[Fredslist] Funds Needed for Nassau PAL Special Needs Program

[Warren Goldberg]

Hello Gotham,

I received a request for help and since fund-raising is not my area of expertise, I'm hoping someone within Gotham can help.

The program described below, of which two of my daughters participate, needs to raise $40,000 for their special needs children's program.  Please read the description below and let them know if you - or someone you know - can possibly help.


The Nassau County Police Athletic League has a Special Needs Unit which serves children ages 5 through 21 with varying disabilities, the majority which are Autistic.  They provide sports and recreational programs to help children with socialization, children who could not participate in typical community programs.  This program's primary goal is to help special needs children develop their full potential, develop physical, mental, and social skills, and ultimately develop higher self-confidence and self-esteem, thus increasing the chances of these children growing up to lead normal lives.

Among the many programs provided, is the Equestrian Program, which is deeply in need of help.  Children with varying disabilities learn how to conquer their fears, working in a hands-on environment and eventually learning to ride horses.  This is a truly inspirational program.  The positive results seen from this program have been quite amazing.  Children have become less fearful, more social, and likely to advocate for themselves.  Children have started speaking and signing where silence once prevailed.

The lead instructor, Mickie Fanelli, a certified NARHA instructor (North American Riding for the Handicap Assoc.), is the sole person responsible for the development of the Equestrian Program due to her passion for horses and for working with special needs children.

In February 2010, this wonderful and dedicated program abruptly lost it's "home" and had no place to run the program.  Indian Head Ranch (in Huntington) graciously allowed the program use of some land on their property.  Unfortunately the arena, unlike our last location, doesn't have an indoor shelter.  We try to run the program all year round, as these children look forward to it and require consistency.  Autistic children don't take change very well and cancelling due to adverse weather conditions causes the children to regress.

The cost to purchase and set up an outdoor, covered arena (similar to a circus tent) at Indian Head Ranch is approximately $40,000.  They need to raise funds to see this project through and make the Indian Head Ranch the permanent home for this truly amazing program for special children.

If anyone would like to donate to this worthy cause, help create a fund-raising program, or knows of a company that would be willing to sell this tent-like structure at a substantial discount, please contact:

Haylee Goldberg
516-991-7080
HayleeG at verizon.net<mailto:HayleeG at verizon.net>





Warren Goldberg                  NMLS#158412
Mortgage Planner - Senior Mortgage Specialist
GuardHill Financial Corp.

Direct:  516-584-7218
Fax:      516-364-8300
WGoldberg at GuardHill.com<mailto:WGoldberg at GuardHill.com>
www.WarrenGoldberg.com<http://www.WarrenGoldberg.com>

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