle Wayne Brent & Megan Bushnell-Brent James & Peggy Brewer David & Terri Bright Luis & Carol Cardenas Carrie Conlon Ted Cox Kenneth Culotta Cuocci Enterprises, LLC Reginald Dampeer Bruce Darlow Dayspring Resources, Inc.
Valerie Depew Eileen Doehring Dr. Ralph & Dr. Judith Feigin The Forrest Foundation Frost National Bank - Westchase Roland & Kaye C. Fulton Jacko & Nancy Garrett Garrett Cattle Co. Joseph Giovanniello GLAMCO Grandpatch Texas Longhorns Krisanne Graves Gulf Coast Combined Fed. Campgn. Gulf Coast Paint Horse Assn The Haley Co., LLC Thomas and Jeanette Hix Houston Memorial Gardens, Inc. Lisa Johnson Diane Jones JP Morgan Chase Foundation Junior Guild, Inc Knockout Sports Kroger Richard Lindermanis Melanie Little Margo Loeffler Madisonville State Bank Magnolia Healthcare Center Manti Resources Marathon Oil Company John and Catherine Meese MGM Aurora Holdings Limited, Inc. Daniel Miller George P. Mitchell Danny & Kathy Moore Michael Moore National Charity League, Inc. Cypress Cheryl Nelson NextPage Communication Bob & Elizabeth Nickles Northwinds Construction Omni Energy Services The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer Foundation Paloma Energy Consultants LP Peter & JoLinda Papadakis Charles Parker Perry Training Soultions, Inc. Edmund & Ada Perwien, Bluebonnet Farm Proximity Systems, Inc. Dr. Carlos Rivera Janice E. Rogers Larry & Penny Schofield Melvin See Shady Brook Animal Hospital Shrieve Chemical Company Matthew & Sabrina Shumsky Stuckey’s Contract Services, L.P. James and K.D. Sword Patti Szopiak Tanglewilde Veterinary Clinic Cheryl Taylor United Galvanizing, Inc Lou and Wanda Waters Jim and Jane Wise
These donations were received February 2008 to August 2008. All donations are appreciated, but space does not allow us to list donations less than $250.
In Honor of Donations Anonymous in honor of Karen Gardner Philip & Denise Bahr in honor of Eileen Hricik Danaher Oil Company in honor of Saracen Merchant Energy, LP Kitty Edwards in honor of Jenny Booth Deborah Gottselig in honor of Jean Gottselig Thomas & Anita LaHouse in honor of Julie Taylor Lennis Landry in honor of Cade Zimmerman Julie Redding in honor of Alexandra Dumas Julie Redding in honor of SIRE horse Robert Sentinel Trust Company in honor of Molly Sweeney Bradley & Sheila Shoff in honor of Becky Shoff Spectra Energy Foundation in honor of Holly Freeland William J. & Dorothy K. O’Neill Foundation in honor of Molly Sweeney In Memory Of Donations Susan Abouhalkah in memory of Bint Gassar, horse of Susan Watson Laura Genung in memory of Jean Lykes Grace Halliburton - Global Impact in memory of Vance Vineyard Guy & Judith Hunter in memory of Gregory Esch IRS - Dallas Office in memory of James Kvello Meridian Resources USA, Inc. in memory of Don Caldwell Parvion Ltd. in memory of Billye Rees-Jones Brent Savage in memory of Vance Vineyard James & Linda Williams in memory of K. C. Coopwood James & Linda Williams in memory of James Kvello James & Linda Williams in memory of M. C. Braun James & Linda Williams in memory of Austin Tong In Memory of Eleanor Radcliff Gray Ned Harden Ron & Carol Mood James & Blanche Scherschel Connie Wampler Gary & Sandy Wisecup In Memory of Logan Henderson Kevin & Lisa Ancell R. H. & Lou Ann Arnett Carol Bills Wayne & Diana Browning Renelle Cadena John & Mari Cooney James & Jan Cooper John Davidson Federal Metal Company, The Gene & Dana Foote Mark & Dena Gaines John & Karen Gardner James & Carmel Giese John F. & Maria M. Gray Gary & Becky Groschke Russell & Teresa Grove Olin & Mrs. Olin Jackson Jerry Jungels Kenneth & Susan Kollister Ching & Jenq Lin
Brendan McCormick Dean Nolan O’Rourke Petroleum Randy Osburn Tony & Susan Pultz Stuart & Patricia Rae John & Wanda Ripple Mallary Robinson Michael & Tami Sandlin Dean & Ruby Shafer Arthur St.Clair Gary Stefaniak J. Taylor Courtney Thomas John & Kimberly Tipton Wayne & Elizabeth Wilcox Eugene & Rita Wilkenfeld James & Mary Wilson In Memory of Marcelene Roddy John & Karen Gardner Guy & Judith Hunter William & Jacqueline McDonald Carolyn & Rudy Mikulec Tim & Julie Redding James & Linda Williams In Memory of Shanna Scardino Anonymous Bill & Jo Ann Chunn Pat & Jamie Crandall Fort Bend County Emergency Services Districe #2 Barry & Sandra Jones Jerry & Marsha LeGard James & Lee Ann Medford Michael & Annette Robertson Gene & Lynn Slaid Edwin Garner Wood Group Logging Services, Inc. In-Kind Donations – Goods & Services James Allen Jessica Antash Donna Arnold Kate Blackburn Barbara Bolling Mary Brezina Jo Ann Bridge Suzanne Burkeholder Melissa Clapper Collier Equine Vet Associates Moira Cooper Karen Crum Joelle Devlin Lauren Diggans Equine Health & Livestock Services Equine Sports Medicine Angie Frank Bob Haas Margaret Haase Sharon Hipp Debra Jenkins Bernard & Deborah Jones Margo Loeffler Carole Mahfouz Jerry & Mike McLennan Melody Bizego Beth & Lillie Muyskens Karen Perry Robert & Barbara Petty Rachel Poysky Nick Raissis Deepthi Raju Eileen Reichert Carl & Lisa Ricco Rudy & Christine Rodriguez David Rogers Rosehill Vet Clinic Pine Hill - Philip Sawin Penny Schofield Kourtney Teer
