Archives
April, 2013Thank
You to All.....
The Gingersnap Girls Foundation wants to thank so many of you
for helping us recently. Thanks to the support of our friends,
we were able to reach our goal in the Matching Donation challenge.
We also want to send out a huge thank you to Sarah Hughes and
friends from Rehoboth, Delaware for offering up this challenge.
Sarah learned about the GGF through a newspaper article when we
helped three horses on the Eastern Shore. Thankfully, she has
never forgotten us and we are very grateful.
A very special thank you to Jean Jennings for helping the GGF
so very much with our large veterinary bills and the purchase
of some much needed hay. Thank you to Jean's sister, Jill Jennings,
as well for her hay donation and always thinking of us. We are
so grateful to these ladies. In addition, we would like to say
another big thank you to an anonymous benefactor who blessed us
with a grant to create an emergency veterinary fund and fill our
feed room! Currently, our barn is full of hay, our bins are full
of feed, and our past veterinary bills are paid and,..... spring
is finally in the air!!
March 1, 2013
Rudy ............
(and what might have been if The Gingersnap Girls Foundation
did not exist)
Rudolph (aka Rudy) was found abandoned in a field at the beginning
of 2012. The Gingersnap Girls Foundation was called and Rudy was
picked up by one of our volunteers and taken to the safety of
a GGF foster home. He was thin, scared, and alone - but that didn't
last long! Rudy, with plenty of feed, veterinary and farrier care,
plus tons of love, just thrived. And now, at the wonderful age
of 4, he is headed for "school" with a wonderful trainer,
Carol Eichner, at the end of March. He will be shown in local
horse shows under The Gingersnap Girls Foundation's name, shedding
light on equine abuse as a horse that went from slaughter bound
to happy, healthy, and much loved because the GGF shelter was
there. And.....the GGF shelter exists to help abused, abandoned,
sick, and slaughter bound animals because of your help.
For Rudy's life and so many others...we thank you for helping
us.
PLEASE REMEMBER
THAT THE GGF IS SEEKING A NEW FACILITY IN THE HAMILTON/PURCELLVILLE
AREA THAT CAN HOUSE UP TO SIX EQUINES WHERE WE MAY FURTHER OUR
HUMANE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM. IF YOU KNOW OF ANYTHING,
PLEASE CALL 540/338-5218
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THIS IS AN IMMEDIATE NEED!
"A
NEW DAY FOR THE HORSES" BENEFIT
Thank you to all of you who helped in making our "New Day
for the Horses" a success. Unfortunately, we did not reach
our goal of $15,000, making just under $9000 after expenses. We
had so many people say that they would be attending we were afraid
we would not only run out of food but exceed the capacity for
the room! Sadly, that was not the case. Though we are thankful
for those that supported us, we wish more had done so. We were
fortunate to have over 100 items up for bid but did not have many
people to bid on those wonderful items. As so many of you know,
this benefit - held on the first Saturday in May each year (to
coincide with the running of the Kentucky Derby, drawing attention
to the plight of many racing Thoroughbreds) - is our biggest benefit
of the year. With the money generated from this event, we try
to pay off veterinary bills and survive over the summer! Frighteningly,
that won't be the case this year. Recently we have taken in a
few very hard luck cases, requiring more veterinary care, etc.
- hoping that the auction would provide the funds. As a lot of
you out there with horses know, $9000 doesn't go too far with
veterinary bills, hay and feed costs, in addition to farrier bills
- particularly with special needs horses - horses who have no
one else to help them.
We thank all of you who attended or sent donations. We hope that
any of you who were unable to attend will consider sending a donation
- toward veterinary expenses or toward a specific horse's (or
pony's) care.
A HUGE thank you to all of you who volunteered your time, attended,
and/or donated. You helped make a difference for an abused horse.
UPDATE
ON BAILEY (Please consider being
his sponsor!)
Bailey and his girlfriend, Liebling enjoying peace |
Bailey
and his girlfriend, Liebling enjoying peace..
