NCEFT Hoof Beats Newsletter November 2022 - Fall Happenings; Veterans Programs

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November, 2022

NCEFT Hoof Beats Newsletter

FALL HAPPENINGS & HONORING VETERANS

Letter from Cherie Hammer,

NCEFT Development Director

Our newsletters are an opportunity to report on all the happenings at NCEFT. This issue includes news about fall programming, new staff members and horses, and results from our Gala in September.

In honor of this year’s Veterans Day, we are highlighting one of NCEFT’s newest programs for visually impaired veterans. Read and learn more about this unique program and ways you can support all the Veteran and First Responder programs at NCEFT.

By the way, some of you who are locals probably noticed that NCEFT’s hand print horse statue did a walkabout! and was spotted in downtown Woodside to help promote Woodside Day of the Horse. He's a reminder to everyone that the place we call home is indeed horse country!

NCEFT is about compassion, inclusiveness, and offering the highest level of service to those in need. Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting NCEFT. You make a difference and for that we are grateful.

Cherie Hammer, NCEFT Development Director

VOTE FOR NCEFT!

Annual Photo Contest Can Win Us $$

We've entered the photo above to the national 2022 Nonprofits Insurance Alliance Photo Contest, and your vote can help NCEFT win cash prizes and publicity!

Voting is easy – our photo is located here: https://cont.st/ddTCtr_FnwrGAc?g=1.

Cast your vote between Nov. 7-20, 2022. Each person may vote once during the contest period.

Thank you for your support!

VOTE FOR NCEFT PHOTO

WELCOME BUNDI

NCEFT Adds New Horse to Our Herd

Welcome Bundi! This beautiful, seventeen year-old Quarter horse mare has officially joined NCEFT's herd and is quickly learning her job.

Bundi is a golden palomino, with a beautiful flowing mane and bright white star.

We are so grateful to Kelly Lloyd-Hix for graciously donating Bundi to our program.

HORSEMANSHIP FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED VETERANS

NCEFT'S Latest Program In Partnership with the Palo Alto VA

Recently, NCEFT partnered with the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center of the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System to create a new Horsemanship Program for visually impaired veterans. This un-mounted group is designed to provide WBRC clients an opportunity to work toward their mobility and endurance goals while engaging in an outdoor recreational activity. Current participants range in age from 50-91.

Teresa Boehm, Recreational Therapist at the WBRC, recently shared, “working with NCEFT has provided our veterans with vast therapeutic benefits including emotional support from being around the horses and learning about them, interacting with them, grooming them, feeling a greater sense of comfort and safety around them, etc. Additionally, the experience of being in a beautiful environment contributes to an overall increase in mood and decrease in stress. It also invites the opportunity to reminisce about past memories and provides an opportunity to work on their orientation and mobility skills with their assistive devices navigating different types of terrain. We greatly appreciate the expertise and support of Matt Gridley, NCEFT Riding Instructor, and Scott Seely, NCEFT Board Member and volunteer, contributing such a therapeutic experience. This program helps improve the quality of veterans’ lives, and we feel thankful that you all choose to serve and give back to our veterans who have served our country.”

Participants have already provided wonderful feedback about the program.

In 2008, NCEFT made the commitment to automatically provide any service at no charge to all US active duty or veteran military personnel, later extending this policy to also include First Responders. By removing the red tape of program fees, these clients can focus their energy on personal outcomes rather than financial constraints.

NCEFT solicits donations to underwrite 100% our Veterans & First Responder Fund. All contributions designed to this purpose are held in a restricted fund, only be used to meet the annual financial assistance obligations for these special clientele.

Please consider a donation today to enable NCEFT to keep providing programs such as the Visually Impaired Horsemanship Group.

Donate on our website, and at the “Direct my Donation” pull down menu, select the “Veterans and First Responder Restricted Fund” to direct your gift to this purpose. On behalf of all the veteran and first responder clients at NCEFT, we thank you!

DONATE TODAY TO SUPPORT VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS

SHOUT-OUT FOR FOOTING

Outside Arena Gets a Face - err Foot - Lift!

We would like to give a big shout-out to Rudy Leone at Leone Footing, Inc. They laser-leveled our large outdoor arena, and amended the footing with a custom mix of silica sand and fabric. The old footing was quite thin, and this has made it softer and better for our horses - happy legs!

