Andi Holland
Executive Director
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The Season of Thankfulness
Welcome to Fall and the Season of Thankfulness!
Such a beautiful season of the year to recount our blessings. Savannah Station has been blessed beyond measure this year in so many ways. Our program continues to grow and expand, adding new classes and new ways to pour into the families of those with special needs that most need our support. We’ve added new staff members and board members to continue growing a firm foundation for continued growth. Our volunteer numbers have swelled and we are so grateful for each one and the energy and passion they bring to Savannah Station. We’ve added new horses to our healing team that are using their God-given powers to provide hope and healing for so many.
I’m so thankful for new friends, new relationships and new donors who are building partnerships with Savannah Station, all for the good of the cause. Most of all, I’m grateful for a place of peace, a sanctuary to offer in the midst of a world that is more uncertain by the day. A place where families and volunteers find solace and support. Where joy is abundant and where miracles continue to take place in every class. So thankful for Savannah Station!
Blessings,
Andi
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Have you ever experienced a "Yee-Haw" moment? Meet Savannah! One of her first rides at Savannah Station was on a horse named Tequila. At the time, Savannah struggled with verbal communication and did not like to pick up the reins, but that day she did. She held the reins up with one hand raised the other in the air, and yelled "Yee-Haw!" Then she put the reins down on Tequila's neck in their "proper place" according to her. Over the past five years, Savannah Station has given her the freedom and confidence to use her reins properly and ride without fear. She doesn't even realize she is learning!
-David & Patricia Stone, Grandparents and volunteers
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The 10thAnniversary Gala was a wonderful celebration with a room full of Savannah Station fans and believers. Charlotte Donaho did a fine job of sharing our journey, recounting where we’ve been and where we are headed. We had the pleasure of recognizing Casey White, one of our amazing El Reno Special Education Teachers, The Oklahoma Elks for adding Savannah Station as a major programs partner and Metro Signs for their generosity in providing beautiful signage for our Forever Home. We unveiled the new Savannah Station video, masterfully created by Adam Myers, and very warmly received by our audience. We also raised lots of money!! After all the dust settled, over $89,000 was raised to continue funding our program. We are so grateful for all who came, celebrated with us and supported all that we do to bring hope and healing to those with special needs through the amazing power of the horse.
Horseback Heroes Gala
Our sincere thanks to Nikki Craven, Trish Winters and Tomas Manske for creating and co-chairing a fundraiser at the Petroleum Club in Oklahoma City to benefit Savannah Station. It was an exceptional evening with 130 guests, some new friends and some already part of the family who came together to raise over $155,000 for our program! Reba McIntire even got in on the action, donating a beautiful navy gown she had worn at the 2012 ACM Awards. A portion of the proceeds raised will allow us to expand and equip the participant waiting room. What a night!
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The Great State Fair of Oklahoma-
Equine Empowerment Horse Show
WAY TO GO- We are so proud!
Marlie, Savannah T., Kasen, Garrett, Elizabeth, Lindsey, Allie,
Hunter, Olivia, Samiyah, Malachi, Mariela, Kaleb, Jamie
Watching our students compete at the State Fair of Oklahoma was amazing and tear worthy! Hearing their name and their horses name called out over the loud speaker and competing before an audience made them sit up straighter and smile even bigger. Ribbons all around! What a joy!!
Fourteen students, five horses, and 30+ volunteers did an excellent job! Thank you to the parents, volunteers, instructors and supporters who made this show a reality for our kids! It truly takes a village to do something of this scope and each of you came through in over-the-top fashion!! Thank you.
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Cruise-In for a Cause
Savannah Station was honored to have been chosen as one of the charities to benefit from the Yukon Route 66 Cruise-In for a Cause. We are grateful for the support of our Yukon community! Over $1,800 was collected for Savannah Station the night of the cruise! We are grateful!
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After months of planning, we're taking the first steps towards the construction of a new mulit-purpose building that will provide meeting, training and office space. Share and Care Releaf is a non-profit through R&B Trees that provides services to remove hazardous trees for dozens of people, schools, nonprofits and communities. They removed nine trees on the building site at no cost to Savannah Station. Such a HUGE blessing to us! Thank you R&B trees for your partnership, generosity and belief in our mission at Savannah Station.
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Fall Festival at Baptist Village
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On September 30th we attended Baptist Village's Annual Fall Festival with two of our awesome horses, Tule and Beauty. We had a great time listening to stories of days gone b; days of barrel racing, ranching and trail rides! We even had the chance to celebrate a resident that was turning 101 the very next day, how fun! Live music, good food, classic cars, hay rides and great company made for a fantastic Saturday. Thank you Baptist Village for inviting us to this special event! |
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Penny Annie, a 24-year-old Palamino Quarter Horse Mare who joined our healing team a year ago has stolen our hearts with her sweet attitude and gentle manner. Her sturdy build gives even the smaller rider a sense of safety and security. She is a true confidence builder with her very slow walk. A great mount for our students taking their first rides unclipped.
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1. What inspired you to volunteer? I was inspired to be a volunteer because of my family. Volunteering at Savannah Station seemed like a natural fit. My mother was a therapist for special needs adults and my grandson also has special needs. I’ve been a driver for Church bus picking up young special needs adults for a few years.
2. My favorite part about Savanah Station without a doubt is my day to volunteer on Tuesdays with students from El Reno High School. When they get off the bus, the joy and excitement they have is my most favorite. The best part is the HUGS! The second is the letters they get in the mailbox in the last day of class, Achievement Week. I think Andi just likes to watch me cry!
3. What would you say to someone considering volunteering here? If you’re looking for a place to volunteer you won’t find a place that warms your heart any more than this one. It’s a place where you can see improvement in the students as time goes on.
4. What do you like to do outside of your time at Savannah Station? Outside my time at Savanah Station now that I’m retired we spent a lot of time following my grandson at high school and summer baseball. Golf has always been a big part of my life so I probably play more than I should. I also have a Classic SS Chevelle that I spend time with.
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1. What inspired you to volunteer? Initially Les had told me about the program and that help was needed especially on Tuesdays.
2. My Favorite part is the kids and their response.
3. What would you say to someone considering volunteering here? If you have the time and a love for horses and children then try this program the other volunteers are wonderful people.
4. What do you like to do outside of your time at Savannah Station? Work some with the Church and travel some when we can.
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We love when friends volunteer together! |
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There There are lots of things happening at Savannah Station in the coming months so mark your calendars with the following dates, you won't want to miss out! More information will be provided through the website as each event gets closer or you can email info@savannahstation.org for more information.
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Nothing Bundt Cakes Fundraiser November 1st-15th
Autumn Online Auction November 6th-10th
Christmas Party December 12th, 6pm at Life.Church Yukon
Christmas Break December 12th - January 12th
Volunteer Orientation January 13th, 9am-Noon
Spring Session Begins January 16th
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Savannah Station's next Volunteer Orientation will be held on January 13 from 9am-noon in the Diamond Arena at Savannah Station. No experience with horses or with special needs is required, just a heart willing to help others. Wear protective shoes and come ready to play in the dirt. Please RSVP to volunteers@savannahstation.org
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Where miracles happen
in every class
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