Kiwanis, Evening Optimists assist special program

To the editor:

The Cape Girardeau area is blessed to have several outstanding service organizations working to make a difference. I serve on the board of Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship and have witnessed the impact to two such groups.

Recently, the Kiwanis donated $8,000 to our riding program, allowing us to buy land and build an outdoor arena. We had been paying board at a privately owned facility, which limited how often we could hold sessions and at what time of day. The Kiwanis work hard all year long raising money through bingo and other events. The club is generous with that hard-earned money and touches many lives with its goodness.

Another group that directly influences our riding program is the Evening Optimists. The club has donated thousands of dollars over several years. That money goes toward riding scholarships and helping families who cannot afford to pay the full amount for each session.

Families of people with disabilities are stretched thin as state benefits continue to shrink and costs continue to increase. The kindness and generosity of groups like the Kiwanis and Evening Optimists make it possible to offer them much-needed and proven therapy that also happens to be a lot of fun for the riders.

On behalf of MVTH, I thank the clubs from the bottom of my heart. I also thank all the individuals who have donated smaller amounts, because every bit helps.

AMY JACQUIN

Board Member

Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship

Cape Girardeau