An innovative charity is planning its second fundraising event in this area.
“Horses of Hope” fundraising dinner is being held to support the similarly named project run by Hope Mission, which operates a nearby ranch and is looking to raise funds to keep their horse program galloping along.
According to their website, Hope Mission is a not-for-profit Christian social care agency founded in 1929 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Hope Mission operates Horses of Hope ranch, formerly known as Bethany Homes, east of Wetaskiwin.
“Located 14 km east of Wetaskiwin, Bethany Homes is situated on 140 beautiful acres,” stated the Hope Mission website. “Bethany Homes is a Hope Mission ministry offering opportunities for gardening. Making this program available to local schools and groups, we hope to partner with our community in delivering a support service for children and youth.”
“Horses of Hope” is a program to teach less fortunate or marginalized urban youth how to ride and interact with horses with the goal of developing character, combined with a Christian philosophy.
The fundraising event will be held at local businessman Paul Kalke’s ranch Aug. 24. Organizers are going to have live music by Jake Peters, a horse training demo, open riding and cutting demos, a prime rib dinner and in inspirational presentation by Rick Benson of Triple Seven Ranch, a 10,000 acre operation located in Ferron, Utah. Benson is a Christian horseman who helps Hope Mission with their equine program.
The Peace Hills Cowboy fellowship, organizers of the event, noted the admission fee of $60 includes a $50 donation to this very worthy cause. Organizers would like guests to RSVP by Aug. 21 so they know how many to expect. You can contact Kalke at 780-361-5545, or check out the advertisement in this edition of The Pipestone Flyer for other contact information.