Local: Events raise cash for riding therapy program

(Press release)

AUGUST 22, 2008 WRANGLER ROUND-UP WEAVER FARMS

Enjoy dinner, live & silent auctions and dancing with the locally popular West MacQueen Street Band, under the tent and stars at Weaver Farms. Dinner is $50/person or $400 for a table of ten with full bar available. Dress is casual. Doors open at 6pm, dinner at 7pm, live auction at 8pm and dance at 9pm. From 9pm-midnight, those not wanting to attend the dinner are encouraged to come out and join in the fun for a $5 donation at the door to benefit CIRT. Tickets for the dinner can be purchased by contacting CIRT by phone or email. 100% of the proceeds will benefit CIRT.

AUGUST 23, 2008 FESTIVAL OF HORSES & POLO ON THE GREEN WEAVER FARMS

Gates open at 11am for a full day of affordable family run right here in Peoria! Free parking at RL Nelson with free shuttles running continuously until approximately 7pm. Admission is $5 per person or $20 per family. Day long activities will include: a vendor tent featuring some of the Peoria Riverfront Artists; concessions including Echo Valley grilled meats, snack items and full bar service; Silent Auction and raffles. The kids can have a great time on inflatable’s by Fun on the Run, face painting and “down on the farm” inspired interactive games. Armbands for unlimited kids’ activities are just $5 and adults are free with a paying kid! The horse demonstrations, Parade of Breeds and CIRT demonstrations will take place on the Polo Field and in the indoor arena and will begin at approximately 1pm. The Polo match begins at 4pm and will run until approximately 6:30pm. Tickets for upfront “Box Seats” are $10 per person or bring your lawn chairs or blankets (no coolers please) and sit back to enjoy the day. This event is a great and affordable way to introduce your family and friends to the beauty of Weaver Farms and the wonderful world of horses all while benefiting a great local cause.

ABOUT CIRT:

Central Illinois Riding Therapy (CIRT) is a non-profit organization that provides horseback-riding therapy to benefit individuals with disabilities. CIRT was established in 1983 and is a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) Premier Center.

CIRT allows individuals age three through adult with a variety of physical, emotional and mental disabilities including: Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, head trauma, learning disabilities, strokes, visual and hearing impairments and others.

CIRT’s staff includes a director, office staff, barn manager, certified instructors, over 100 volunteers and is in operation year round. We have the capacity for twelve (currently have 11) horses and the costs to care for the horses has nearly doubled in one year to nearly $4000 per horse.

Central Illinois Riding Therapy (CIRT) is located in Newmann Park, adjacent to FonDuLac Farm Park. Our address is 305 Newmann Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611. We can be contacted at 309.699.3710, emailed at www.cirt@cirt.info, or visit our website at www.cirt.info.

The economy has taken its’ toll on many businesses and organizations and ours is no exception. The success of our annual benefit is crucial to the survival of the organization. We hope that you are able to help us in spreading the work about our upcoming event while also raising awareness of our cause.