The Chamber Foundation’s DERBY PARTY hosted by the Leadership Dutchess Class of 2016 was a great success. The event drew over 200 people, Saturday, May 7th at the Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Cold Spring. As part of the event, guests viewed the big race while enjoying cocktails and southern style hors-d’oeuvres, live entertainment, raffles and a parade of horses overlooking serene views of Cold Spring Mountain.
The Therapeutic Equestrian Center offers an environment where people with disabilities can overcome physical, psychological and emotional barriers. Through equine-assisted activities, both on horseback and on the ground they bring new found joy and abilities to their clients.
Nicholas Shannon, Executive Director of The Chamber Foundation and Sanya Gudim, Vice President Therapeutic Equestrian Center
The event featured a “Hat Parade” contest, Derby winner selection, silent auction, raffles, catered buffet, desserts and more! Proceeds from the Derby Party will benefit the Chamber Foundation and its efforts to build a qualified workforce throughout Dutchess County.
The Chamber Foundation, Inc., was established in 2002 to promote education and training programs for local youth and professionals with the goal of enhancing the Hudson Valley region’s future of economic growth. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities for youth and the workforce, to build and strengthen personal and business capacity, develop leadership skills and foster a commitment to community service.
Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Cold Spring is a serene and healing environment where children and adults with a range of disabilities experience physical, emotional and cognitive growth that is possible through equine-assisted therapy.
Equine- assisted therapy can help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities as diverse as autism, down syndrome and cerebral palsy. A person on a horse is in the best possible position to encourage the development of normal muscle tone, balance and coordination. The rider typically forms an emotional attachment with the horse in a guided fashion (helping groom or feed the horse, for example) can evoke positive change.
For More Information about The Chamber Foundation Click Here
For More Information about Therapeutic Equestrian Center Click Here
Feature Photos By Melissa Tyler