This is the first in a two part series for #GivingTuesday (December 2).
I'm proud to be a social media ambassador for #GivingTuesday (December 2) for the second year in row. We have a day of thanks, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. #GivingTuesday is a global event, and a chance for everyone to make a choice to help others.
Please take a look at this video for a quick explanation of what #GivingTuesday is.
I'm using the power of my words, along with the help of social media, to create awareness about an extraordinary organization that rescues, rehabilitates and matches horses with people.
The Full Circle Equine Rehabilitation Center is where "horses and people help each other." Its Founder, Cris Pemberton, helps semi-retired horses and ponies find their purpose by spending quality time with people who care and love them. Cris, along with the help of many passionate volunteers, finds that, "the healing power of horses can touch, uplift and enrich the community."
But the cost of caring for a horse is expensive, and many times she's forced to turn down requests to take in horses who are old or physically/emotionally damaged. It breaks her heart to have to say no. If she had enough funds to say yes she'd be able to rescue and rehabilitate more and more beautiful horses.
Volunteers at Full Circle with the beautiful horse, Cayenne
Cris firmly believes in her mission of helping people in her community discover the magic of horses and therapeutic riding. She loves teaching others the proper skills of working with the rehabilitation and rescue programs offered at FCERC.
Through the help of generous donations from friends, family and the community Cris implemented a small scholarship program that grants one person at a time into the FCERC program.
Cris with Faith
But without the continued support of donations these programs can't exist. Horses won't be rescued and the community won't receive the gift of healing from these beautiful animals.
The beautiful Angel
Please take a look at the Full Circle Equine Rehabilitation Center website for more details about FCERC's programs to find out how you can help.
I'd like to thank Cris for the special work she is doing, and for reaching out to me through the #GivingTuesday website. It has been an honor to get to know her and FCERC.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: FCERC is incorporated in Washington State and is registered with the Washington State Charities Registry. Our Application for Recognition of Exemption under Section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code was approved on July 31, 2014 effective February 26, 2013. FCERC is a Public Charity and, as such, contributions to FCERC are deductible. We are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2016 or 2522 of the Code.
Photo Credits: Photos of the horses are the sole property of Full Circle Equine Rehabilitation Center.
Great post Cathy and what a wonderful program being a horse lover this really touched home to me! I hope you get the word out I tweeted, FB'd and Google +d!
Hi Cathy! Good for you for promoting #GivingTuesday! It is such a way to be proactive about giving and turn the focus away from "getting". And Full Circle sounds like a great charity but I've already got mine in mind for where I plan to give. Keep reminding us all how important it is! ~Kathy
Any organization that combines animals and people is A-OK with me. I didn't know about Full Circle before and am glad to learn about the good work it does. Yes, Cathy, you are so right: there is magic in giving!
Horses are such regal animals, and what a fantastic organization to share them with those who can benefit from their magnificence. Kudos to you for promoting Cris and her work. Another worthy recipient of those who give on #GivingTuesday. Thank you for sharing.
I wish to express how thankful the horses and people at Full Circle Equine Rehabilitation Center are for these kind and inspiring words. This is a truly amazing opportunity to grow our Circle as we strive to build and maintain a sustainable organization. Thank you Cathy for your love of all animals. I just know your powerful and heartfelt words have improved the lives of more animals and people then you can even begin to imagine.
Love this Cathy! I'm always all in favor with anything involving animals.
I was a part of a community effort to get a program like this started near my home. I have always known the healing power of horses. As my father would tell me there is nothing better for the inside of a person than the outside of a horse. I was saddened by the vilification Ann Romney received for the therapy she used for her MS with horses. so many people from so many walks of life have benefited from horses. So glad you wrote about it.
Equine therapy is amazing. Here in Tucson it is a big deal. Thanks for sharing about #givingtuesday and about the power of connecting with horses / animals...
What a wonderful cause! I have been a horse lover all my life so this organization really pulls at my heartstrings. So glad you are giving it visibility, Cathy!
I have felt that connection with horses many times. They have a gift for making problems seem . . . insignificant. How wonderful that Cris recognized that and does such a great job of making it available to many who would never get the chance. Both by saving the horses and by getting the horses and people together. Good work, Cris! And all who work with her!
I love that you chose an organization that was so near and dear to your heart and then took that up another notch! This organization is not just about helping animals but helping animals help people!!! How incredibly cool is that! Nicely done and I hope your efforts help raise both funds and awareness for this amazing cause!
What a fantastic organization! You know how much of an animal lover I am, and horses are such magnificent creatures. Definitely checking this out.
I think Giving Tuesday is a wonderful thing. Congratulations on being chosen as an Ambassador for this worthwhile event! (Wow! I really have friends in high places, LOL!)
It has been very interesting reading the posts of folks who are involved in this organization. I've learned a great deal about organizations that I knew nothing about. Usually I just throw my money at public television. I may have to rethink that.
I've never been close to a horse, but I have read about their healing powers. Unfortunately, I finally got to see that when my brother-in-law passed away suddenly earlier this year, leaving his wife and two teenage daughters. Their involvement with horses has been a comfort to them.
What a fantastic group, I am a huge horse lover. The idea that the horses are rescued is the best. When I was a kid my Mom rescued a horse, she needed a surgery and a great deal of love. I can say 100% that the time, money and love my parents gave to her was worth every cent. She was a sweet horse and remained in our family well into my 20's. Thank you for featuring Full Circle, Cathy.
I love the idea of equine therapy. When we were having such a horrible time with my daughter early in the year, I researched it. Thankfully the situation has improved but I can't say that I don't want to consider that as an option for healing.
As I read through the kind and supportive comments by all of the horse lovers responding to Cathy's story the Magic of Horses is the common thread that ties us all together. Everyone has either been touched and healed by horses or they have seen them serve to change and enrich the lives of someone else they know and love. The horses and all that they are, and all that they do are the reason FCERC exists. Myself and all the wonderful people who are helping make FCERC a reality, not just a dream, are all working together for the good of the horses and to bring their magic to others. With the cost of owning and caring for a horse constantly on the rise there are more and more horses in need of a safe place to go. My involvement with horses led me to #GivingTuesday which led me to Cathy which has led me to everyone here. Thank you for the validation that FCERC is on the right track and that horses and people will benefit from the services our organization is striving to provide.
Through my volunteer work with Naples Equestrian Challenge, I've seen first hand how equine therapy is very healing and impactful on the lives of those with disabilities and emotional challenges. Keep up the wonderful work Cris and Full Circle. <3
I have rescued horses myself and know from personal experience how heart-breaking but enriched this can be - so well done Cathy for supporting Chris and Full Circle trough Giving Tuesday
I think horses work so well in therapy because you can't fool a horse. Horses just sense who you are as a person