We Promise Foundation Generously Donates $43,500 To Support EQUI-KIDS’ Annual Scholarship Program

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - July 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Through a generous grant by the We Promise Foundation, EQUI-KIDS will be able to provide full scholarships to 40 children with disabilities so that they may participate in the program’s therapeutic riding sessions.

As an avid supporter of EQUI-KIDS’, this is the second year the We Promise Foundation has fully funded equine-assisted therapeutic riding lessons for children with disabilities who have a demonstrated financial need.

“Having supported EQUI-KIDS for many years, we have been inspired by the remarkable ways this foundation enriches the lives of its students,” said John Blum, chairman of the We Promise Foundation.  “The joy, the excitement, the sense of independence, the leadership, and the physical freedom they experience is irreplaceable.   Seeing them smile when they hop on the saddle – there’s nothing like it.  This program means the world to these kids.”

Therapeutic riding offers physical and mental benefits for special needs participants. Weekly lesson sessions help riders strengthen muscles, and improve their balance and coordination.  Communication and socialization is dramatically enhances as the generous nature of the horses and ponies builds emotional bonds, enhancing trust and confidence with each session.

Through the therapeutic lessons offered at EQUI-KIDS, special needs riders can experience freedom from their disability.  The program encourages each participant to reach their full potential through the life-changing interactions the horses and ponies provide.  “Because of the We Promise Foundation and their incredible support of our annual scholarship program, we have been able to provide therapeutic riding for members of our community who would not otherwise have the opportunity to benefit from our services,” commented Jill Haag, executive director of EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program. “They are dedicated partners who help us enhance the lives of our special needs riders and their families.”

Photo Captions:

Skye Sits Tall.JPG

Skye, a member of Chartway FCU and a recipient of one of the EQUI-KIDS scholarships, sits high atop the saddle of Rainy.  Skye is one of 40 children in Hampton Roads who will have the opportunity to benefit from weekly riding lessons as a result of a $43,500 donation from Chartway FCU’s charitable foundation, the We Promise Foundation.  Each year, Chartway’s We Promise Foundation hosts more than a dozen fundraising events to help make dreams come true for children battling life-threatening illnesses.

We Promise Foundation Donates $43,500 to EQUI-KIDS.JPG – Representatives from the We Promise Foundation, the charitable arm of Chartway Federal Credit Union, visited EQUI-KIDS to present a check for $43,500 to provide riding scholarships for 40 children in the Hampton Roads community.

(L-R), Phil Richards, Chartway’s corporate marketing officer; Brian Schools, Chartway’s corporate strategy officer; John Lockard, EQUI-KIDS’ vice chairman; Ron Burniske, Chartway’s president & CEO; David Hill ; Beth O’Toole, We Promise Foundation vice chairmen; Judy Sparrow, Chartway’s Chairman of the Board; Theresa Delp, Chartway’s corporate business manager; Jill Haag, executive director of EQUI-KIDS; Harron Huie; Melanie Castellanos; Skye Huie;  John Blum, We Promise Foundation chairman; Sonya Huie; Anna Castellanos.

About EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program

Founded in 1989, EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program is a 501(c)3 organization located in Virginia Beach.  EQUI-KIDS has grown to become one of the largest accredited equine riding programs in the country benefiting the special needs community.  The program provide equine-assisted activities to a diverse group of riders each week, serving individuals with disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, amputation, mental and physical disabilities, attention deficit disorder and more.  EQUI-KIDS has made a life-changing difference in the lives of hundreds of children in Hampton Roads.  For more information, visit www.equikids.org.

About the We Promise Foundation

As the charitable arm of Chartway Federal Credit Union and its divisions of HeritageWest, SouthWest Community and Utah Central, the We Promise Foundation is dedicated to making dreams come true for children battling life-threatening or chronic illnesses.  The foundation provides funding within the communities the organization serves with a single goal: to put smiles on children’s faces by making their dreams come true.  Since 1999, the We Promise Foundation has raised more than $5.3 million in support of numerous children’s charities who share its mission.  For more information, please visit www.wepromisefoundation.org. Or, follow them at www.facebook.com/wepromise.