Shown are winners of the annual Magical Hat Contest, from left, Dawn Pickins, show; Amy Goon, winner; and Wendy Clark, place. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

WARSAW — The annual Magical Derby “A Night at The Races” Saturday, May 7, held for more than just raising funds to support Magical Meadows Therapeutic Horseback Riding. Those present were on the ground floor of an announcement and kick off of a new capital project campaign — expansion of the center.

Tammy Stackhouse, founder, announced the kick off of the Field of Dreams Campaign. Presently Magical Meadows operates on seven acres with 17 horses. “We have the opportunity to purchase 36 acres,” she said. “This will allow us to raise our own hay.” Presently the center spends $40,000 yearly in purchasing hay. “By purchasing this land, it will help us to be a little more sustainable.” The campaign amount was not noted.

The proposal is to provide hay and pasture for the horses, longer trail rides, a place for summer camps for the special families and veteran to veteran support.

The field of dreams shows the capital campaign to add 36 additional acres to Magical Meadows including a hay field and pasture for horses.

Tina Rice, event coordinator, invited people to visit Magical Meadows. “It changes your life in so many ways,” she said. “…all of a sudden they are just like any other kid. That’s what we want for them, to be a normal kid.” As a parent of a special needs child, Rice stated “it is difficult to find activities for our children. They want to belong, just like the other kids. This program allows them to do that.”

It was stated Magical Meadows receives no funding from local, state of federal organizations. It is operated based on donations, grants and fundraisers. “Without rider fees, contributing to the main portion of its operating budget, this is how they survive. Day to day operations depends on what comes in. No organization should have to do this,” said Rice.

There was a brief presentation on the Warriors Mount Up program, started two years ago to serve veterans. Joe Marvel, Nappanee American Legion Post 154, announced after learning about Magical Meadows and checking out the center, “we’re going to help them out this year.” The American Legion Riders will host a ride July 16 from the post in Nappanee to Magical Meadows. The veterans raised $21,000 in a ride last year. “Hopefully this year for Magical Meadows we can do the same thing,” said Marvel.

A brief testimony was provided by Ted Grubbs, a participant in Warriors Mount Up. “It’s a great program. I couldn’t do this without them. … They helped me in my life to continue to live.”

Tammy Stackhouse announcing the capital campaign.

Testimony was also heard from students: a father, Lance, who suffered a stroke several months ago and his daughter, Ashlee, who through a disease has lost her sight. “It has been a benefit …” he stated. He also encouraged individuals to get involved as volunteers.

Guests had opportunities to bid on 23 silent auction items and chances to win a large number of prizes in the “winner circle” through a drawing.

Highlighting the evening was placing ticket bets on 10, 10-horse races, with winners receiving tickets to be placed in the product drawings. Even race “losers” had opportunity to become winners by placing betting tickets in drawings for various prizes. Opportunities to purchase horses in each race and a bonus race were available. Several other contests were held as well.

Three individuals won show (third place), place (second place) and winner trophies, roses and a sash. Dawn Pickens won show; Wendy Clark won place and Amy Goon, the evening hat winner.

The event was held in the showroom at Toyota of Warsaw.

To learn more about Magical Meadows visit www.themagicalmeadows.org, a non-profit organization.