NEWS
The Shea Center is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse-related programs.
I Can Do It!
Four months into her pregnancy Araceli
Salinas learned that her baby, Angelica, had
Hydrocephalus (water on brain). When her
daughter was born, doctors informed Araceli
that Angelica would probably never walk,
hear or talk. When Angelica turned 2, her
mother enrolled her at The Shea Center after
learning about the benefits of hippotherapy
from a news show and getting a referral
from Angelica’s physical therapist and
pediatrician.
Congratulations to
Our Volunteers
Brianna Eddy of San Clemente was
awarded the Tim and Steph Busch
Youth Volunteer of the Year Award
at The Shea Center’s volunteer
banquet in July. Named for the
tremendous support received from
the Busch family over the years, this
award recognizes volunteers under
18 years of age who have provided
more than 100 hours of volunteer
service to The Shea Center.
Brianna is the first Youth Volunteer
of the Year who also participates as
a rider in The Shea Center’s therapeutic programs. Brianna became
involved as a Shea Center rider to
help strengthen her muscles and
started volunteering two years
ago. She has donated more than
286 hours of service to the Center.
When she learned of the recognition
as the Youth Volunteer of the Year,
Brianna remarked, “The Shea Center
is the best place in the world, and I
enjoy making a difference in other
people’s lives. It means the world
to me to be a volunteer here and
CONTINUED
PAGE
Thanks to the work of Trish Evans, the Center’s licensed physical therapy assistant and
the wonderful horses, Angelica, who is turning 4 in January, has made tremendous
progress at The Shea Center. As her balance and strength improved, Angelica first
learned to sit up independently. Next she learned to crawl. Then she learned to pull
herself up to a standing position. Now, Angelica is trying to walk – a developmental
milestone that she is working hard to achieve through her therapy at The Shea Center.
Before enrolling at The Shea Center, Angelica would stay almost motionless in whatever
position her mother put her in due to her lack of strength and balance. Now her mom
reports that her daughter is active and moves all around the house. Angelica has also
become very social and confident. She talks a lot and loves to sing. She is not afraid
of anything and often declares her independence by stating ‘I can do it!’ Angelica and
her father play “horse” at home, where she rides around on his back while instructing
him to “walk on,” a command that she learned as part of her weekly therapy at
The Shea Center.
Araceli videotapes or photographs almost every lesson to chart her daughter’s progress,
and Angelica loves watching the home videos of her therapy sessions over and over.
Her mother remembers one time when Angelica watched a video of herself at The Shea
Center and proudly announced to her parents, “Look at me! I’m crawling!”
“The Shea Center is our angel because of the progress that our daughter Angelica
has made and the hope we now have for her future. Thank you to all who make it
possible for The Shea Center to exist.” Angelica’s Mom
6
In this issue
all2009
■ I Can Do It!
■ The Best Gift
■ Around the Barn
■ Future PTs
■ SHEAnanigans Sponsors
■ 31st Annual BBQ
■ KleinMatch Donors
■ Standing Tall
■ Reins of Life
“There will come a time when you
believe everything is finished. That
will be the beginning.” Louis L’Amour
A MESSAGE FROM MARK ALDRICH, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
AND DANA BUTLER-MOBURG, SHEA CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Shea Center volunteers, client and families will receive the best holiday gift this year –
a completed new home: a clean, comfortable and safe environment housing cutting-edge
therapeutic programs in a unique equestrian setting.
We are grateful for these gifts and see the future with great optimism. All this is made
possible by you.
Shea Center Wish List
Tack
2 western saddles with
wide trees @ $1,500 each
Arena Supplies
New set of ground poles
and barrels – $750
Gift Cards (Any Amount)
Target, Walmart, Oriental Trading
Company for toys, equipment,
seasonal items for classes
Super Duper Publications and
Lakeshore Learning for speech
materials and supplies
One of our riders, Reo, said it best at the BBQ, “At The Shea Center, dreams really
do come true!”
Auction Items
Unique items, vacations,
experiences, events to auction off
at our 2010 Gala and BBQ
Welcome to the Board!
Sponsorships
Sponsor a Horse –
$2,500, $5,000 or $7,500
Sponsor a Class of 4 riders – $8,000
Sponsor our 2010 newsletters
or eNews*
The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center is
pleased to announce the appointments of Julie
Frost, Kathleen McClemmy, and Louis Tomaselli to
its Board of Directors.
