Nonprofit Spotlight: Horsepower for Kids

Each week on Carrollwood Patch, we focus on a different

This week, we talked to Estela Orosz at Horsepower for Kids, Inc., a local nonprofit that helps kids learn more about horses, to find out how the community can get involved and how the organization began.

Patch: What is the purpose or mission of the organization?

Orosz: HorsePower for Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a farm environment for people who would benefit from interaction with horses and animals that reside on our farm.  We incorporate fun programs and educational opportunities for children and adults to interact with the animals to provide self development and rehabilitation for persons affected by psychological or physical ailments.  This is a unique program for inner-city children and at-risk children that could benefit from riding, learning about, and loving horses.

Patch: Who founded the organization, and when?

Orosz: HPFK was founded 2010 by Armando Gort.

Patch: What are some activities that the organization has been involved
in in Tampa Bay?  Are those primary fundraisers for the nonprofit?

Orosz: On the third Saturday of every month, we invite a group of underprivileged children (foster homes, medically challenged, needy families, schools, YMCA, Big Brothers and Big Sisters etc.) to spend the day at the farm free of charge.

Our biggest fund-raiser is the month of October, when we have a haunted hayride and fall festival. We also, donate (lend) our ponies to charitable organizations to use for their fund-raising events.

Patch: Why is the organization important for communities such as Carrollwood and Northdale?

Orosz: Horsepower for Kids is beneficial to all surrounding communities in the Tampa Bay area because we are unique in that we offer a world of serenity away from all the noise our world offers on a daily basis. Children love to interact with animals and ride horses, so it's a sense of belonging.

Patch: How can the community get involved if they want to donate or volunteer?

Orosz: At this time, we do not have many sponsors, although we have received a few donations from generous Tampa residents. We are always in need of volunteers (16 yrs or older, or if under 16, they can volunteer with parent or adult).   

We accept any donations that would benefit the care and upkeep of animals and stables. Hay, feed, shavings, water buckets, blankets for horse for winter, hand wash, paper towels, food donations for our fun on the farm event, monetary donations, etc. You can also visit our website for our Wish List, or email 4dreams@horsepowerforkids.com.