Dear Affinity Ranch Family,
As I have had time to reflect on this year’s Ponies with Purpose Gala, I keep coming back to one overwhelming feeling: gratitude.
On September 10, we gathered at the beautiful Sanctuary Golf Course for an evening that gave us the opportunity to celebrate Affinity Ranch, share the stories of the incredible people we serve, and introduce more people to the heart behind our mission.
And because of you, we raised an incredible $137,248.60!
That number is certainly something to celebrate, but what stays with me most from the evening is what it represents.
It represents children gaining confidence and independence on the back of a horse. It represents individuals developing skills, purpose, and pride through Supported Employment. It represents someone struggling with their mental health finding a safe place to breathe, connect, and begin to heal. It represents families finding a community where their loved one is seen for everything they can do.
And, of course, it represents the incredible horses who make so much of this possible.
One of my favorite moments of the evening was having the opportunity to celebrate Tia, who has been part of our Supported Employment program since 2023 and participated in several of our other programs before that. Watching Tia share her story with a room full of people who care so deeply about this mission was incredibly special. Her story is just one of so many unfolding at the ranch every day, and it was a beautiful reminder of why we do this work.
I also loved watching our community come together that evening. I saw longtime supporters sitting alongside people who were experiencing Affinity Ranch for the first time. I watched people laugh, bid on auction items, raise their paddles, meet our horses, and—most importantly—connect with our mission.
There are so many people who made this evening possible. Our sponsors, donors, auction contributors, volunteers, staff, board members, families, and guests each played a part. Some gave financially, some gave their time, some donated items or services, and many brought friends and introduced new people to our ranch.
Every one of you mattered.
The $137,248.60 raised that evening will help us care for our herd, provide access to programs, strengthen the services we offer, and continue creating opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and mental health challenges throughout our community.
Running a place like Affinity Ranch truly takes a community. I am reminded of that every single day, but perhaps never more clearly than on nights like this one.
Thank you for believing in our mission. Thank you for believing in the people we serve. Thank you for loving our horses, supporting our team, and continuing to show up for Affinity Ranch.
I am incredibly grateful for what we accomplished together at Ponies with Purpose—and even more excited about the Unbridled Possibilities ahead.
With gratitude,
Shannon Forslund
Executive Director, Affinity Ranch