Julie Frost of Laguna Niguel is the former vice
president of marketing for the Aliso Viejo-based
DATAllegro Inc., a provider of large-volume,
high-performance data warehouse appliances.
DATAllegro was founded by Julie and her husband
Stuart Frost and colleague Mark Thacker in 2003,
and the company was acquired by Microsoft in
2008. Julie was first introduced to The Shea
Center by former board member Ellen Lunn and
husband Randy. Following the Lunn’s introduction,
Julie began a corporate volunteer program at
DATAllegro which encouraged employees to
volunteer at The Shea Center during work hours.
Through DATAllegro’s employee program, Julie
began volunteering as a side-walker at The Shea
Center and most recently served as a member of
the Center’s annual gala committee.
Kathleen McClemmy of San Juan Capistrano is
the parent of a Shea Center rider who has Down
Syndrome and Autism. Kathleen is a certified
meeting professional and has worked in the hotel
and convention industry for 15 years. Kathleen is
also an active community leader who focuses on
causes that benefit children, education, and the
disabled community including the RH Dana
2
Exceptional Needs Facility, Mission Parish School,
and Team Up for Down Syndrome. Married to
Richard McClemmy, the Vice President of
Corporate Sales for the Los Angeles Angels of
Anaheim, Kathleen has been actively involved
with the Center’s annual BBQ committee for the
past 4 years.
Louis Tomaselli of San Juan Capistrano is the
executive vice president of Voit Commercial
Brokerage. He was introduced to the Center at a
2007 golf tournament fundraiser by real estate
colleagues at the J.F. Shea Company. In addition
to supporting The Shea Center and other local
causes with his wife Patti and three children, Louis
is a member of El Viaje de Portola, an equestrian
group that hosts an annual trek that follows
explorer Gaspar de Portola’s historic trail through
Orange County.
“We are honored to have Julie, Kathleen, and Louis
on our board of directors,” said Dana Butler-Moburg,
Executive Director of The Shea Center. “Each of
them has shown a true commitment to The Shea
Center’s mission and has supported our organization and the larger Orange County community
through their gifts of time, talent and treasure.”
*For information, please call
(949) 240-8441, ext. 111 or
www.sheacenter.org
2009 Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Mark Aldrich Esq. –
Chairman of the Board
Susie Roof PT–
Immediate Past Board Chair
Steve Howard –
Vice Chair, Development
Marcia Jager – Secretary
Steve Stambaugh – Treasurer
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Gilbert Aguirre
Larry Bill
Janet Deacon
Jon Fosheim
Julie Frost
Jenny Klein
Nancy Lewis
David Luvisa
Debbie Martin
Kathleen McClemmy
Scott Pievac
Hank Rams
J.R. Raub
Renee Ritchie
Roger Morgan
Louis Tomaselli
EX-OFFICIO
Fran Joswick, Founder
Jack Godard, Past Chair
did you know?
The horse moves the human body
just like it’s walking!
aound the bar
Winnie the Pooh
Winnie the Pooh is a Shetland pony who
was generously donated to The Shea
Center by Caroline and Geoff Spencer.
Sponsored by the National Charity League
Laguna Chapter, Winnie is an adorable
pony who helps his riders with special
needs become more independent.
The Spencers’ daughter had volunteered at
The Shea Center, and when it was time to
find Winnie a new home, the family
inquired about his suitability to serve as a
therapy pony for children with disabilities.
According to Caroline Spencer, “Winnie
was a member of our family, and we wanted to donate him to The Shea
Center because we knew he would be in a loving, caring environment
where he could bring joy to others.”
His consistently calm demeanor and excellent health has earned Winnie
a reputation among The Shea Center staff, volunteers and riders as a
great therapeutic riding pony. Shea Center therapists know that they
can trust Winnie with some of their most fragile clients. Due to his
small size at 12 hands, he is a good fit for the young children with
disabilities who ride at the Center.
Before being accepted by the Center, Winnie
went through a mandatory 90-day trial period.
During this trial period, a horse’s behavior and
temperament are watched and documented by
The Shea Center’s staff. A prospective therapy
horse is then exposed to numerous diversions
including wheelchairs, walkers, mounting
blocks, loud music, props, and unbalanced
riders. As a final step, Dr. Richard Markell, the
Center’s veterinarian, examines each horse for
health and soundness prior to acceptance into
the program. Donated horses are preferably in their second or third
careers and do not come to The Shea Center to retire. Winnie the Pooh
is one of 18 horses and ponies who currently work in the Center’s
therapeutic horse-related programs.
