Barn Dance Raises $500,000
photos courtesy ROCK by Ron Parks Photography
A testament to the nonprofit’s impact on countless lives over the last 25 years, this year’s Barn Dance raised more than $500,000 to further Ride On Center for Kids’ efforts to provide equine-assisted services to children, adults, and veterans with physical and cognitive challenges. “We are incredibly blessed and grateful to everyone who supported us this year,” marketing manager Tina Clary says. “We recognize there are hundreds and hundreds of people who have given blood, sweat, and tears to make ROCK happen. At the end of the day, it’s humbling to realize that lives are changing because of that work and that power. We’re so grateful for all the donors and sponsors who have shown up and supported ROCK’s mission and healing through horses for 25 years. We are excited about what another 25 years will bring.”
DANCING AND GIVING BACK
The Barn Dance is an annual fundraiser that typically brings in a third or more of the organization’s budget and enables ROCK’s team to continue doing everything from feeding horses to maintaining the facilities to keeping the lights on. This year, the event drew about 900 guests, staff, and volunteers who enjoyed a variety of entertainment. Former County Judge Dan Gattis and Daytripper host Chet Garner emceed the program, which included the Sun City Cloggers and Texas Jam Band, with a special appearance by George Strait’s son, Bubba.
One of the highlights of the night, Tina says, was when ROCK founder Nancy Krenek described how her journey came full circle after seeing her grandson become a ROCK participant. “She didn’t imagine her family would someday need ROCK. When you think about ROCK, it’s more than just one person who comes. It affects the whole family. It affects people down the line in ways that we can’t even guess.”
Save the date for next year’s Barn Dance, April 6, 2024, and also their next fundraiser, the Cowgirl Bruncheon, on November 4. For those wanting to donate time, “Rocketeers” enjoy a variety of volunteering opportunities.
“Whether they’ve been with ROCK from day one or they’re brand new, ROCK has continued to change lives and we’re super excited to continue doing that for the next 25 years and hopefully more.” – ROCK Marketing Manager Tina Clary