Maryland Friends of the TRF - Newsletter #1 (Jan 2019)

Maryland Friends of the TRF Newsletter

January 2019

35 Years of Second Chances

Saving Horses, Saving Lives

New Year!!

Happy New Year!

Warmest greetings to all of our Friends of the TRF in Maryland!

The TRF Team in Saratoga is excited to launch this first edition of the new " Maryland Friends of the TRF Newsletter" to celebrate all of the good things happening at our TRF Second Chances Program in Sykesville, and to build a bigger network of friends for the amazing work that Sarah Stein, our 6 TRF retired Thoroughbreds, the men in the program and our awesome volunteers are doing - every day, at the barn in Sykesville.

Above all - we want to use this newsletter to send a message of thanks to each and every volunteer, visitor, and supporter of the program in Maryland. Whether you've attended an Open Barn, taught a class at the Second Chances program, or worked on the lighting at the barn... we appreciate you!

Looking ahead to 2019, we have big plans to celebrate the success of our Maryland program and introduce the program to a wider community of friends across Maryland - and we hope you might help us do this.

Whether you are a "new" friend or a long-time "best friend" (volunteer), we are asking you to please complete our new Volunteer Form by Feb 8th, so we can learn more about you and work more closely with you to raise awareness of the life-changing work underway at the TRF Second Chances Program in Maryland.

For now, enjoy the recap of recent events and be on the lookout for upcoming programs.

We'll be back in touch soon!

~ The TRF Team

NOTE: Our plan is to share this newsletter bi-monthly (every other month) if not sooner!

UPCOMING EVENTS :

TRF Second Chances Graduation: Feb. 6

(email Sarah to RSVP, space is limited & security clearances are required)

TRF Second Chances Spring Open House (Date TBD)

Maryland Friends of the TRF Gathering:

March 17 at Sagamore Farm

(Details coming soon)

BUILDING OUR TRF TEAM:

Are you ready to get more involved with this amazing program?

We're building a network to help us spread the word & support the horses - and there are so many ways to help!

Please Complete our NEW Volunteer Application - tell us about yourself & your interests!

Click Here to Complete!

***SPECIAL BONUS: Everyone who completes an application between now and Feb. 8th will be entered to win 1 of 5 TRF Prizes - a great way to represent and support the program!

A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO

The 2018 "BEST FRIENDS" of the

MD TRF Second Chances Program

Katie and Chris Brown

Stacie Nichols

Ande Heyser

Kathleen Sentowski

Vickie Thurston

Cissy Norrell

Would you like to suggest a special shout-out?

Complete our Volunteer Application Today and Include Your Suggestion in the Final Comments.

Get (More) Involved, Today!

Scrapbook: Recent Events in Sykesville

January 18, 2019:

It Snowed in Maryland!

It was all hands on deck for the horses and the guys to get the snowman done.

Pictured Above: Case Manager Tiffany Edwards, Sarah Stein, Acting Warden Thomas Wolfe, Acting Facility Administrator Major Nate Denton, Case Manager Alicia Amos.

September 20, 2018:

Graduation Day

In September, we recognized the graduation of Scott and Pablo at the TRF Second Chances Program. Pablo and Scott shared their experiences in front of an audience of VIPs. All of the men in the program demonstrated their horse handling skills on a beautiful Fall morning.

Pictured: Sarah Stein and Deputy Secretary, Operations, J. Michael Zeigler share certificates of completion with each of the graduates.

October 20, 2018:

Fall Open Barn

In October, the amazing team of TRF Second Chances volunteers came together to host a fabulous, fun & family-friendly Open Barn. Baked goodies, pumpkin painting, and lots of treats for the horses helped us raise more than $2500 for the program. Many thanks to all who helped make the day a success & all who attended!

We celebrated Pablo & Scott's graduation with all of our Open House guests

Thank you to all of our awesome

Open House Volunteers!

Dec. 20, 2018

VIP Visit to TRF Second Chances

Starting a new effort to bring key individuals from the Maryland racing, steeplechase, and equestrian communities to see the incredible work that Sarah, the horses, and the men are doing in Sykesville, the TRF invited a special group of guests to visit the barn just before the holidays. Each guest walked away with more knowledge and lots of ideas about how to help raise awareness of the program and excited to help.

Do you know someone who the TRF should invite to visit Sarah and the Second Chances farm?

Send a note to Kim Weir

kim@thoroughbredretirement.org

(Photo Credit: Anita Motion)

Media Coverage for the TRF Second Chances Program

May 2018:

Way to go Sarah - in the Washington Post!

Sarah, the horses and the men of the TRF Second Chances Program Sykesville were featured in an article in the Washington Post! The article keys in upon why the program is successful and its importance in changing the lives of the men and providing sanctuary for the horses.

Global Media Coverage for TRF Second Chances:

Sarah, the horses, the men, and our "world famous" volunteer, Katie Green, were featured in news stories on TV from Maryland to DC and even in Australia!

WUSA-9 (DC)

WBAL-TV 11 (Baltimore)

9News (Australia)

YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIRECT IMPACT in MD!

Check out the updated MD TRF Second Chances Wishlist on the TRF website. All gifts go directly to support Sarah and the horses in Sykesville.

TRF Second Chances Sykesville Page

To direct your donation towards a specific item for the farm, please type the item into the comments section on the giving page to let us know.

Keep In Touch: Follow Our New Facebook Page - dedicated to the TRF Second Chances Program in Sykesville