Grateful Hearts

Wow, can you believe that not even a week ago we were celebrating Kentucky Derby Day at Neighborly Bar? What a gorgeous day for it! The hats were outstanding, people are still talking about the food, I am heartbroken that I didn't get to try one of those meatballs.  We did Zumba with Lynda...

Jean over at the Neighborly, could really use her own gratitude post. She gives so much of her time and resources to make sure these fundraisers are successful. Without her, none of this would be possible. We feel like the connection to the race is an ideal way to celebrate what we do here at the barn, and boy did we get lucky, the sun even shined on us that day.

 Our community gets to see the finished product when these events happen, we cannot tell you how many hours go into planning, collecting donations, developing ideas, sorting and managing donations, basket making, coordinating volunteers, making posters, sending emails,  hanging posters... the list is endless! We would love to give every single individual that gave of themselves so tirelessly our gratitude, we are afraid if we try to name everyone, that someone would be missed.

There does need to be a special thank you made to Jen Richardson that takes a lead on this event, and volunteers hundreds of hours of her time here at HOJ, she is a truly special individual that has committed a great deal of her own life to helping those with disabilities. I'm sorry Jen, I know you don't like the spotlight but you give so much of yourself, I do think that should be recognized.

 As a transplant to the south shore ( I have only lived in Ashland for 3 years), I must say that one of the most beautiful things about this whole region really, is the warmth of it's people and genuine desire to take care of each other. As a mother of a child with special needs, it really drives home why this is such a special place to raise my own child. The compassion and connections we make with the community that genuinely cares about each other, is truly heartwarming, in a world that often lacks kindness.

We are already hearing, "whew the events over, time to rest". Oh no. Lessons continue, there is always work to do at the barn, we are rapping things from the fundraiser we just had, and dare I say... already planning for our 3rd in 2027! Some wise folks told us that planning begins the day after an event ends and isn't that the truth! We are thinking about everything that worked and everything we can make better, while it's all fresh.

Many of you have expressed that you want to be involved in what we're doing out here. We would love that. The Derby Day Fundraiser is not our only event, and we're always searching for volunteers for a number of things. If you want to help you can print and complete the volunteer paperwork via the button on our participate page, mail that to us, or just stop by with it. If you have any questions or need additional information, or just want to set up a visit to see if you do want to volunteer, shoot me an email at nicole.hoovesofjoy@gmail.com
I spend a lot of time in the barn's office! Don't be afraid to come and see me. Additionally, if you want to stay or get informed on the latest Hooves of Joy happenings, send me your email to the email I mentioned. We are going to be working on a newsletter to help us stay connected to this beautiful community.  I look forward to chatting with you!

Thank you from all of us at HEC Hooves of Joy, Inc.

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