CATE THE GREAT VIDEO

Watch the Latest NCEFT Client Profile

Take a few minutes and meet Cate the Great! Cate has been an NCEFT client for ten years. She has a rare genetic disorder, Bainbridge-Roper syndrome, so rare that when she was diagnosed, she was only the sixth person in the world with this genetic anomaly. Cate is non-verbal, but communicates volumes with her eyes and gestures and has made remarkable progress in her time at NCEFT. You will hear from Cate’s mother, Corina Provencher about the difference NCEFT has made in the life of Cate as well as their whole family. Watch Cate the Great.

STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Emily Hambel & Ingrid Holding Join Our Barn Staff Team

Recently, NCEFT welcomed two new members of our Barn Staff, Emily Hambel and Ingrid Holding. Both have jumped into their new roles with enthusiasm, quickly learning our horses and using them in our many different program sessions. Read further to learn more about each of these dynamic and talented new staff members.

Emily Hambel - Horse Handler

Emily’s love of horses started at an early age, where her youth was spent riding and competing across her childhood home of Indiana. Emily holds a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and has practiced dentistry in San Francisco and Palo Alto. She is also a trained chef and now finds herself at NCEFT where she is happy to be a part of an organization in which horses and healthcare are linked in such an incredible way.

We recently caught up with Emily to learn a little more about her.

Cherie: Where were you born?

Emily: Fort Wayne, IN

C: What's the most unique job you have ever had?

E: Definitely my time doing dental and oral surgery at the San Francisco VA. It is a one-of-a-kind place and treating the veteran population was very meaningful.

C: What's your favorite horse color?

E: Standard bay is my favorite. The pony I grew up with and who taught me how to ride was a bay. That color will forever hold a special place in my heart.

C: What is your favorite non-horse-related activity?

E: Before working at NCEFT, I attended culinary school and became a trained chef. When I'm at home cooking, I feel relaxed and happy. My dog is usually right under foot keeping me company but mostly waiting for something yummy to hit the floor.

C: What is the last book you read?

E: Almond by Won-pyung Sohn on autobook and Anxious People by Fredrik Backman.

C: Favorite cartoon character?

E: Clifford the big red dog.

Ingrid Holding - Barn Assistant

Ingrid is a Bay Area native and a lifelong animal lover. Although she was always drawn to horses, she never thought she could make them a vocation. In 2018 she began taking riding lessons while attending school with plans for a healthcare career. Riding expanded to groundwork, stable chores, volunteering at camps, NCEFT, clinics, and beyond. She soon realized that working with horses was her path. She is committed to horsemanship that honors the horse's dignity and fosters harmony between horse and human. Ingrid enjoys hiking, trying new recipes, and traveling when not working or playing with horses.

We also checked in with Ingrid to learn more about her as well.

Cherie: Where were you born?

Ingrid: Palo Alto, CA

C: What's the most unique job you have ever had?

I: Barn Assistant at NCEFT!

C: What's your favorite horse color?

I: Not a single color per se, but seeing a paint horse always stirs up something special for me. But honestly, I love them all.

C: What is your favorite non-horse-related activity?

I: Spending time in nature.

C: What is the last book you read?

I: Truffle Boy: My Unexpected Journey Through the Exotic Food by Ian Purkayastha

C: Favorite cartoon character?

I: Bart Simpson.

GALA APPRECIATION

NCEFT Recognizes Nearly 250 Donors

On the balmy evening of September 17, 2022, over 300 people gathered for NCEFT's annual Heroes and Horses, Jewels & Jeans Gala. It was wonderful way to reconnect with our community all the while coming together to support NCEFT’s programs. Guests enjoyed selfies with our horses during the Barn Open House, buying out all the Mystery Boxes (again!), a scrumptious dinner, and lively auction and fund-a-need.

Most importantly, everyone heard stories about two special clients, Kathy from our Healing with the Herd Resilience Workshop and Cate the Great who has made tremendous progress in over 10 years of therapy at NCEFT. Thanks to all our supporters, the Gala raised over $391,000 in monetary contributions and nearly $84,000 in in-kind donations and services.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our Gala Donors listed below.

