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Highlands Today

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Jennifer Carnahan

Published: October 2, 2007

Heartland Horses and Handicapped Inc.'s second Annual Denim and Diamonds Gala held at the Quality Inn of Sebring on Saturday, Sept. 8 was a great success.

Once again, the generous community of Highlands County pulled together in support of a unique and greatly needed program, which offers free equine assisted therapy for children and adults with special needs.

The stars of the evening (and every day) were each of the seven horses, whose cost of care was auctioned off, granting the winning bidder a one-year sponsorship of their horse.

Each horse brought in a full sponsorship of $1,500 for the year, with one horse, Max, bringing a surprising $2,000.

John Martz of Insight Auctioneers donated his time and talents to the evening, not only with the horse sponsorships, but also on auctioning donated items from local businesses, bringing the auction total to a startling $16,005.

Entertainment by Reese Thomas and friends had everyone up and dancing the night away. Big thanks go out to the evenings sponsors who made this event possible. They are: Highlands Today, Highlands Independent Bank, Alan Jay Automotive Network, and Florida Hospital Heartland Division.

Also, thank you to those businesses who donated auction items: Gulf Kist Sod, Steve and Company, Usher Furniture, and Florida Hospital. The door prizes were many, giving a lot of the attendees a little something extra to take home. Thank you to those who donated door prizes: The Bulb Bin, Chicanes, Pizzano's, Firehouse Subs, Roadhouse Grill, Olympic Restaurant, Sun 'n Lake Golf Club, Everglades Seasonings, Riverside Bank, Sun Trust Bank, Wauchula State Bank Lake Placid, and Florida Hospital.

The evening of Sept. 8 was another tribute to the wonderful support given by the local community. The efforts of Heartland Horses and Handicapped would not be possible without the generosity and support of those mentioned about, many that are not mentioned, and of course, not without the help of our dependable and caring volunteers. Thank you on behalf of the board of directors, staff, volunteers, participants, and yes, even the horses.

Jennifer Carnahan
Heartland Horses and Handicapped Inc
Sebring

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