HorsePower Therapeutic Riding gives children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to ride and challenge themselves therapeutically upon horseback. This organization was Co-founded by Carrie Capes and Justin Yahnig, in 2012 to allow for a recreational activity to allow people with disabilities an avenue to overcome challenges, learn teamwork and providing physical and emotional growth. In 2013, only a year after being opened HorsePower achieved becoming a non-for-profit status allowing the program to grow with funding for their programs.
On February 23rd, HorsePower hosted their 7th annual fundraiser at St. Charles Bowl. This is their largest fundraiser of the year. With the help of this fundraiser alone, about 30% of their students are granted scholarships, and riding equipment and other program expenses are covered so therapeutic lessons continue. This year the fundraiser helped them raise nearly $30,000!
Val Farkas of Miscella Real Estate, who is an animal enthusiast and passionate for helping others has been a volunteer at HorsePower since year one when they began in 2012. Val is currently a board director and on their Vision Planning committee. This past weekend Val was just named “Volunteer of the Year” for her countless hours supporting fundraising efforts and referring students and volunteers to HorsePower. Each year, Val Farkas of Miscella Real Estate contributes to the fundraising efforts of this wonderful program by sponsoring bowlers, of which there were 26 this year.
“The fundraising I do for our HorsePower’s Big Bowling Fundraiser Event, as well as throughout the year, helps financially by providing scholarships to families of people with special needs so they may partake in our therapeutic riding program, along with other expenses to run the program. I am a big supporter of community organizations and have attended many galas and other fundraisers in support of local charities. HorsePower Therapeutic Riding is something I am proud to be involved with, not only the fundraising but also the operation of the programs and organization itself.” – Val Farkas
Here at BEI Properties and Miscella Real Estate we love giving back to the community. Seeing Val’s dedication and love for this program, sticking alongside for seven years, makes us proud to call her one of our own!
HorsePower will be hosting another Fashion Show Fundraiser on March 15th in St. Charles! For information on the upcoming event, volunteering, sponsoring, or donating, visit horsepowertr.com or feel free to reach out to Val Farkas for more information.
Val Farkas has been a realtor at Miscella Real Estate for five years and as a long-time resident she is knowledgeable in the area. Contact Val for all your real estate needs at val@miscella.com or by calling 630-709-9244. Established in 1976, Miscella Real Estate is a team of full time, licensed Brokers who bring a solid background of knowledge and skills necessary to navigate today’s real estate climate. Miscella Brokers are skilled in assisting first time home buyers, those who are looking to downsize or scale up, initiate new construction or renovate a fixer-upper. Miscella agents know all aspects of the Fox Valley marketplace and serve all price points. www.miscella.com
