May 9, 2008

Power of a Whisper Lecture Event Being Held at STAR

On Saturday, May 24, the Power of a Whisper Leture will be held at STAR. This is a unique event that combines classroom settings, power point presentations, and arena demontrations. Noted equine clinicians Lisa Wysocky and Sam Powell will lead the Power of Whisper and will discuss numerous horse topics. The cost of the event is $35, which includes lunch. Partial proceeds benefit STAR. Click here for more information on the event or visit www.powerofawhisper.com. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity. Contact STAR at 865-988-4711 to pre-register.

Employment Opportunity Available at STAR

STAR currently has a job opening for a Volunteer Coordinator. Click here for more information on this position. If you are interested in the job, please contact Lynn Petr at 865-988-4711 or execdir@rideatstar.org.

STAR to Benefit from Ticket Sales for the Knoxville Open!

New to this year’s event, Knox Area Golf Charities is collaborating with various local non-profits to sell $25 Weekly (General Admission) tickets. What a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a day of golf and help your favorite non-profit! STAR is excited to participate in this fund raising endeavor, in which 100 percent of the ticket sale proceeds sold by STAR will stay with STAR! Purchase for yourself, customers, friends, family and employees! Click here to read more.

Next Volunteer Training is June 9, 2008

If you are interested in volunteering at STAR then mark your calendars! STAR will be having volunteer training on Monday, June 9 from 5:30pm-9:30pm. Click here for a flyer about the training that includes directions and requirements.You can call STAR at 865-988-4711 if you need more information.

If you do plan on attending the training you can get a head start on the paperwork. Download, print, and complete the Volunteer Information Packet and bring it with you to training.

Construction Begins on Indoor Arena

Big changes can be seen at STAR with the construction of the new Indoor Arena!! What a welcome addition this is to STAR’s facility. The arena will double the therapeutic riding space by allowing two classes to run simultaneously, as well as provide essential protection from the elements for our medically fragile riders. This structure will allow STAR to host National and Regional clinics and workshops to strengthen the therapeutic riding industry, as well as conduct instructor training and other events that cannot be accommodated at present with our outdoor arena.

Making a Difference at STAR

“Walk on,” the rider says softly to Buddy.

“ Walk on”. . . Two small words that take STAR riders into new uncharted territories.

“Walk on”. . . Two small words that bring smiles, laughter and fun to STAR riders.

“Walk on”. . . Two small words that allow STAR riders to gain self-confidence, grow stronger physically and mentally.

“Walk on,” the rider says softly to Buddy. With those two small words, Buddy gently walks forward and the magic begins. . .

“Walk on”. . . These two small words have a large impact in the world of therapeutic riding. Over one hundred and twenty individuals living with disabilities and daily challenges come to STAR to reap the benefits of therapeutic riding and equine facilitated learning. This winter we expect to finish the indoor arena and be able to double our therapeutic riding space. This wonderful new arena will also offer welcome relief and protection from the elements, which is especially vital to our medically fragile riders.

In addition to serving the needs of children and adults who have a wide range of physical, mental, and developmental challenges, STAR is excited to announce the official launch of the new A-Team program for at-risk youth in our community. Developed to help young people who are compromised by their situation in life or the choices they have made, the A-Team lets young people experience how to solve problems, communicate effectively, manage anger and foster personal relationships. The program also helps defuse peer dependence while developing a commitment to community, a positive identity and feelings of self worth, positive values, leadership skills, academic achievement, and life skills. Our first group is nearing the end of their session and a second group from another school has already signed up to begin this winter.

So, in this, our 20th anniversary year, we celebrate how much has come from our humble beginnings. Yet we did not grow from a backyard start-up to this fantastic facility without a whole lot of help from people who believed in our mission and gave generously of their time and resources throughout the years to see the dream fulfilled. We are so thankful for all of you.

We are also thankful for the amazing growth and healing that is displayed every day by our riders with special needs. Each one is unique and an inspiration to us all. They exhibit strength, perseverance and hope, and tell us in so many ways how their lives have been changed for the better since coming to STAR.

With your contribution you can make a difference in the lives that are touched by STAR for many years to come. Please join us as we continue to bring smiles to faces, improve mental and physical functions, and enrich the lives of people with disabilities. Together, as we enable riders to say those two small words, “walk on,” we want you to know that the people whose lives we transform will always have two small words in their hearts for your support…“Thank you”.

Your donation to STAR will allow us to help others right here in East Tennessee. Please do not hesitate ~ your gift will make a difference in a life today!

Please feel free to come by anytime and witness these “small miracles” for yourself!

STAR's mission is to foster personal growth and achievement by providing educational, recreational, and physically challenging therapeutic experiences using horse related activities for persons with disabilities.

Please check out our web site and e-mail us if you have questions.

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