Dear Affinity Ranch Supporters,
As the school year comes to a close and summer begins, I hope you're finding time to enjoy the sunshine and the slower pace of the season. Here at Affinity Ranch, this time of year brings a mix of joy and reflection as we say goodbye to a few of our long-time clients who are graduating from our programs. These remarkable individuals have grown tremendously during their time with us, building confidence, trust, and resilience through their work with our equine partners. Now, they are preparing to take on new challenges, including college milestones they once thought were beyond their reach.
We are also eagerly looking ahead to an exciting summer at the ranch. This week, we welcome Dragonfly Speech Therapy as we kick off our summer camps, including specialized mental wellness programs. We’re excited to introduce new faces to the healing power of the ranch. In addition, we’re thrilled to partner with Sundance Outdoor Therapy to offer equine-assisted Occupational Therapy, led by an experienced OT joining us for the summer.
Meanwhile, our Gala Committee has been hard at work preparing for our inaugural Ponies with Purpose Gala, which will take place on September 25, 2025, at the DCSD Legacy Campus Ballroom. This event will be a powerful celebration of the lives we’ve impacted and a rallying point for those who believe in our mission. Whether you're a long-time supporter or have never attended one of our events, we warmly invite you to join us. It promises to be an unforgettable evening—and we truly believe your heart will be changed by what you experience.
To make this event a success, we need your help. We are currently seeking event sponsors at a variety of levels, and would love the opportunity to discuss how your business or one you know can benefit from partnering with Affinity Ranch. Sponsorship offers visibility, community goodwill, and the chance to be part of something deeply meaningful. Please reach out to me directly at shannon@affinityranch.org if you or someone in your network may be interested.
We are also gathering high-quality auction items to support the event. We welcome new items with a minimum value of $50, especially those that add value and excitement to our auction. Some of our wishlist items include:
Vacation homes or weekend getaways
Tickets to concerts, sporting events, and theater productions
Memberships to health clubs, zoos, aquariums, or museums
Artwork, jewelry, fine wines, and premium spirits
All proceeds from the gala will directly support the accessibility of our programs. With over 200 individuals currently on our waitlist, the need for equine-assisted services is greater than ever. Your generosity enables us to meet this demand and continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, as well as those facing mental health challenges.
If you’re interested in supporting the gala—through sponsorship, auction item donations, or volunteer efforts—please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make the Ponies with Purpose Gala a resounding success and help Affinity Ranch continue to grow and serve our community.
Unbridled possibilities await, and we are so grateful for your continued belief in our mission. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Affinity Ranch relies on your support to keep our programs thriving.
With gratitude,
Shannon Forslund
Affinity Ranch
Executive Director
