September News
Training Sessions for Fall
After two intense weeks of learning and fun, our volunteers were ready and excited about the start of the 2011 Fall Riding Sessions! During training, the volunteers learned about the mission and vision of Storybook, brushed up on their equine knowledge and became acquainted with the 100 children who will visit the Farm each week.
We are so blessed to have the talents of about 125 Auburn University student volunteers who not only help to keep our riders safe, but also take care of our animals and farm. Of course, the kids appreciate the help, but what they really love is the friendship that changes their lives.
We would not be able to run successfully or efficiently without their selflessness and generous sacrifices. Once again, thank you so much to all of our wonderful volunteers for all they do for Storybook and its participants!!
Sherwood Elementary School Field Trip
The morning fog was still hanging in the air as the school bus filled with 80 second graders from Sherwood Elementary School, a Phenix City school, pulled up the Storybook driveway. The "oohs and aahs" from the children reverberated from the open windows of the bright yellow bus.
The children filed out of the bus one by one eager to experience a new adventure at Storybook. They had a million questions about the farm and the animalsthat lived here. We tried to answer all the questions while the kids played games, were “certified” in equine first aid, learned how to groom a pony, painted a cool horseshoe to take home and discovered exactly what horses eat and went on “The Tour” that beats all tours! The wonderful chaperones and teachers helped our volunteers coordinate and implement all the fun.
Thank you to Mrs. Shannon Hogan, one of the Sherwood Elementary School second grade teachers, and Tanner Hogan, one of our wonderful volunteers, for helping to coordinate this field trip!
Bruster’s Supports Storybook Farm with “Cones for a Cause”
“Cones for a Cause” was a HUGE success thanks to our friends and families who ate tons of ice cream. Our very own, Captain Hook’s love of ice cream must have been contagious because 300 waffle cones were gobbled up during this three day event. Thank you to Lance and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream of Auburn for blessing us with a $300 donation!
Auburn Civitan Club Donation
The Auburn Civitan Club once again supported our ministry with an annual gift which will be used to purchase hay and feed. We are so grateful for this civic group that has been diligent in keeping up with Storybook’s programs over the years. Two of our staff members, Linda Blakely and Erica Dalton, attended one of their weekly meetings for the check presentation and a brief update on Storybook news. Thank you, Auburn Civitan!
Volunteer of the Week – It Could Be You!
To be named Volunteer of the Week is a highly honored tradition at Storybook Farm. Each week, one devoted hard working individual is chosen and presented with an award and small token of our appreciation. These fortunate few will be in the running for Volunteer of the Semester which will be announced on November 11th.
Tinker Bell was fluttering with excitement when she presented The Week One Award to Ben McPherson who went above and beyond during volunteer training.
During Week 2, the Thursday morning group was represented when Velvet Brown announced that Heidi Hopkins received the award for portraying a selfless attitude of service and compassion. She showed up early, stayed late and still continues to do so.
Week 3, Gus Gus announced that the Volunteer of the Week Award went to Nettie Eakes for not only being agreat leader for her riders , but also for eagerly coming several days a week to help around the barn. We are grateful for Nettie’s thoughtfulness!
Admiral Boone let everyone know that Brooklyne Wassel was our Volunteer of the Week for Week 4 thanks to her amazing work ethic and for her superb artistic ability exemplified through face painting at the Storybook Farm Game Day Tent.
Check our Facebook Page in the coming weeks for the remaining honorees. Then vote for your favorite volunteer for The Volunteer of the Semester Award.
Charter Bank Grant
Storybook Farm has done it again! For the sixth year in a row, Storybook Farm is a CharterBank customer’s favorite charity in Lee County. More than 70 charities were on the ballots which were submitted during June and July. After some rigorous campaigning and humble prayer, Storybook Farm, Inc. was announced the winner on August 11, 2011 and received a $5,000 grant. These funds will be used for improvements to our facility.
We would like to thank CharterBank for its commitment and involvement in our community. As a loyal CharterBank customer, we cannot say enough good words about our business and personal relationship with such an outstanding business. They have been very encouraging and such a great example to us for helping others in our community.
Without these financial opportunities we would not be able to flourish and grow. Thank you, once again, Charter Bank and its customers for continuing to give hope to children on horseback.
Vittles for Victory
All of our horses are off to a speedy start! We are through Week 3 of the race and so far we have raised $882.25. As of September 30th, Paddington Bear is in the lead with $122.50, with Corduroy, Baloo and Gus Gus close behind. No lead is safe until November 10th when the horse with the most money gallops across the finish line. Each and every Storybook horse and pony appreciates your support. Visit the Vittles for Victory page for updates and don’t forget to continue “feeding” your horse!
Pure Barre
Thank you to Pure Barre for collecting items for Storybook Farm during their “Back to Riding” event, where they collected supplies from the Storybook WishList. They will host another “Pure Give” class on November 5th. All the proceeds for class that day will go directly to Storybook.
Kelly and Courtney, thanks for the great idea to support our ministry through your business! If you would like to donate items from our Wish List, please visit our "Wish List" for a list of items we use the most.
Farmhouse
Rodeo is a fabulous spectacle of color, action and drama. It is a thrilling sport whose roots lie deep in the tradition of the American frontier. It is a contest in which man matches himself against animals that are bigger, faster, and stronger than he is. And it has come to Auburn in the fall thanks to AU’s FarmHouse fraternity!
The 6th annual Farmhouse Rodeo Classic held on September 23rd was a great success thanks to the brothers pulling together resources and putting in a lot of hard work. About 2,000 people watched 12 rodeo teams grit it out to win the Gold Buckles and then after the excitement simmered down, the Casey Donahue Band performed to a packed crowd. While the official number is not in yet, Farmhouse estimates the event raised around $10,000! We owe a huge thank you to all the boys that believe in our ministry and support it heart and soul!