(Southwest Florida) Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. (SMART) is pleased to announce a $3,000 grant from the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation. The grant will be used to fund 120 therapeutic horseback riding sessions for children in the foster care system that reside in the Lakewood Ranch area.
“This is fantastic! This grant will allow SMART to have a meaningful impact on the lives of children in our community,” said Brandi Ezell, Executive Director. “We are incredibly grateful to the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation for their generosity and making this happen.”
For more information about SMART’s programs, please visit www.smartriders.org or www.facebook.com/smartriders.
About SMART
Established in 1987, Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding, therapeutic carriage driving and equine-assisted learning for individuals with disabilities. Located in eastern Manatee County, SMART is a mostly volunteer organization that serves over 650 individuals with disabilities each year, including people with a variety of challenges such as autism, attention deficit disorder, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, as well as individuals with terminal illness, emotional or mental health conditions, and hearing, speech or vision impairments. Among the activities offered are therapeutic horseback riding and driving, a literacy program, and programs for veterans, women with breast cancer, at risk youth and teens, and victims of human trafficking. Volunteers age 14 and over are welcome to join the organization at any time after completing an orientation and training program.
About the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund
The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund enhances the quality of life in and near our community by promoting philanthropy, responding to community needs and granting funds.
About Manatee Community Foundation
Manatee Community Foundation works together with philanthropic individuals and businesses to achieve lasting good in Manatee County. Now with $37 million in assets, the Foundation is home to more than 200 impactful funds that address opportunities in our community in the areas of human services, health, animal welfare, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement. Since its founding in 1998, Manatee Community Foundation has awarded $18 million in grants and scholarships. For more information about the Manatee Community Foundation, visit www.manateecf.org or contact Susie Bowie, Executive Director, at (941) 556-5444.
SARASOTA MANATEE ASSOCIATION for RIDING THERAPY, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 Organization.
All Contributions are Tax Deductible. CH4398 65-0043354
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com
REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT,APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.