Lauren Waddell Waller Equine Clinic In-Kind Donations – Shindig 7 on Fulton Restaurant A. D. Players Joetta Adkins Alley Theater Always In Season Fred Arnold Asleep at the Wheel Krysia & Jadwiga Barnes Bay Oaks Country Club Beau Rivage Resort Bill Clarke, Deb & Wayne Benner Bickerstaff Group Bistro Le Cep Joyce Blackburn Julie Blake Patty Brown Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors Sally Bufton Carmelo’s Suzanne Carson Kate Chambers Charlotte’s Saddlery Children’s Museum of Houston The Club at Falcon Point The Company OnStage The Country Playhouse Courtyard Da Camera Dawn Davidson-Chmielewski Mike & Carol Dillingham Kelly Dobbins Doubletree Hotel Kermit Eisenhut Laura Eskridge Events Evin Thayer Studios Sally Fanta Feathered Horse Ranch B&B Arlene Fierro Fish City Grill Flagship Hotel Galveston Friend’s Clothing & Gift Boutique Mary Gabel Gabriel Tran Nancy Garza Alvin Gee Photography Shah & Carol Ghani Carol Glass The Grand 1894 Opera House Harold Green Elaine Gregg Guadalajara Hacienda Gulf Greyhound Park Gymboree Play and Music Haney and Whipple Portraits Harrah’s The Health Museum Hemline Sugarland Kelly Henderson Mary Ann Henderson Jaden & Jeff Hill Hilton NASA Clear Lake Suzanne Hinds Gloria Hogue Holiday Inn San Antonio Downtown Market Square Home Depot #6819 Houmas House Houston Ballet Houston Grand Opera Houston Gym Houston Gymnastics Academy Houston Museum of Natural Science Houston Symphony Houston Texans Houstonian Hotel Linda Sue Hulme Guy & Judy Hunter Ladana Igler
Isle of Capri Casinos J.W. Marriott James Coney Island Jimmy Ellis Art Just for the Birds Friend of SIRE Kaye Marvin Photography Lucille Kearney Jennifer King Nancy Kroning Larry & Cynthia Lange Cherie Leger Lorenzo’s El Tiempo Cantina Luxottica Magic Island Mama’s Cafe Mark’s American Cuisine Mary Massa Candice McAdams Jacqueline McDonald Catherine Meese The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion Ingrid Monroy Nancy’s Fancy’s Ceramics Natural Bridge Caverns Natural Woman Designs Cheryl & Bryan Nelson Omni Houston Hotel Westside Joel Oppenheim Peneske Racing, Inc. Pepperoni’s New York Style Pizza Perry’s Steakhouse Pinebrook Farm Radio Music Theatre Rebecca Lankford Designs Julie Redding REI Rick Staudt Portrait Design Riverwalk Hotel Mason & Tammy Rizzo Carrie Robicheaux Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse SAGA Lifestyle Photography Sambuca San Luis Resort Satya Shepherd, TMT Schlitterbahn Waterparks Winston Scott Sensia Studio and Japanese Day Spa Sherlock’s Pub Company Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery, Inc. Sienna Plantation Six Flags Fiesta Texas Six Flags Over Texas Darryl Smith Southwest Airlines Spanish Flowers Mexican Restaurant Stages Reperatory Theatre Star Pizza Sabrina Strawn Debbie Stuber Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center Debbie Sukin Mark Sweeney Swim Jim Taste of Texas Dr. Clarence Telley Texas Rangers Baseball Club Trendsetters Hair and Body Care Studio Two Rows Restaurant and Brewery Jan Van Oonk Vincent Ford Custom Apparel Visible Changes Waller Equine Hospital WesternGeco, Inc. The Whistle Stop Tea Room Kirsty Williams Witte Museum
SIRE Board of Directors President Vice-President
Richard “Whitey” White Mike Dillingham
Secretary
Glenn Aker
Treasurer
Guy Hunter
Members
Fred Arnold Angela Dampeer J. Warren Evans, PhD J.B. (Trey) Henderson, III Suzanne Hinds Judy Hunter James R. Lykes Jackie McDonald Mark Raisbeck Pat Roddy Jennifer Webb Doug O. Williams
Advisors
Dana Hartwell Johnny Mancuso Jim McAlister, Sr. Molly Sweeney Gio Tomasini Ann Wilde
SIRE Staff Executive Director
Jimm Williams
Managing Director
Pat Roddy
Director of Development
Harla Kaplan
Financial Assistant Administrative Assistant
Grocery Shopping
could mean as much as a $100,000 for
Every little bit adds up! Your grocery bill
SIRE—at no cost to you!
