The Challenge (cont.)

Please click photo for video demonstration...

Having been involved personally with this charity for the past 4 years as a parent and more recently a board member, I would like to extend to you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of some very wonderful children.

Ride On St. Louis is a non-profit public charity which impacts the lives of disabled children in our community by using horses as a therapy treatment tool. Children with physical and developmental disabilities have been receiving this beneficial therapy on horseback for many years, and these children and their families have experienced some remarkable things as a result. I can attest for the positive impact it has had on Mia's life, in more ways than one.

The goal of this program is to make significant changes to improve the daily lives of disabled children, and we have seen this happen over and over again. The parents of one client diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy found that after only 8 weeks of hippotherapy her child had made more progress than after 8 years of traditional physical therapy. Another parent of a non-verbal child diagnosed with Down Syndrome said that after only one session, her child was so excited about riding that he started telling everyone he knew at home and at school about the horse he gets to ride. Because equine-assisted therapy is fun and is conducted outdoors in the fresh air rather than in a sterile medical facility, these kids participate with enthusiasm and to their full capabilities, and this maximizes the benefits they receive. We invite you to visit our website (www.rideonstl.org) to learn more about the program and the accomplishments and achievements that ROSL has attained over the past 10 years.

You can make a difference
It is unfortunate, but Public Charity Programs are often the hardest hit in a down market, especially a "grass roots" type Public Charity, such as ROSL.

The current economic market conditions have had a huge impact on the funds needed for ROSL to continue the services it provides for our community and ROSL needs help. This year, private donations, fundraising benefits, and grants from foundations have been drastically reduced and we are seeing a reduction that may carry into 2009 as well. Currently the program does not have sufficient funding to make it to next spring when our sessions begin for the next year. (Mia will really be bummed if ROSL ceases to exist because she had to sit out this past year because of the two surgeries she had. She is so excited because she just got the "go ahead" from her surgeon to get back in the saddle in the spring.

ROSL is making an immediate appeal and asks you to consider giving up one luxury during the next two weeks (going out for dinner, having your car washed, going to a salon, picking up a new outfit, attending plays, movies, professional or college sporting event, traveling or other entertainment) and sending the savings to ROSL. Donations can be made through the secure "Donate Now" site of our website (http://www.rideonstl.org/credit_card_donation.php). You will receive a donation receipt from the ROSL office for your tax records. Please make your donation by Wednesday, November 19th so that it we can announce the total on our website on November 21st.

I know funds are tight for a lot of people right now but Mia and I both thank you from our hearts in advance for your any generosity you can afford.