NATIONAL CENTER FOR EQUINE FACILITATED THERAPY
DPR partners with NCEFT to improve our facilities.
DPR Construction partners with NCEFT to improve our facilities.

NOVEMBER 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
2016 NCEFT Gala Recap
Harry & Snowman Movie Screening
NCEFT Upcoming Calendar
Staff Spotlight - Kim Desautels
NCEFT Facility Improvements

2016 GALA A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS
Bigger and brighter than ever!

Saturday September 24 th was warm and balmy. The boots were polished; the jewels shined. The donkeys were dressed up; our barn filled with beautiful horses. The tables were set with lovely flowers; the plates filled with a delicious meal. However, the real warmth and joy of the evening came from friends, old and new, who filled the NCEFT arena to overflowing. This year's Gala was our biggest yet - 326 attendees, raising over $265,000 in one night!

Click below to see a video recap of the amazing evening. 

Click to view Gala Recap video

Everyone present was fortunate to learn about two very special people, Trent Dunham and Dan Berschinski. Trent and Dan shared powerful stories of the hope and healing they have experienced because of being part of the NCEFT family. 
 
Thank you to all our Gala donors, underwriters, sponsors and patrons. Together you make it possible for us to continue our life-changing programs, care for our hard-working equine therapists and maintain our facilities.

Our 2016 Gala Donors:

The American Valor Fou ndation
Anonymous (4)
Matt & Lindsay Archer
Karen Arimoto-Peterson
Gordon & Gayla Armstrong
Liz Arrington & Bill Rainey
Katherine Arthurs
Doug Bailey
Danette Barientos
D.C. Barlow
Paul & Donna Barulich
Cheryl Basin
Bobbi Batchelder
Maggie & Tom Bedecarre
Erin & Bill Bentham
Eric & Katie Berggren
Dan Berschinski & Lindsay Burdette
Karen & Jerry Bertrand
Tanya Birch
Sandy & Jeff Birdwell
Michelle & Garrett Blake
Andy & Sarah Block
Carlos & Kim Bolanos
Sara Bostock
Pepper Bottini
Ally Bottini & Josh Maston
Douglas D. Boucher, DDS
Alex Brady
Richard Braun
Donna & Ralph Briskin
Julie & Jeffrey Brody
Emmet & Faye Brophy
Wayne Browning, Bayhill Equine
Jennifer & Michael Buckley
Maria Burns
Geraldine Cacianti
Matt & Rhys Callahan
Peter & Lee Caraher
Catherine Cassady
Evan Castelo
Central Coast Auction Service/John Glines
Daniel & Katherine Chappelear
Caroline & Ted Chen
Andrea & Marty Church
William Clark
Rachel Claus
Chalan & Budd Colby
Nancy W. Collins
Quentin & Lisa Cooper
Richard & Janice Cordova
Victor Corres
Mori Craig
Susan Cranna
MJ & Drew Crousore
Dayton Crummey & Jeanne Lycett
Betsy & Albert Cuisinot
Polly Cummings
Darren Mclung Precious Jewelry
Adriana Dasilva
Joey De Anda
Ken & Patty DeCesare
Don DeFranco & Paul Stickland
Leo & Marilene DeGuzman
Andrea & Chris Dehner
Kim Desautels
Susie Dews
Chris & Molly Dillon
Maxine Doss
Susan Dorsey
Michael & Karen Dreyfus
Kathy Dugan & Greg Bell
Jenna, Martin, Trent & Woody Dunham
Lindy Dunlap
Chris & Martha Dunn
Andy & Sally Duprey
Alex Dziekanowski
Kathy Eagles
Janet Ecker
Jo Egenes
Kristi Lee Eifert & Caprice Tenefoss
ELLA Palo Alto
Erin MacGeraghty, Erin Mac Jewelry
Stephanie Evans
Bruce Fielding
Steven & Edie-Marie Flynn
Sharon & Robert Ford
Michael Foulkes
Thomas Frank
Larry Franzella
Christine Friis
Laura Furniss
David Gale
Amy & Scott Hublou
Janine Gerzanics
Lee Ann & Bill Gilbert
Jennifer Gilbert
Katey Gilbert
Steve Gillespie
Bill Given
Rob & Tina Glickman
Betsy Glikbarg
Steven Goldenberg
Neil & Fran Goodzeit
Debbie Goren
Valerie & George Gray
Steven Gray & Candace Cutler
Susan Green
Tom Gregory
Andrew Grose
Karen Gunn
Perri Guthrie
Alison Haazer
Cherie, Tom & Zoe Hammer
Paul Harris
Catherine Harvey
Tom & Cory Hastings
Connie Hawkins
Randall & Christina Heath
Joe, Caitlin & Kirsten Heinrich & Susan Crenshaw
Hensley Event Services
Marilee Herrera-Peterson
Scott Hetherington & Tracey Cole
High-N-Tight Band
Larissa Hilgner
John & Cheryl Hill
Fawni & Larick Hill
Barbara Hills
Kelly Hoffman
Kim Hoffman
Paul & Marianne Hoffman
Samantha Hoover & Stephen Turner
Mike & Bari Howard
KC Huang & Tiffany Vora
Noreen Ikeuye
Heidi Ingram
Chris Iverson & Susanne Meier
Mary & Glenn Johnson
Shirley Johnston
Greg & Sue Joswiak
Abby Kaufman
Russ Kellites
Kristin Kendall
Ronald Kennado
Janet Kilroy
Toni King
Frieda & Anthony King
Diana Kivirahk & Aaron Jones
Stephanie Kochhar
Pam Kohlbry
Jan & Robert Kopf
Nicola & Mark Kramer
Mary & Jeff Kroll
Marquis Kuhn
Steve & Carrington Kujawa
William Kurtz
Angie Kwan
Ladera Garden Center/Juan & Mercedes Navarro
Susan Lang & Robert Levenson
Catherine Lawlor
Darrel Le Blanc
Anna Lee
Alexia & Jamie Lerner
Nicola & Derek Liu
Jennifer Lively
Donna Losey
Katrina & Richard Lotti

