Forever Amber Acres Animal Sanctuary 3rd Annual Horses and Healing Event Set for June 9th

GRANGER — Forever Amber Acres Animal Sanctuary is holding its third annual Horses & Healing fundraising event June 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the farm, located at 1133 Granger Road.

“This is the most exciting year,” said Michele Bolinger, sanctuary founder and executive director.

The main event is a presentation by Rainbow Eagle, an Okla-Choctaw American Indian who has taught Native American spirituality all over the world. He will begin his talk, which centers on love and respect for all creation, at 6:30 p.m. around a campfire.

Just prior to the presentation, Inner Harmony will lead a meditative drum circle. Made up of husband and wife team Corky Larsen and Barb Clugh from Strongsville, they extol drumming as a way to reduce stress, boost immunity and support wellness in general. Instruments are provided.

Campfire donations are requested from those who attend, but no one will be turned away, said Bolinger.

Also throughout the evening, Christine Gregor will offer psychic palm readings, for a suggested donation of $20 for a 15-minute reading and $30 for a 30-minute reading, with the evening’s proceeds to benefit the rescued animals at the farm. Appointments to meet with Gregor are suggested, by emailing foreveramberacres@gmail.com, but walk-ins will be accepted if any openings remain.

Bolinger said she is hoping to raise $4,200 to support her goal of the sanctuary becoming a certified animal-assisted therapy center, to officially provide emotional therapy to military veterans.

Since she opened the sanctuary in 2008, she has found that people who are struggling, including veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues like depression, seek out the sanctuary — they want to help the animals, and they want to get something back.

Unofficially, volunteers and others who have spent time at the farm have found healing from their work and time spent with the horses. It works both ways, said Bolinger.

“We’re healing the horses, and the horses are healing people,” she said.

Five horses with special needs are permanent residents on the farm — along with five hens, six once-feral cats and a special needs therapy dog — who had lives of neglect, abandonment and abuse before they were rescued, she said.

“We take the throwaways, the elderly, the disabled, the ones that others might not deem worthy, with one eye, that can’t be ridden, etcetera,” she added.

“They need help when they’re suffering, but they’ve helped so many people,” said Bolinger.

Bolinger asks that people register for the Horses & Healing event by emailing foreveramberacres@gmail.com, to help organizers plan for snacks and beverages.

For more information about the sanctuary, visit foreveramber.org.