Horse sponsorships range from $2,500 to $7,500 a year. For more
information about sponsoring a therapy horse, contact Cindy Bobruk at
(949) 240-8441 x111.
www.sheacenter.org | The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center News |
all 2009
Training Future PTs
During the past 31 years, The Shea Center has earned
an international reputation as a leader in the field of
therapeutic riding; but did you know that the Center
also offers internships to graduate students pursuing
masters or doctorate degrees in physical therapy?
The Shea Center has partnered with more than eight
universities to provide internships lasting two weeks to
six months. Students enrolled in physical therapy
degree programs come to The Shea Center to complete
their clinical education requirements and to augment
their courses in subjects such as anatomy, physiology,
neuroscience, and pathology.
Interning at The Shea Center during the 2009 fall session
is Bonnie Lutz who is enrolled in the Doctor of Physical
Therapy (DPT) degree program at Chapman University
in Orange, California. Last year, Bonnie participated in
a two-week pre-internship at The Shea Center and
recently returned for a twelve-week program working
alongside Janelle Robinson, a licensed physical therapist and the Center’s Director of Therapeutic Programs.
Bonnie was working as a personal trainer when she
became hooked on helping people live fuller lives
through physical activity and later became inspired
to pursue a career in physical therapy. She selected
The Shea Center for one of her clinical experiences
because of its incredible uniqueness. “There is no
other internship opportunity available in the physical
therapy field where I can work in an outdoor environment and use a horse as a very unique treatment tool
to help clients with special needs,” Bonnie shared in a
recent interview.
In addition to partnering with Chapman University’s
Department of Physical Therapy, The Shea Center has
hosted college interns from Arizona State, Azusa
Pacific, CSU Long Beach, Columbia University, Mount
St. Mary’s, and USC. International students from
Canada and Great Britain have also come to observe
and experience therapy sessions.
3
Shea Center Event Highlights
SHEAnanigans Gala
Sponsors
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors and donors
to SHEAnanigans gala. The gala raised over $250,000
to support programs and financial aid to our clients.
The evening was held at the Montage Resort and Spa
in Laguna Beach and honored longtime supporters
Dave and Renee Ritchie and Richard Markell, DVM with
the Michael Lewis Friends of the Disabled Awards.
The committee thanks every one of our gracious
guests who supported the auctions, live and silent, and
the opportunity drawing. It was a fun-filled evening
with gourmet food and great entertainment topped off
by Charlie Jennison, a Center client, appearing
onstage after his video story was presented.
CENTER TABLES
Janet & Amos Deacon
Nancy & Derek Lewis
EVENT SPONSOR
Jenny & Bill Klein
PLATINUM SPONSOR
Wells Fargo Bank
GOLD SPONSORS
Penny & Jon Fosheim
Linda I. Smith
SILVER SPONSORS
Aldrich & Bonnefin,
a professional law firm
Kim & Tom Bengard
Crevier BMW/Mini
DPR Construction, Inc.
Julie & Stuart Frost
Deri & Douglas Hartman
Jodi & Steve Howard
Marcia & Fred Jager
The Lewis Family
Shan & Dave Luvisa
Kristin & Richard Markell
Debbie & Martin Rhoads
Deborah & Scott Pievac
Helen & Jim Reardon
Marilyn & Stan Ross
Jill & David Stearns
The Busch Firm
Xanne & John Wally
Watson Land Company
Laura & Eric Wolff
2009 GALA COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
Debbie Martin, Co-Chair
Toni Christiansen, Co-Chair
Adelle Chemers
Barbara Downing
Penny Fosheim
Julie Frost
Meghan Hanna
Kirsten Hilsley
Jenny Klein
Kristan O’Donnell
Annette Scholten
31st Annual Shea Center
BBQ Country Faire
More than 1,300 guests attended the 31st
Annual Shea Center BBQ and Country Faire
on Saturday, September 26. Presented by
Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo and Claim Jumper
Restaurants, the BBQ raised more than $300,000 to
operate the Center and support our therapeutic horse-related programs for
people with disabilities. As always the food was spectacular, served up with a
smile by 200+ Claim Jumper volunteers from stores all over southern
California. The highlight of the BBQ were the demonstrations by riders
Nicholas and Reo. They were cheered on by the crowd and then Reo spoke
to the crowd and brought down the house when he thanked the audience for
“making dreams come true.” It was a memorable and moving moment for all
of our generous donors, sponsors and attendees.