If you have been following the story about our dear Bailey you
will know that everyday with him is a true gift for him (and us).
When he came to us in April, after his home was foreclosed upon,
he immediately exhibited some neurological symptoms. His hind
end is very weak and he has spells/seizures where he can barely
stand - his body swaying to the left and his hind legs give way.
Although the vet recommended euthanasia, we were determined to
try to give this boy some kind of life, however short. (His previous
life had been in a small lot, living all alone, and being "sometimes"
fed.) If only he could have a few weeks (dare we hope for, months?)
of living in peace with a wonderful companion and regular feeding.
So...we opted for steroids and, with fingers crossed, Bailey is
still living a life of peace. His dear pasture mate, Liebling,
continues to watch over him and they both continue a lovely little
romance. A friend of the foundation who helps care for them remarked,
" I think I heard Bailey tell Liebling that he loves her!"
It is the sweetest thing for these two horses - both victims of
humans - to live in peace for however long we have them.
When we took Bailey in we had been told that he was "rideable"
and "well." Unfortunately, that's not the truth. He
is neither one!
The GGF finds ourselves, once again, in great financial debt to
our vets. Won't you please consider either sponsoring Bailey or
contributing to his veterinary care bill? We all would be so appreciative.
You may contact the Foundation for more information.
THANK YOU TO RENEE & PETE GREEN, TODD & SHELLIE GREEN,
AND JULIA AND LANDON GREEN FOR THEIR DONATION IN MEMORY OF THEIR
UNCLE, GREAT UNCLE,
AND GREAT-GREAT UNCLE
RAYMOND E. REED.
As Renee said, "In loving memory of 'him' to a loving memory
of 'them'.
On behalf of the horses and ponies, we are deeply appreciative.
Please
Join Us For Our Annual "A New Day For The Horses" Benefit
& Silent Auction
Saturday, May 1, 2010
2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Harmony Hall, Hamilton Safety Center
39071 East Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia
Food, Drink, Music
& Merriment
Tickets are only $10 per person
• Download
the event Flyer
•
Click
here for a list of our Auction Donors!
100% of proceeds go toward the rescue and rehabilitation of neglected,
abused and at-risk equines, as well as helping to fund humane
educational programs. Remember, all donations are tax-deductible!!
Please mail ticket
requests or tax deductible donations to:
101 Ivandale Road, Hamilton, VA 20158
Also, you can call or e-mail for more information (540) 338-5218,
info@gingersnapgirls.org
Silent Auction to
include:
• Artwork, Jewelry, and Photography by Local Artists
• Gift Certificates from Local Restaurants
• Gift Baskets from area Merchants
• Museum and Concert Tickets
• Winery Tour
• Spa Treatments
• Antiques
• Raffles
• Live Music
• And Much More
"Another
Sad Farewell"
As many of you already know, the GGF lost one of our permanent
residents on January 15. We are heartbroken. Our dear Bres succumbed
to colic. So many of you knew Bres and her story. For those of
you who hadn't had the pleasure of meeting her, let us tell you
a little bit. She came to the GGF with a terrible distrust of
people - well founded. She didn't like being touched, particularly
around the head and ears. But, through her brave spirit and our
love, that all changed.
Please know that you helped provide a quiet, non-stressed environment
for Bres through your donations. Thank you.
GODSPEED, DEAR GIRL. The fields are just not the same without
you. You will remain in our hearts........ALWAYS LOVED, FOREVER
REMEMBERED.
GIANT
FOOD VALENTINE'S DAY BOOTH -
Sunday, Feb. 14,
11-4
A great way to help the horses and get something for your
Valentine, too! The GGF sold Melissa's adorable crocheted horses,
complete with Valentine - $15.00.
(If you would still like to purchase one of these crocheted horses
please call 540/338-5218 and we'll deliver or ship!
CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!
The GGF is planning to hold our Annual Benefit "A New
Day for the Horses" on Saturday, May 1, in Hamilton. It is
our biggest fundraiser of the year. The only way that we will
be able to hold this event this year is if we have neough committed
volunteers to help plan and execute the benefit.
