At its May meeting, the Rotary Club of Gettysburg welcomed Club member Ben Hansford, Development Director for Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program, and Dan Brannen, Executive Director of Strawberry Hill.

Club President Chuck Elder had the pleasure of awarding each organization a grant in accordance with its legacy scholarship endowment. Shining Stars plans to use these funds to help with the costs of their educational riding program, estimating an additional 57 therapeutic rides will be given. Hansford said that the demand for the therapy Shining Stars provides is steadily growing. “You can’t imagine the benefits for disabled kids, veterans, the elderly, and others,” Hansford said. “Besides healthy exercise and relaxation, they learn coordination, confidence, and how to care for an animal.” Th organization is building a new facility on Bon-Ox Rd. to handle the growth.

Strawberry Hill plans to use these funds to use these funds to purchase an equipment shed for their educational material at their nature preserve, which is located near Fairfield. “People appreciate the access to nature that our refuge provides. They can take a class, walk on our trails, or head into Michaux State Forest.”

Elder said these two awards represent Rotary’s continuing commitment to support local groups that make a difference. Three other grants will be awarded in coming months.

Featured image caption: Elder and Hansford.