The Pegasus Riding Academy for the Handicapped held its 19th annual Awards Luncheon at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa. The Crystal Ballroom was filled with stuffed animals and toys that each client could pick from as they entered the ballroom. Santa was on hand to greet the kids and have their picture taken with him. Santa brought 2 women elves to help with the photos and passing out of the Stuffed animals.
A silent and live auction was held prior to the awards ceremony. Kris Long was the Emcee and Albeth Paris Grass stood in as Auctioneer. Other gifts were available for purchase that day. Guests were also asked to donate money from the floor to help with the costs of the riders. There are 191 clients that ride horses for therapy. Riding helps them physically by exercising muscles and mentally with confidence and self esteem. It costs $800 for each rider each year. Volunteers donate 18,000 hours to help these handicapped clients ride the horses.
The awards ceremony was held after lunch was served. The 2012 honoree Rider of the Year ,Robin Haemmerlin and her family, were given awards by Pegasus President Lori Sarner. Co-Chairs Chase Berke and Karen Renberg announced the Riders Awards. Volunteers took to the stage to hand out the large gold medals to all the clients as their names were read. Photos were taken as they left the stage and they smiled widely and were so proud of their new medals.
To find out more about what Pegasus does for the handicapped, go to Pegasus Riding Academy on the internet.
