Charity Spotlight: Horses of Hope

Some 25 years ago, this idea came about: Why not open an equine farm dedicated to improving the lives of folks who could truly benefit?

And from that idea rose an organization called Horses of Hope, which began humbly enough in a small southeast Kansas town near the Ozarks and – for the past 17 years – has made an impact in southwest Missouri.

Which is another way of saying Horses of Hope fits snugly with the PGA Korn Ferry Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper. The tournament, known as the PCCC, has gifted nearly $17.4 million to Ozarks children’s charities since its inception in 1990.

As Mycah McColm-Hopkins explained, the not-for-profit is trying to work wonders in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma.

“We offer horse-assisted services, activities, and experiences to all ages with all types of challenges or disabilities people experience over the life span,” said McColm-Hopkins, the Marketing Director of Horses of Hope. “Some of the services offered include therapeutic horseback riding for individuals, groups and other service agencies; equine assisted mental health services available to individuals, groups and families; and equine assisted learning programs offered to area schools and other educational and service agencies.”

The great thing about Horses of Hope is that, like many PCCC charities, it continues to challenge itself to be better. For instance, the organization recently purchased a 35-acre equine specifically designed farm near Rogersville, which is just east of Springfield.

That joins a family of equine facilities located in Joplin as well as in Miami, Okla., which is a collaboration with the Modoc Nation and is designed to assist mental health for youth and families.

“Over the many successful years of programming in multiple states, Horses of Hope has had the opportunity to literally serve and make a difference in the lives of thousands of individuals of all ages,” McColm-Hopkins said.

Its partnership with the PCCC could lead to even greater impact.

“As a not-for-profit service organization, fundraising is an integral part of our overall programming efforts,” McColm-Hopkins said. “The opportunity to ‘link arms’ with the strength of the PCCC and other charity programs in the area is an exciting adventure for our organization. This support will help us to branch into a new fundraising effort and aid in overall sustainability.”

WAYS TO HELP HORSES OF HOPE THROUGH THE PCCC:

$25 — TLC PROPERTIES CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES

PRO-AM GOLF EXPERIENCES

Play with a pro & enjoy top courses such as Highland Springs, Buffalo Ridge Golf Course, LedgeStone Country Club, Millwood Golf & Racquet Club & Fremont Hills Country Club. Includes a great golfer gift package, continental breakfast, lunch, on-course beverages, team photos & trophies. Check out our list of golf experiences

GOLF BALL & CHARITY AUCTION

Sponsored by Copy Products Inc., this event is on Tuesday, July 19 We’ll also have electronic bidding at bidpal.net!

THE ULTIMATE presented by Ridewell Suspensions

The Ultimate sponsorship means air-conditioned seating on the 18th green and a chance to win a Corvette Stingray.

Win a 2021 Corvette Stingray, as a $1,200 buy-in guarantees a 1-in-100 chance of winning the car and a 1-in-10 chance of winning $1,000. You’ll also receive many other perks, including air-conditioned seating on the 18th green during the PCCC along with clubhouse parking, a luxurious dinner on Friday, July 16 at Highland Springs Country Club as well as breakfast and lunch in the clubhouse daily during the PCCC, plus his and her shirts.

BE A SPONSOR AT THE TOURNAMENT

We offer numerous sponsorships all over the course. Check them out!

NAMI NEON 5K RUN

Join us Saturday, Aug. 21 for the inaugural NAMI Neon Night 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention. It’s at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park in west Springfield. This event will in part benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Southwest Missouri. Register here.

ROCKIN’ ROLL BIKE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Turn out on Saturday, October 9 at the Riff. Not only ride in the afternoon on rides of 40, 20 or 10 miles but stay for the dinner and concert! All supporting Music Therapy of the Ozarks. Sign up at bikeandmusicfest.org

FOR ANY SPONSORSHIP, CALL 417-887-3400