Thanks to more than 315 generous donors and organizations, the KleinMatch
exceeded its $250,000 goal! Longtime Shea Center supporters Jenny and
Bill Klein agreed to match all donations (not BBQ tickets or sponsorships)
through September 30, 2009 and the donors listed on page 5 responded with
a gift to help us reach our goal. The donations raised through the KleinMatch
will fund more than one third of the Center’s 2009 annual operating budget
including client services, financial aid, and the organization’s therapeutic
equestrian programs. Thank you to all of our volunteers, sponsors, longtime
friends and donors. Your time, talent and treasure are greatly appreciated.
PRESENTING SPONSORS
Claim Jumper Restaurants
Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo
EVENT SPONSOR
Jenny & Bill Klein
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
O’Connell Family Foundation Trust
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Adlin Construction
Coca-Cola North America
Wells Fargo Bank
GOLD SPONSORS
Nick’s of Laguna
The Tomaselli Family
U.S. Food Service
SILVER SPONSORS
Aldrich & Bonnefin a professional law firm
Alta Dena Certified Dairy
Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center
Badger 6 Management, Inc.
Crevier BMW/Mini
D & D Wholesale Distributors
Janet & Amos Deacon
DPR Construction, Inc.
Feldman & Howard Families
Penny & Jon Fosheim
Galasso’s Bakery
Hormel Foods
International Pacific Seafoods, Inc.
J. R. Simplot Company
4
LA Specialty Produce
Kristin & Richard Markell
Debbie & Rhoads Martin
James Mellor
Deborah & Scott Pievac
Linda I. Smith
Jill & David Stearns
Team Up for Down Syndrome
2009 BBQ COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Bill Story, Co-Chair
Larry Bill, Co-Chair
Clint Cunliffe, Co-Chair
Mike Cruickshank
Sandi Cruickshank
Sharon English
Danny Espinoza
Penny Fosheim
Connie Hughes
Heidi Knight
Jenny Klein
Ron Leftige
Barbara McCanna
Kathleen McClemmy
Randi O’Mara
Katie Preston
Hank Rams
Thank You!
Thank you to our KleinMatch donors for meeting the challenge!
FOUNDATIONS, ORGANIZATIONS,
AND BUSINESSES
Anonymous
Anderson Seafoods, Inc.
Assistance League of Laguna Beach
Bayhawk Ales, Inc.
Capital Bank
CH Guenther & Sons
Claim Jumper Restaurants
CNH Distributing
Commercial Custom Seating & Upholstery, Inc.
Country Fair Food Products Company
Daniel’s Western Meat Packers, Inc.
Danish Crown USA, Inc.
Edward Don & Company
Friess Construction Group, Inc.
Gallo Winery
General Produce Co.
Innoware Plastic, Inc.
ITX Construction/Consultants, Inc.
J.D. Gilmoor & Co., Inc.
JSerra Catholic High School
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
KNU Foundation
L Bar S Ranch
Life Spirit Speech Pathology, Inc.
Martin Aircraft Tool Company
Michael E. Ross, DDS, Inc.
Mildred & Marian Kiger Foundation
O’Connell Family Foundation Trust
Offsite Trade Partner Council
OFI Markesa International
Pacifica Foods
Padre Junipero Serra Riders
Ranch & Coast Equine Practice
Reed Thomas Co Inc.
Shulman, Hodges & Bastian LLP
Soltis & Company, Inc
Team Up For Down Syndrome
The EQUUS Foundation
The Portola Riders
The Undershirt, Inc.
Thomas J. Tracy Family Foundation
Tom Bistline Construction, Inc.
TriMark Robert Clark, Inc.