Margaret Mah
Sharon Maida
Robert Maldonado
Donald Malinverno
Jana Marquardt
Kevin Martin
Susan Martin
Tsuki Morgan 
Darren & Lynn McBride
Debra McClure
McClure Electric
Bob McCormick
Patrice McElligoff
Robin McKeegan
Pam McReynolds
Kristina Mendez & John Rettger
Gari Merendino & Ellen Williams
Ted Merendino & Sara Eslinger
Alex Miller
Lauren Mills
Art & Abby Mintz
Jenny Mize
Wini Monroe & John Thurlow
Moore Buick GMC Moore/John Moore
Doris Morgan
Jennifer Morris
Mounted Patrol of Woodside
Armando & Karen Muela
Christine Nahmens
Gloria Nakamatsu
Lori Nestor
Linda Netsch
Bill & Sally Neukom
Brittney Nichols
Claire & Darren Nichols
Chuck & Susie Nichols/Nichols Farm
Gabie Noack
Olander Family Foundation
Amy Nicole Oliver
Stephanie Owens
Debbie Farrington Padilla
Albert Panella
Mark & Ruth Pearson
Anne Pearson & Frank Seminaro
Ralitza & Kevin Peckham
David & Danielle Pelzner
Larry Pelzner 
Laura Ann Perani & Raymond Merla
Margie Lee & Don Gustafson
John & Dana Perine
Lesley Pickford-Williams & Evan Williams
Provident Credit Union/Wayne Bunker
Don & Sandra Pugh
Maryann Raab
Gina & Michael Rayfield
Marty & Mike Raynor
Suzanne Rischman
Doug & Sarah Rivers
Nancy Robinson
Adolph Rosekrans
Lisa & Brad Rotter
Sonia Rutherford & Rich Cacianti
Audrey Ryder
Saier Systems Audio & Sound/Hans Saier
Ellery & JJ Salehieh
Jose Salinas
Jerry Salinas
Mark & Linda Salvador
Philip Sankar & Diem Truong
Jim & Mary Cate Sansoterra & Wendy Baum
Fran Santo Domingo
Sue Sartor
Heather Schilling & Tom Nahmens
Charles Schmuck
David & Beatriz Schott
Cindy Schwab
Cynthia Schwbacher-Jamplis
Jim Scotto
Scott Seely
Tricia Seibold
Dede Sheel
Richard & Lynn Silton
Stephen Silver
Jill Slater
Frank & Marilyn Slater
Kathleen & Steve Smiley
Jenny Canfield Smith
Lauren Sopjes
Joyce Sosebee
Peri Soyugenc
Spring Down Equestrian Center/Carol Goodstein
Jim Camarillo Stanford Park Nannies
Jan Steenkamp
Joanne Stenger
Bonnie & Andrew Sterngold
Kellie Sullivan
Chris & Dave Swan
Patty & Rob Tager
Ron Taillon
Diane Talbert & Rodger Rickard
Tracy Templeton
Casey Terribilini
Sandy Terribilini
Nadine Tevis
Andrea & David Hayes
Dee & Laura Lou Tolles
Stephanie Trewhitt & Terry Stafford
Rochelle Trinh
Sarasina & Mike Tuchen
Agneta Turner
Jon Turner & Cynthia Hamilton
Diego Valderama
Kelly & Jan Veach
Anthony Verdugo
Village Square Vet Hospital/Dr. St. Lawrence
Gina Viscusi & Chris Elson
Randy & Alex VonFeldt
W.L. Butler Family
W.L. Butler Construction
Bill & Patty Waddington
Pamela Waddington
Philip & Ruth Waddington
Jennifer Wang
Victor & Sara Weber
Weir & Associates Catering & Event Planning/Kevin Weir
Laura & Steve Welch
Shannon Welch
H. Frank Wentholt
Sarah & Dan Wernikoff
Sandra Westin
Phillip & Robin Whalen
Rosalie Whitlock & Jim Wehrly
Jayne Williams
Merle Wolfe
Woodside Community Foundation
PJ Worley
Elizabeth Wright
Tina Wuslich



