Napa County Horse Sanctuary To Hold Annual Benefit

News from Sunrise Horse Rescue:

Sunrise Horse Rescue of St. Helena invites the public to attend its sixth annual benefit dinner and auction. The event will take place on September 12 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Blossom Creek Farm in Calistoga (3547 Hwy. 128).

Tickets are $175/person or $1,200 for a table of eight and can be purchased at http://www.harvestofhopeforhorses.com/3/online_payment.htm

or by calling 707/320-3120.

Guests will be greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and can stroll through the Blossom Creek Farm stable, mingling with horses and perusing silent auction lots. They will enjoy live music, brews and some of the finest of Napa Valley wines. The stable’s arena will be transformed into a rustic yet elegant setting for a seated dinner (guests are encouraged to wear boots to negotiate the arena sand).

There will be a demonstration of natural horsemanship using “Equus,” the language of the horse, during the pre-dinner reception.

A live auction will take place during the dinner. Auction lots will include international trips, a personalized experience at The Cameo Cinema in St. Helena, horse-themed adventures and more.

Each of Sunrise’s horses has a unique and formerly tragic story.

Blitzen, a 12 year old American mustang who once roamed freely with his herd, had been living in a junkyard with no food or water. Aaragon, a 13 year old registered Morgan, had been tied to a trailer at a breeding barn for weeks at a time before being rescued; today he knows how to count, answer questions, dance and bow: he is often Sunrise’s ambassador at events. Richie, a 13 year old thoroughbred and former race horse, was rescued from being euthanized after a career-ending injury. Finnegan, a 4 year old Arabian, escaped from an abusive situation and today is a trusting, spirited young colt.

“Every year, countless horses go without enough food, shelter or love. Sunrise Horse Rescue is the only non-profit organization in Napa County dedicated to saving such horses and providing them with ‘forever homes.’ Children and adults in the community who volunteer at Sunrise gain life skills by assisting in the rehabilitation of these horses and provide them with loving attention they so deserve,” explains Lisabeth O’Connor, Board President.

At the Harvest of Hope event last year, the non-profit welcomed an overflow crowd.

“Last year we raised enough money to operate for the year, which encompassed the care and feeding of 21 horses at our facility as well as feed and veterinary assistance for other horses in the community who needed our help,” O’Connor continues. “This year, with the gracious support of Valerie and Bob Fish at Blossom Creek, we’re hoping to go even bigger,” O’Connor adds.

Sunrise Horse Rescue is Napa County’s only non-profit 501(c)3 horse rescue and sanctuary.

“Horses that are being abused or are at risk of starvation find a forever home here at Sunrise,” explains Mary Taylor, Board Vice President. “This night is not only about raising funds for the year ahead, it’s also about raising awareness about how many horses need our help,” she added. Sunrise Horse Rescue regularly receives calls seeking help for horses in desperate need.

Since its inception in 2007, the organization has rescued and provided homes for more than 75 at risk horses. The sanctuary is located at 1098 Lodi Lane in St. Helena and horse lovers are welcome to schedule a tour or become volunteers.

More information at www.sunrisehorserescue.com, P.O.B. 143, St. Helena CA 94574. All proceeds benefit Sunrise Horse Rescue, a California 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.

--Image courtesy of Sunrise Horse Rescue on Facebook.