(Southwest Florida) Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. (SMART) is thrilled to announce they have received a grant in the amount of $34,550 from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation. These funds will be used to support SMART’s Therapeutic Carriage Driving program.
“Carriage driving and riding opens the world of horses to those who may be unable to participate in other programs,” said Brandi Ezell, executive director of SMART. “We are grateful to the Barancik Foundation for recognizing the important therapeutic benefits of this activity, and we are proud to have their generous support.”
About the Barancik Foundation:
The Barancik family has long believed in the power of philanthropy to shape our world and enrich the lives of all people. It was the expression of this belief that led them in 2014 to establish the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation—a private family foundation located in Sarasota. The Barancik Foundation creates initiatives and awards grants locally and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research. Visit BarancikFoundation.org to learn more.
About SMART
Established in 1987, Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) is a non-profit organization that provides horseback riding, carriage driving and equine-assisted activities 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, 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.
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.