Partnership. A simple word for a complex state of being. The dictionary's definition of partner is: (1) one that shares; a partaker; (2) one associated with another, especially in an action; a person with whom one shares an intimate relationship; one member of a couple; (3) a member of a partnership, especially in a business; (4) one of the heavy timbers that strengthen a ship's deck to support a mast -usually used in plural.
 
Quite simply, in a partnership you don't have to go it alone.

Nearly everything about NCEFT is based on partnerships. Humans partner with horses to be able to ride. Therapists partner with patients and their families to achieve long-term therapy benefits. NCEFT partners with the Palo Alto VA to prepare Veterans for their week-long trip to Idaho. Volunteers partner with staff to provide over a hundred life-changing therapy sessions every week.
 
The NCEFT Gala on Saturday September 24th was the result of many partnerships: sponsors, underwriters, donors, attendees, caterers, photographers, musicians, volunteers, lighting & sound crews, the Dunham family, Dan Berschinski and even Roxy and the donkeys all partnered to celebrate NCEFT's 45th anniversary in style.
 
In the spirit of definition #4 of partnership, NCEFT has also partnered with a number of local businesses and contractors, including DPR Construction, Redwood Electric, SunPower and City Electric Supply to improve our facilities. Just as heavy timbers improve the strength of a ship's mast, these companies have made our facility brighter, safer and more comfortable for horses and people alike. Read below for all the exciting changes around NCEFT's 12-acre property, including the installation of our weather overhangs and new solar system!
 
Saturday November 12th NCEFT will host a screening of Harry and Snowman: A Remarkable Friendship. An Inspiring Champion., which chronicles a remarkable partnership between a Dutch immigrant and an $80 plow horse destined for the slaughterhouse. Tickets to the one-night showing are limited and going fast! 
 
In closing, NCEFT is truly fortunate to not have to go it alone. We value and recognize each and every partner we have, from individual volunteers to companies to our many donors. Thank you for partnering with us every day. 
 
Warmly,
Cherie

Cherie Hammer
NCEFT Development Director


HARRY AND SNOWMAN
NCEFT screens award-winning documentary

NCEFT is pleased to host a screening of the award-winning documentary, Harry and Snowman. One night only! Saturday November 12 at 7pm at Foothill College, Appreciation Hall Room 1500. 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos.


 
Seating is limited and selling fast! $20 general seating tickets will be sold in advance. Click the button to purchase your tickets today!


 
Harry & Snowman is the heartwarming and inspirational true story of Dutch immigrant Harry deLeyer and Snowman, an Amish plow horse that Harry saved from a slaughterhouse, and how his act of kindness transformed their lives forever. Their chance meeting not only saved Snowman's life, but also launched a special friendship that lasted a lifetime. Snowman became a cherished member of Harry's family, beloved by his children and friends. Harry and Snowman competed in equestrian events together and went on to win the 1958 horse show jumping Triple Crown: The American Horse Shows Association Horse of the Year, Professional Horseman's Association Champion and Champion of Madison Square Garden's Diamond Jubilee.
 
A coffee and dessert reception will follow the screening. This film is not rated, but parental guidance is suggested for those under 13. Note, all cars parking on the Foothill College campus require a $3 parking pass, available from any parking lot kiosk.
 