We need help with procuring
silent auction items, a person to chair the vendor section, bakers,
and manpower to set up and teardown. This event garnered us over
$8000 last year but we are too well aware that, unless we have
more committed help, we will be unable to host this event. Please
e-mail immediately to mercerpayton@aol.com
- we need to know by February 5 - if you will be able to help.
The horses will really appreciate it!
_______________________________
GIRLS
SCOUTS LEND SUPPORT
Recently, the
Girl Scout Troop #2521 from Ashburn came out and visited us at
the Foundation.
These young ladies very generously brought with them senior feed,
fly masks, and fly spray. They got to meet some of our horses
and shared (of course) some yummy gingersnaps with them!
We are very grateful for youngsters like these. We and the horses
all thank you, girls!!
FOUNDATION
ANNOUNCES ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES
The Gingersnap Girls
Foundation was originally founded to rehabilitate abused, neglected,
and slaughter bound equines and try to find them a loving "forever
home". After five years of rescue, we find ourselves "changing
horses in midstream"! Over the years, we have come to recognize
that the older horses and ponies are just not wanted by many people.
Although wonderful, they are very difficult to place even when
in good health (though several do have medical issues).
We have had several
horses over the age of 20 who have been with us for years and
just can't seem to find an adoptive home but, just the other day,
we were able to place a 4 year old horse within a matter of hours,
bypassing our shelter entirely!!! Doesn't seem fair to the old
ones, does it? We understand that many people cannot take on an
older horse and cannot afford to have a horse unless they can
be ridden. This poses a small problem for the aging horses in
our community and nationwide! They need homes, too.
The GGF believes that
these older horses should be so loved and appreciated. They have
given their lives to human beings - should they be cast aside,
forgotten, sent to a livestock sale where they would most assuredly
go for slaughter, just because they are old????? We think, resoundingly,
NO! The GGF values these dear equines and wants to make the rest
of their lives as comfortable as we can. To do that, we need your
help.
Please consider sponsoring
one of these wonderful, older souls or consider contributing to
a general sponsorship, and please remember that, whether a person
or animal, worth does not end when one ages!
GOLF PASSES FOR BRYCE RESORT
Recently, the GGF was donated four (4) GOLF PASSES FOR BRYCE RESORT
in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. These passes entitle the bearer
to receive 18 holes (each) of golf for one at the resort. Passes
are good any time on weekdays (holidays excluded). Passes expire
on 10/31/09. The GGF is asking a donation of $100 for these passes
(which is a savings of approximately $60 off of regular fees!!!!)
These would make a terrific gift for the golfer!!
Please call 540/338-5218
or e-mail mercerpayton@aol.com
if you are interested in purchasing these passes to help the horses!
Gingersnap
Girls were Featured on Washington News!
Our
very own Gingersnap Girls were featured on
Channel 4 News. The response has been overwhelming!
We need all the support we can possibly get
to help these noble horses.
Click here to view the video
NEWS
Our
2009 "A
New Day For The Horses" Silent Auction and
Benefit Success!
Saturday, May 2nd
Harmony
Hall, Hamilton Safety Center
The
Gingersnap Girls Equine Education & Rescue
Foundation held their annual Spring benefit
and silent auction to benefit abused, neglected,
sick, and otherwise in-need horses and ponies.
The event was held Saturday, May 2nd, 2009
from 2 - 6 PM, 30971 East Colonial Highway
in Hamilton, at Harmony Hall (Hamilton Safety
Center)
The benefit included a
silent auction, raffle, door prizes, tack sale, craft sale, live
Bluegrass Music and much, much more.
Ticket Prices were
$10 per person. For information on next year's event, please call
540/338-5218 for more information.
Also, you can mail in a check to purchase
tickets to: 101 Ivandale Road, Hamilton, Virginia
20158
100%
of all proceeds go towards the care and rehabilitation
of abused, sick, and otherwise in-need horses
and ponies
