Neighbor News
Windrush Farm Golden Jubilee Shines
Windrush Farm client, Heather Wilde, on Tucker, greeted the guests at Windrush Farm's 50th Anniversary Jubilee. Photo Credit: Kathy Joyce Ph
A crowd of more than 300 people gathered under the tents to celebrate Windrush Farm’s 50th Anniversary at the Golden Jubilee on Saturday, September 20th. Platinum Sponsorship of the event was by The Boston Bruins Foundation and Boston Private Bank & Trust Company.
Guests were greeted by therapy ponies, Tucker and Wanda and then enjoyed cocktail hour with music by the Crosson sisters of Topsfield while reading an almost life-sized timeline of the organization’s history. When the dining tent opened, Board member Ben Nutter of Topsfield and Executive Director Mandy Hogan of Beverly started the show by thanking sponsors and welcoming our founder, Marjorie Kittredge’s children, Lucinda Sullivan, Ellen Kittredge Scott, and Charlie Kittredge.
There was a history video presentation and then dinner followed by the Windrush Farm Board of Director President, Bob Gore’s address to the community.
The evening concluded with “Pony Up” hosted by the entertaining Tim Vaill of Andover and Bob Gore of Boxford during which the audience pledged more than $150,000 to the Windrush program. And finally, the night concluded with some energetic dancing.
“It was such an amazing feeling to be able to celebrate Windrush Farm’s 50th year of operations serving those with disabilities in our community with our friends and supporters,” remarks Mandy Hogan, Executive Director. “The event was one of the most memorable evenings in Windrush history.”
Founded by Marjorie Kittredge in 1964, Windrush Farm, in North Andover and Boxford was one of the first therapeutic equitation centers in the United States. Windrush Farm annually provides educational services and therapeutic activities to more than 2,150 children, adults, and their families including veterans and victims of human trafficking, with the help of close to 500 volunteers. Windrush also hosts the Special Olympics each fall. This year’s date is Saturday, October 4 and visitors are invited to the farm to cheer on the athletes. For more information visit: www.windrushfarm.org