National
Beacon Hill Charity Announcement
By
May 1, 2008, 14:49

The Beacon Hill Equestrian Grand Prix, held this year from June 19 through June 22, is pleased to announce their new beneficiary for 2008. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Gleneayre Equestrian Program of Lumberton, NJ.

The Gleneayre Equestrian Program (GEP) is a non–profit program that provides children with an opportunity for growth, self–discovery, and responsibility through nurturing and caring for horses. GEP realizes dreams in giving adolescents with challenges an opportunity to “own” and care for their own horse.

In an effort to serve more children, and because schools must provide alternative programs for at-risk youth, GEP is planning to expand its program. Ellen Healey, founder of GEP, is excited about the new program called “Cowboy Poetry.” The Cowboy Poetry curriculum was created by Strides to Success, a non-profit organization based out of Plainfield, Indiana.

GEP will be partnering with area schools and will implement this new curriculum to help children who are not succeeding in the traditional classroom environment. The proceeds from the Beacon Hill Equestrian Grand Prix will help to fund the new seven-week program. Slated to begin in September 2008, Cowboy Poetry will run once a week for each class of students in a program that will be coordinated closely with classroom teachers. During the 2008-2009 school year, GEP will schedule two classes each semester, serving a total of 32 students in four classes (eight students per class). In subsequent years, GEP will run additional classes, to serve greater numbers of students. Using horses as members of the learning team – in a learning methodology called equine-assisted learning -- the Cowboy Poetry classes will help children to learn positive life skills that will help them to remain in school, and to become more successful in their family and social relationships.

In addition to funding from the Beacon Hill Equestrian Grand Prix, GEP is pleased that Christina Ortega, owner of Spark of Creation, will be donating 50% of the proceeds from the sales of the Debbie Brooks’ designed equestrian handbags she carries. This is Ortega’s second year in business and her introduction to the horse world came at the 2007 Beacon Hill show. It was there she met Healey and knew she would enjoy giving to GEP. Ortega has a natural desire to help others. She said, “I can’t tell you the good feeling we get from giving. It makes me feel so good it is almost selfish.”

During last year’s show Ortega received many requests for equine themed jewelry. Many of the handmade jewelry pieces she designs now reflect that equestrian theme. Her jewelry and the Debbie Brook’s handbags can be seen at the show and can also be previewed or purchased on her website: www.sparkofcreation.com.

Spark of Creation will be one of the many vendors located on vendor row at the Beacon Hill Equestrian Grand Prix. A select list includes:

Horse show classes begin each day at 8am and will run throughout the day. The main event is the $50,000 Budweiser Grand Prix presented by Wachovia. The country’s best show jumping riders, including past Olympians and many who have ridden for the USA in the World Equestrian Games will vie for the blue ribbon and prize money. In addition to watching the spectacular equine athletes, children visiting the show on Saturday and Sunday will enjoy a petting zoo and carnival games with prizes. Tickets are $5 a person at the gate. Be sure to get there early on the weekend in order to get a good seat for the main events.



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