Area not-for-profits need to be even more creative in order to balance their budgets. Closing is not an option for Centaur Stride! “We are so fortunate to have the support of the local community,” says Claudia Monroe, president of the board of directors, and volunteer physical therapist. “Centaur Stride was a grassroots start-up program for therapeutic horseback riding and this is our 17th year. So many people were instrumental in making that possible and we are very grateful. We continue to look to our community for support as it is still a struggle.”

There are new board members and are working at a sustainability plan so that Centaur Stride can remain and grow to their potential. Awareness is key. Karlyn Monroe, business and marketing entrepreneur and new board member last year, identified primary areas of focus and launched the Web site last June, www.centaurstride.org, with funds from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and Fessenden, Laumer, and DeAngelo Athletic Fund. That has been very instrumental in getting the word out that the program exists. The present board of directors includes: Claudia Monroe, Connie Wojcinski, Ann Marie Day, Rody Schoener-Zarutskie, Karlyn Monroe, Claire Tomassini and Willowe Neckers.

“Web sites require frequent updating and we didn’t have any money for that. The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation recently awarded us a field of interest grant to make our updates. These updates are also vital to our sustainability plan. We were able to link directly to their website so that donors can contribute to either of our two endowment funds. We have been blessed to be the beneficiaries of the Lyle and Gladys Peterson Centaur Stride Therapeutic Horseback Riding for the Handicapped Fund and the Doug and Lamae McCullor Animals for the Disabled Fund.”

“In addition, we have updated our list of events and fund raisers. We have participated in the Bon Ton Community Day for the past few years and are so grateful for the opportunity. For those of you who don’t know, the Bon Ton gives $5 to area not-for-profits for each coupon they sell for the Community Day, this one for this Saturday, Feb 27. Patrons receive a $10 coupon for one item, and several discount coupons for other items. It’s a win-win situation.”

We have launched our first ever online fund raising event. The online fund raiser is connected to our Healing with Horses Walk-a-thon March 14 at the Chautauqua Mall from 2-3 p.m. The Web site allows for registration to participate in the walk-a-thon or the ability to sponsor one of our riders. To sponsor a particular rider, type his/her name in the Web address immediately following ‘centaurstride’. (ex: www.firstgiving.com/centaurstridematt ). Participants include: Matt, Bailee, Jonah, Derek, Kaylee, Chyrssie Rose, Chrissy, Joe, Elisha, Elyse, Allyson, Rose, Megan, Kendall, Sofia, Spencer, Shanda, and Abby. Anyone else who would like to help us raise funds should contact Claudia at: claudiamonroe@CentaurStride.org.

Please visit our Web site for a full overview of our programs and calendar of events. We do need the full support of the community to reach our potential to help others in our community. It is such a great place- horses provide healing and teaching in so many ways!

About Centaur Stride
Opened in 1993, Centaur Stride is a 501(C) 3 not-for-profit therapeutic and recreational horseback riding facility located in New York State.
The facility provides access to the benefits of horseback riding to a broad spectrum of individuals with disabilities. Programs are designed to improve many facets of the lives of riders, their families and the individuals working with them. Integrating lessons to allow riders without disabilities to participate creates awareness of the basic human needs of friendship, understanding and inclusion for all.
Some make significant improvements in their physical abilities, but all riders, whether their challenges are physical, mental or emotional, or a combination of all of the above, make great strides. Today, more than 150 individuals benefit annually.

Centaur Stride is a 501 © 3 not-for-profit and all donations are tax-deductible.