could bring SIRE more than $50 a year! Kroger will make a donation to
Shopping Online
SIRE, matching up to 1% of your
This holiday season, you can support
purchases when you use your KrogerPlus
SIRE when you shop online. Make your
card. All you need to do is get a
purchases through www.igive.com or
Customer Letter from any SIRE site or
www.buyforcharity.com, and they will
from our website and and take it to any
give a donation to SIRE. Choose from
Kroger to have the barcode scanned and
more than 700 online stores, such as
linked to your KrogerPlus card.
Best Buy, eBay, Apple Store & iTunes,
Your Randall’s card can be set up so
JCPenney, Ralph Lauren, Nordstrom,
that a matching percentage of all of your
Barnes & Noble, Office Depot, QVC,
purchases is sent to SIRE. Visit Customer
You’ll be surprised by the comprehensive
support. We are organization “2164”.
Jo Ann Trepl
Site Director/Director of Therapy Karen Gardner
Facility Manager II
Christmas shopping, over a year’s time it
have SIRE set up as the charity you
SIRE-HOCKLEY
Facility & Equine Manager
when grocery shopping or
Home Depot, 1-800-PetMeds, and more.
Molly Sweeney
Volunteer Coordinators
goes to SIRE’s cause!
Deborah Gottselig
Susan Sanders
Therapist/Instructor
designated SIRE as their charity
Service in your Randall’s store and ask to
Office Assistant
Instructors
list, and up to 35% of your purchase
HSN, 1-800-Flowers.com, Expedia,
Director of Equine Services
Director of Competition and Head Instructor
I
f everyone receiving this newsletter
Peggy Wagner
Director of Finance & Technology Sherry Flores Director of Volunteer Services
Donating to SIRE—At No Cost To You
How to Reach Us • www.sire-htec.org SIRE-HOCKLEY (Administration)
Karen Abbott Jeanie Gardner Rebecca Gribben Mary Lowe Ruth Sawin Aedan Sprung
SIRE-SPRING
281-356-7588
281-353-6160
24161 Spring Dr. • Hockley, TX 77447 Fax 281-356-9462 sireoffice@sire-htec.org
4610 Sloangate • Spring, TX 77373 Fax 281-766-1302 headinstr.spring@sire-htec.org
SIRE-FORT BEND @ SIENNA STABLES
Lee Ruonavaara
281-778-0202
Kassie Collins Penny Kvello
8255 Camp Sienna Trail Missouri City, TX 77459 Fax 281-766-1212 joelled@sire-htec.org
Jim Brewer Rogelio “Roy” Figueroa
SIRE-SPRING Site Director/Facility, Equine Mgr Truman Alexander Head Instructor
Lorraine Ostrowski
Instructors
Jessica Antash Shayna Bolton Aedan Sprung
Volunteer Coordinator
Robin Maxwell
Facility Manager II
Daniel Narvaez
SIRE-FORT BEND @ SIENNA STABLES Site Director/Head Instructor
Joelle Devlin
Instructors
Barbara Cesari Laura Eller Vivien Savage Aedan Sprung
Volunteer Coordinator
Maryann Gerity
© 2008 SIRE, Inc. – All Rights Reserved
SIRE, Inc. 24161 Spring Drive Hockley, TX 77447 281-356-7588
TO: A Friend of SIRE
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