NCEFT Calendar

November 10: 12pm NCEFT Board Meeting

November 12: 7pm Harry and Snowman movie screening @ Foothill College

November 24-25: NCEFT offices closed, Thanksgiving holidays

November 29: #GivingTuesday - NCEFT year-end campaign kickoff

December 4: 1pm NCEFT Family & Volunteer Holiday Potluck

December 8: 12pm NCEFT Board Meeting

December 23-January 6: NCEFT Session Break - No patient sessions

December 23, 26 and January 2: NCEFT offices closed, observed holidays

STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
Kim Desautels
NCEFT's new full-time occupational therapist
 
In early September, NCEFT welcomed Kim Desautels to our therapy staff. As Bert sang in Mary Poppins, "Winds from the east... Mist comin' in... Like something's a brewin', about to begin... Can't put me finger on what lies in store... But I feel what's to 'appen, all 'appened before...!" Not unlike Mary Poppins, Kim quite literally blew in from the east, arriving from Utah in the midst of a late summer storm. She has jumped right into the NCEFT family with all the energy, enthusiasm and delight of that larger-than-life literary nanny. Moving here was more of a coming home than a relocation, as she had volunteered at NCEFT in 2010 and had always dreamed of working here full time.  NCEFT is thrilled to have Kim on our full-time staff, and we hope you will join us in making her feel welcome.


 
Kim has been a practicing OT for nearly 30 years. She brought the practice of hippotherapy to the state of Utah and has studied hippotherapy in Germany at the Deutsches Kuratorium fur Therapeutisches Reiten e.V. (DKThR). Most recently, Kim earned her doctorate from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah. She is also mom to two boys, Jordan (23) and Justin (18).  Here are a few more fun facts about Kim:
 
Cherie: Where were you born?  
Kim: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
 
C: How long have you been with NCEFT? Kim: Since September 2016   
 
C: What's the most unique job you have ever had? 
Kim: Short, temporary job at a department store spraying perfume on unsuspecting customers
 
C: Chocolate or vanilla?  
Kim: Chocolate. Vanilla. Chocolate. Vanilla.
 
C: What's your favorite horse color?  
Kim: Palomino   
 
C: If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?  
Kim: French Polynesian Islands
 
C: What is your favorite non-horse related activity? 
Kim: Hiking, being outdoors
 
C: iPhone or Android? 
Kim: iPhone
 
C: What is the last book you read?  
Kim: The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge
 
C: Favorite cartoon character? 
Kim: Road Runner. Beep beep!
 


FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
Local companies partner with NCEFT to improve our space

Many recent visitors to NCEFT have noticed a number of facility improvements - from new weatherproof overhangs to our solar installation, a new deck and new arena lights. During our most recent break in October, NCEFT was a beehive of activity, with teams from DPR Construction using the overhang projects as a "Builders Bootcamp" for their new employees. It took 20+ people and heavy equipment like skip loaders, earth auger drills, and cement pumpers, but in just 7 days, the teams built 3 overhangs to protect our patients and horses from the rain. Click the picture below to watch a recap video of all the hard work. 


Click to watch a recap video of DPR's Builders Bootcamp

NCEFT recognizes and thanks all the following companies for donating their materials, time and expertise to improving NCEFT's facilities and grounds over the past year:

BarkerBlue
BrightView
City Electric Supply
Cupertino Electric
Devcon Construction
DPR Construction
First Solar
Flagship
Gensler Architects
ISP Design
Leviton Products
Pivot Interiors
Platt Electric Supply
Redwood Electric Group
Rosendin Electric
Southwire
SunPower
Valley Crest Landscape
West Coast Architectural Sheet Metal
3M


SHOP AND SUPPORT NCEFT 


Please support NCEFT when you shop! Sign up for eScrip and AmazonSmile with NCEFT as your designated beneficiary. It's fast, free to you and a surprisingly great source of donations for us! Go to www.escrip.com and www.smile.amazon.com.

 
About Us
For 45 years, NCEFT has helped thousands of children, adults and military Veterans with special needs move beyond their boundaries through the healing powers of the horse and the expert skills of dedicated therapy professionals and volunteers. 

Internationally recognized as a leader in the field, NCEFT offers hippotherapy, adaptive riding, Veterans programs, special education school programs, summer camp, and behavioral health programs at its beautiful,12-acre facility in Woodside, California. 

We are a 501(c)(3) public benefit organization (#94-2378104), top rated on www.GreatNonProfits.org  and a silver  www.GuideStar.org participant.