Those with an * denote members of the Barb Heine Giving Circle, reflecting lifetime giving of $5,000 or more to NCEFT. We especially express our thanks to these donors for their leadership and generous support.

(2) Anonymous *

Amira Abedrabbo

Deborah Addicott

ADVNTR Together/Leslie Guarascio

Amaze Studios/Gary Cruz

American Conservatory Theater

Larry Anderson

Karen Seiko Arimoto-Peterson *

Kevin Arnold

Ashish & Nilu Motiwala DAF

Ashley Ashoff

Skylar Assaf

Klaus Bachmann & Sarah Young-Bachmann

Alexendra & Huilises Barcelo

Jim Barnett & Mary Beth Holman

Donna & Paul Barulich *

Barulich Dugoni & Suttmann Law Group Inc./Paul Barulich *

Cheryl Basin *

Lorna & Bruce Basso *

Amy Bayersdorfer

Bayhill Equine/

Wayne Browning, DVM *

Dalia Bechwati

Maggie & Tom Bedecarre *

BeKo Stone & Metal Art/Ben Koertje

Craig & Cheryl Beller

Catherine & Eric Berggren *

Shanelle Berrueta

Michaella Bigliardi

Tanya & Peter Birch

Chantel & Jay Blundell

Helen Bohte

Marielle & Blake Bos

Jimmae Bowen Seely

Brody Family Fund

BRONCA/Ana Smith

Faye & Emmet Brophy *

Sarah & Joshua Brouillette

Julie Brown

Wayne Browning & Thomas Frank *

Geraldine Cacianti *

Canyon Ranch Woodside *

Gayle & Victor Carboni

Briana Carr & Nathan Serdy

Audrey & Paul Carroll *

Central Coast Auction Service/John Glines

Chantale's Cuisine/Chef Chantale Doinel

Gina & Michael Cicciarelli *

Nancy W. Collins *

Colombo's Woodside Deli/Nick Colombo *

Janet Condino

Jeanine Conforti

Nancy Contro *

Cow Palace/Grand National Rodeo

Chris & Ty Curry *

Mindy Cutcher

Alair Davidson & Philip Hartley

Debra McClure Photography

Andrea & Christopher Dehner *

Robert & Rosanne Dehner

Bonne-Elise Deshotel & Alexander Guntermann

DiCinque-Schonberger Foundation *

Brian & Ashley Dombkowski *

Donato Enoteca Restaurant/Chef Donato Scotti

Alex & Elaine Dziekanowski

Anne & Thomas Earp

Chris Eggert

Herb Engstrom

Peter & Victoria Evans *

Fast Response On-Site Testing, Inc./ Casey Terribilini *

Suzanne Fiore *

Phillip & Marylou Fitting

Kim & Blaine Flickner

Lorin Flynn-Marsal & Jack Marsal *

Adeline & Alan Forrest *

Galine, Frye, Fitting & Frangos, LLP/ Chantel Fitting Blundell

Garrod Farms Estate Winery & Stables

Janine Gerzanics

Daniel Gibson *

Gidaro Family Philanthropy Fund *

Gifted Healing Hands/Richard Newton

Bill & Lee Ann Gilbert *

Athia & Michael Giotinis

Lauren Glazebrook & J.P. Hartigan

Caitlin Glazebrook

Golden State Warriors

Google, Inc.

Ruth Gordon & Mark Warren

Debbie & David Goren *

Sheila & Juan Grau

Michelle Green *

Susan & Kenneth Green *

Carolyn & Collin Green

GreenWaste Recovery, Inc.

