The Second Annual Boots.Band.BBQ scholarship fundraiser to benefit students of the Triangle Therapeutic Riding Center will take place tomorrow, Saturday, September 19 from 6-10 p.m. in Reinholds. Proceeds from the event will go to providing student scholarships for the Special Needs Therapeutic Riding and the New Military Reintegration Programs.

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year,” said Rita Bowman, therapeutic riding instructor and board member of the non-profit organization that serves a wide range of riders from ages 5-65 with special needs, including those with autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, Down Syndrome and more.

“Some of [the disabilities] you can see, and some of them you can’t see,” said Bowman. “Like we like to say, ‘It’s not a disability, it’s a different ability,’” said Bowman.

For many of the riders, meeting the $40 weekly cost to ride in the 12-week program is a challenge.

“Very, very few of our riders receive any kind of agency support, and it’s not covered by insurance, so most of these riders are paying out of pocket to ride, said Bowman.  “The scholarships help provide riding opportunities for some of our riders who wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise.”

Veterans connect through a variety of sources with Triangle’s horses and resources.

“Most of our Veteran’s are sent to us through the Lebanon VA, but we also do have other veterans who come from other programs. Bowman has seen veterans gain confidence through their involvement through the program, enhancing every area of their life.

In addition to seeking donations for the student scholarships, the organization is on the lookout for volunteers who would like to serve.

“There is no one on our staff who receives any compensation for what we do,” said Bowman. Volunteers do not need to be experienced with horses or riding, and are encouraged to assist even if they have physical challenges.

“There are just so many kinds of volunteer opportunities,” said Bowman. “We’ll find you something for you to do.”

Lititz volunteer Karen Fogarty has found plenty to do at Triangle, where she has helped the organization during the evening for the past ten years.

“There is so much benefit to what a horse can do,” said Fogarty, who serves on organization’s board of directors and in other capacities, from assisting riders to exercising the horses.  She encourages those in Lititz and surrounding areas to come out to the support the event in Reinholds, as well as the riders who will benefit from it.

“There are a lot of people out there may need the help-a child, a grandchild, a friend who’s had an automobile accident, a loved one who’s been in the military with PTSD,” said Fogarty.

The ticketed Boots.Band.BBQ event tomorrow night will feature a pig roast, a live DJ, dancing, 50/50 games, and Horse Pie Bingo, which requires a separate ticket. Event Tickets will be available at the door for $30 per person. The meal, beer and other beverages, and entertainment is included. This event is rain or shine and is held outdoors in the Reinholds VFW Picnic Grove. For Boots.Band.BBQ tickets and information, contact Rita Bowman: 717-575-6356, Laura Rutledge: 717-371-3654, Hank Eames: 717-209-1311 or Terri Patterson: 717-278-4985.

Triangle Therapeutic Riding Center is a non-profit organization which provides year-round therapeutic riding programs; Special Needs, Veterans Community Integration, Summer Camp, Lancaster-Lebanon-Berks IU13 Job Training partnership and employment opportunities. For more information about Triangle Therapeutic Riding, please visit Triangle Therapeutic Riding Center, call 717-371-3654, or email [email protected].