LAKE TWP: A gala celebration at Congress Lake Country Club marked the 25th anniversary of Pegasus Farm, the therapeutic equestrian center in Marlboro Township.
Don Schenck, Vickie Yoho and Doris Sweitzer founded Pegasus Farm in 1986 to provide equine activities with recreational and vocational support to people with disabilities.
Sweet Elegance provided background music, and Stephanie Hinchliffe sold wine corks for guests to match with fine wine as they bid on silent auction items. Dulcey Peterson and Ashley Filisky liked the American Girl doll, while Dick and Marilyn Croisdaile bid on sports memorabilia. Frances Morrow modeled a pendant for Jay Britt, while Joe Chevraux, Kim Tusek, Greg Deem, Karen Smith and Linda Heinzer placed their bids.
Co-founder Sweitzer, who attended the event with her daughter, Brenda, said she was inspired to found the center after seeing how riding helped her daughter.
Rob Burgess, who headed the gala committee, said proceeds from the fundraiser would be used for equine programs. He enjoyed the event with Eileen and Mike Wile, John and Lisa Cassler, Randy Krug, Brian Filisky and Joe Fisher.
Dinner was served at stations around the room. Elaine White dined with her son Jeff and his wife, Eun, along with Denny and Sue Myers, Ron and Martha Molnar, Jim and Kay Foltz, and Mary Smith.
Joe Fantozzi, president of the board of directors, introduced Jonathan Floyd, who spoke about his wonderful riding experiences at the farm and the courage it gave him to ride horses at the age of 11. “When we fall off, we get right back on,” he said.
Emcee Don Schenck introduced board members and recognized veterans in the audience, noting that Pegasus Farm now has a riding program for Disabled American Veterans.
Tammi Gainer presented the Seabiscuit Award to the Diebold information technology department for its work at the farm; and Tamara Jones presented the Secretariat Award to the late Rose Shellenbarger, who provided therapeutic massage for the farm’s horses for many years. Her son Toby Shellenbarger and his wife, Kirsten, accepted the award.
Lori Kiko conducted the live auction, and Gretchen Plewak had the winning bid for a beautiful handmade quilt with pastoral scenes. William Flory won a getaway to the Spread Eagle Tavern, Lee Cramer won golf at Firestone Country Club and Kathleen Schenck said she would take her whole family on a getaway to Fort Myers Beach, Fla.