(Southwest Florida) Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. (SMART) is pleased to announce they have received a grant in the amount of $9,206 from the Cassidy Family Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation. The grant will be used to support veterinarian expenses and SMART’s veterans’ program.
“This ongoing commitment to the health of our horses and to our Warriors in Transition program is truly a gift,” said Brandi Ezell, executive director of SMART. “These funds help to provide the best possible vet care for our therapy horses, while the funds designated to our veterans program ensures that 24 local veterans will benefit from our program this season. We simply cannot do it without the support of our community. Thank you!”
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.