Windrush Farm Board Chairman Bob Gore stands with the Dances with Horses Gala auctioneer, Jim Braude of NECN. The event raised $120,000 to benefit the clients with disabilities at the farm.
Windrush Farm in North Andover and Boxford hosted its annual Dances with Horses Gala on Saturday, October 26, presented by The Bruins Charitable Foundation and Boston Private Bank and Trust to benefit the clients with disabilities at Windrush Farm.
The event was sponsored by the DS Solidworks and Nelson Mullins and supported by Kappy’s Fine Wine & Spirits, Commonwealth Wine & Spirits, Inc., Tito’s Vodka, & Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. Business sponsors included: NESCA, Bob’s Discount Furniture and North Suburban Eye.
In her remarks, Windrush Farm Executive Director Amanda Hogan thanked the event committee and all in attendance. “We thank the community of supporters who have made this event such a success. This year’s event is dedicated in memory of Dr. Paul Spiers, Windrush Farm’s board chair who passed away in early September. We are also honored by all of the attendees’ generosity and belief in the Windrush Farm mission. Your support helps Windrush to continue to offering life-changing activities and therapies to more than 1,800 people each year.”
This year’s special guest was occupational therapist, Monica Wu of Reinbow Therapy. Monica runs the hippotherapy program at Windrush Farm. “There are intrinsic benefits of a farm setting with no sterile white walls like in a hospital or clinical setting which can be quite scary and not very inviting for little ones,” says Monica. “In addition, there is something so magical about connecting and bonding with a warm, living, sensitive, non judgmental and beautiful animal. My clients do not feel like they are receiving “therapy” and really have no idea that they are working so hard because they are having fun.”
Close to 300 guests attended the event held at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. The evening included silent and live auctions, open bar, dinner, and dancing and all proceeds benefit the kids, adults and veterans with disabilities at Windrush Farm.