$12,000 Check Presented to the Az. Humane Society

Check presentation during the Pets on Parade TV show at Channel 3 with Beth Kidwell, Sun Country Circuit Stallion Auction coordinator, Marge Wright of Pets on Parade, Donna Powell, AzQHA President & Kim Noetzel, Az. Humane Society Marketing & Promotions Director photo by Tracy Wager

During the 2001 Sun Country Circuit, Beth Kidwell worked tirelessly on the new Stallion Auction program. This was the inaugural year for this event, where Stallions stud fees, from across the Nation, are sold in a silent auction to the highest bidder. This auction takes place during the Sun Country Circuit, and anyone can bid on these breeding fees.

The AzQHA donated the moneys generated from this event to the AQHA Foundation and the Arizona Humane Society. The AQHA foundation provides funding for research, scholarships and various equine related causes. This year the AzQHA donated $5,000. This value will be matched by Carol Rose, so that the total donation from Arizona will be $10,000. The AzQHA has the option to help choose the cause that the money goes too, and they are going to choose fertility research.

The Arizona Humane Society works completely off of donations, and the Pets on Parade television show on Channel 3 with Marge Wright have successfully found homes for thousand of Arizona's unwanted pets. During the 2001 Sun Country Circuit show, the Humane Society brought the mobile pet adoption unit to the show. Every dog, and most of the cats were happy to find new and permanent homes during their trip to WestWorld. This year the Humane Society will open their new facility at the South Mountain location. Here are the details about that program.

The AzQHA President, Donna Powell was ecstatic to make the check presentation and appear with Beth on the Pets on Parade TV show. They are hoping the Auction during the 2002 event will be even more successful.

Stardust Equestrian Therapy Program

The Stardust Equestrian Therapy Program is an alternative therapy with the focus on prevention and intervention for children between the ages of 6 and 17. It is targeted toward children considered to be at serious risk for social, physical, emotional and behavioral problems; acting out their conflicts through substance abuse, gang activity, truancy, family and social withdrawal. As a strengths-based model of therapy, our program incorporates personal responsibility, self-esteem and goal setting. The youth experience, build and model effective problem solving skills and increase self confidence and self reliance in a positive and supportive environment.

The Stardust Program accepts referrals from families and community agencies alike. The youth benefit from the supportive and nurturing relationship between horse, rider and counselor. Individual client treatment plans may be incorporated into the small group structure. Individual and group goals will be clearly identified at the beginning of each series by the Stardust staff, the referring agency and the parent's or guardian.

The Stardust Program will be housed at The Arizona Humane Society's new Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion at the base of South Mountain. A 16-stall barn is near completion and the program grounds will include a 120'x 80' covered arena, 3 pastures and public and private bridle paths.

The Stardust barn will be open in Spring 2002, with programming scheduled to begin soon after. Stardust is seeking donations of a few mature (10-16 years), sound, "bomb-proof" horses, 14-16 hands and Western trained with social, forgiving natures. Other welcomed items include new or gently used Western tack, barn equipment, riding helmets and gift certificates or vouchers for tack and supply stores. If you have questions, please call The Arizona Humane Society Marcia Soldavini at (602) 997-7585 ext. 134.