Cristal Guzman

Emily Hambel & Wesley Pennington

Gary Hambel

Cherie Hammer *

Kim Hansen-Thomsen & Stephan Thomsen

Joanne Harrington

Kristen & Blake Harrington

Amber Harrison

Connie Hawkins

David Hildebrandt & Jayne Williams

Cheryl House & Peter Meyn *

Steven & Celia House

John & Cynthia Howmiller

Kelly Hudson

Tilmin Hudson

Emmanuel Huna & Janelle Tillman

Shena Hurley

Heidi Ingram *

Chris Iverson *

JZ Photography *

Karen & Jerry Bertrand Charitable Fund *

Pamela Kato

Rona Kay & Mickey Wiggins

Charlotte Kelly

Kristin Kendall/Wells Fargo Advisors *

Kerns Fine Jewelry/David & Eric Mendel *

Audrey King

Carole & Henry Klyce

Alexa Knight *

Jordan & Stewart Koch

Pamela & Chris Kohlbry *

Krista Kahl Photography & Art *

Gigi Kubursi

Barry Kuhl & Maggie Coleman

Jenny Kwak & Joshua Lee

Ladera Garden & Gifts/Juan & Mercedes Navarro

Brian & Melissa Land

Susan Lang & Robert Levenson *

Romina Langub

Laura Alman Designs

Le Belle Gourmande/Gayle Youlden-Redmond & Tony Redmond

Le Travel Cafe/Phoebe Pluchar *

Wendy Lee & Mike Keenly

Anna Lee

Shevaun & Harrison Lee

Ligara Farms/Joe Heinrich & Susan Crenshaw *

Nicola & Derek Liu *

Wendy & Mike Lucas

Joanne Maitland & Angel Sheridan

Barry Mangan

Maple Leaf Equestrian/Robin Elsineitti

Deborah & Russ Margiotta

Susan & Gary Martin *

McClure Electric/Deb McClure *

Gari Merendino & Ellen Williams *

Morgan Stanley/Matthews Oliver Group *

Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County Foundation *

Charles & Nancy Murphy

Matthew Murphy

Gabie Noack

Barb O'Neill

Oakland A's

Amy Oliver

Stephanie & Peter Oshman *

Kristine Paaso

Anne Pearson & Frank Seminaro

Amanda & Alex Perez *

Monika & Raul Perez

Girvin & Lesley Peters

Julia Petersen, DVM

Corina & Chris Provencher

Adda Quinn *

Meghan & Chad Rabello

Marty Raynor

Misty Reistad & Larry Schreiber

Roberts Market of Woodside *

Desiree Rogers

Laura & Jim Rogers

Ron Ramies Automotive Inc./Ron Ramies *

Adolph Rosekrans *

RUTT of Los Altos/Danielle Holdt

Saier Services Lighting & Sound/Hans Saier *

Angela Salcido *

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco Giants

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

San Francisco Opera

San Jose Giants

San Jose Sharks

Sue & Mike Sartor

Heidi Scharrenberg

Jennifer & Nathaniel Schindler *

Charles Schmuck

Schumacher Photography/Eric Schumacher *

Jim Scotto & Nancy Dilley

Scott Seely *

September Sage Fund *

Judith Sheridan

Smart & Final Charitable Foundation

Jenny C. Smith *

Smythe & Cross Fine Jewelry/Khatchig Jingirian Jr.

Peri Soyugenc *

Whitney Spaner & Jay Martin

David Spence & Tracy Winton

Spring Down Equestrian Center/Carol Goodstein *

Marc Stelling

Don Stevens & Leslie Hardy

Kellie Sullivan

Chris Swan *

Angela Szymusiak

Leng Tan

Tandem Hands Equine Bodywork/Elyse Dunnahoo

Ryan Terribilini

Sandra Terribilini

Eileen Threehouse

Lisa Turrell

Megan Turrell

Anne Van Camp & Peter Van Vlasselaer *

Ingrid & Patrick Van Cleemput

Kristien Van Vlasselaer-Marcus & Alex Marcus

Jessica & Jesse Venticinque *

Viscusi Elson Interior Design/Gina Viscusi & Chris Elson *

Mark & Marina Vonholle

W. L. Butler Construction, Inc/Frank York *

W.L. Butler Family Cellars/Bill & Terri Butler *

Patty & Bill Waddington *

Caroline Warde & Octavio Lopez Cruz

Stephen & Linda Ware

Susan Wasson

Drs. Ann & Tom Watters

Webb Builders, Inc/Steve Webb

Webb Ranch

Sara Weber & Victor Martina

Hilary & Paul Weber

Shannon Welch & Megan Welch

Nancy White

Michael Wick, MD & Barbara Cameron

Winchester Mystery House

Martha & Richard Winters

Rebekah & Kip Witter *

Tiffany & Sean Woods

Woodside Community Foundation *

Amy Woolf

Chris & Suzanne Zaino

Laura & Steve Welch *

MAKE A GIFT TODAY

NCEFT

650-851-2271

info@nceft.org

www.NCEFT.org

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