U.S. Air Conditioning
Union Bank of California
Vandermost Consulting Services
Watson Land Company
INDIVIDUALS
Anonymous
Cara & Eric Acker
Carol Ackerman
Sandie & Stan Adams
Stephanie & Toivo Aho
Patrick Akhamlich
Teri Akhamlich
Mark Aldrich
Susan Alexander
Sandra & Jim Ayers
Mitzi & Mike Ball
Mary Kay & Jerry Barnes
Deanna Barnes
Jasna & Eric Baron
Dodie Beauchamp
Hannelore Beck
Carol Beck
Tim Behunin
Beverly & Paul Belanger
Kim & Tom Bengard
Brooke & Tyler Bengard
Stacey & Alan Bennenbroek
Barbara Benson
Maureen & Larry Bill
Dianne & Wayne Blackburn
Phyllis & Jan Blanchard
Cindy & Jonathan Bobruk
Michelle & David Boots
Gloria & Richard Broming
Susan & David Brown
Troy Browning
Kathleen Buchanan
Jim Buss
Judy & Ed Butler
Dana Butler-Moburg & Frank Moburg
Joe Cannon
Elena Cappadona & Steve Stambaugh
Mary Carberry
Elizabeth & John Carpino
Kristine Carter
Lucy Case
Susan & Steve Center
John Chavez
Adelle & Ron Chemers
Jane & Anthony Cinquini
Sandy & Ted Clark
Paula & Murray Cohn
Kathi & Joe Coleman
Claire & Irving Connolly
Jim Corbett
Karla & John Coughlin
Harry Cusack
Leslie Davies
Pam Davis
Janet & Amos Deacon
Michael Delune
Cassie & Doug DeYoung
Barbara & Robert Dollar
Barbara & Ron Downing
Carol & Jack Dressler
Barbara & Brad Dunn
Gloria Dunne
Bonnie & David Eastman
Mark Eddy
Lisa & James Eddy
Ralph Eidem
Martha & Ed Elliott
Donna Engels
Sharon English
Rosalis Estes
Jane & Lyman Farwell
Candace & Frank Fasl
Lee Feldman
Carol & Virgil Fergen
Sharon Fioritto
Anne & Mike Fitzgerald
Judy & Arthur Fogg
Penny & Jon Fosheim
Sharon & John Frank
Lissa, Brent & Tara Freese
Marsha & Chris Gamble
Nancy Gardner
Nan & Thomas Gill
Linda Gould
George Gourrich
Debbie & Daniel Grant
Bonnie & Don Green
Beverly & James Green
Kathy & Eric Gehlke
Mary Grigsby
Connie & John Gutteridge
Pat Hagmann
Laurie & Bill Hamilton
Stephanie & Denny Hartung
Anne Heineman
Renee Hernandez & Randy Daniels
Sue & Gary Higgins
Barbara & Don Hobbs
Jill Hodges
Rebecca & David Hoffman
Michele & Bob Holmen
Teri & Alan Hoops
Jodi & Steve Howard
Jean & William Howard
Cheryl & Brad Howard
Cory & Constance Hubbard
Adre & Keith Hudgson
Barbara & John Huff
Connie & Lynn Hughes
Sharon & Rob Hughes
Lynda & Richard Hynan
Julie & Nick Incorvina
Marcia & Fred Jager
Judy & Gary Jennison
Verlyn Jensen
Barbara & Bob Jerome
Cheri & Oscar Jimenez
Roylene & Paul Johnson
Beverly Johnston
Marian Jones
Betty Jordan
Amy & Jon Kaplan
Collette Kaplan
Maggie & Robert Kehrer
Maggie & Lew Kerns
Gigi & Mike Kerr
Kenneth Kim
Jenny & Bill Klein
Miyuki Kobayashi
Frank Koski
Carol & Karl Kuhn
Desiree & Elliott Kushell
Diana & Jerry LaMott
Nicole LaMott
Vera & Kirk Langs
Shanda Lazenby
Suzanne & Mark Leskovar
Nancy Leverette
Nancy & Derek Lewis
Susan Lindstrom
Jon Louis
Louise & John Ludutsky
Dana Ludutsky-Green & Jimmy Green
Ellen & Randy Lunn
Shan & Dave Luvisa
Dawn Lynch
Joel Magid
Devon & Sean Mantucca
Henry Markell
Lori & Chuck Marshall
Debbie & Rhoads Martin
Shari & Thomas Masline
Susan & Michael Matson
David Mayo
Katherine & Gregory McCanna
Patty & Paul McDonald
Anne & Bob McGraw
Cindy & Ron McMackin
Marcia & John McMullen
Torrey & Steve Mellgren
Briar & Curtis Mewbourne
Midge & Paul Mills
Maureen Moore
Mary Anne & Jaime Moreno
Janna & Roger Morgan
Suzi & William Morris
Danny Murphy
Julie Murphy
Betsy & Bob Murray
Jendy & Robb Nen
Susan & Mark Nicolosi
Kristan O'Donnell
Pam & Larry Oliva
Michaela & Dan O'Melveny
Anne & Gene Otis
Marc Patterson
Pam & Nick Pattin
Janice & James Paulsen
Kathryn & Tom Peck
Sam Perricone Jr.
Donna & Paul Pfanner
Ellen & Randy Phelan
DeeAnne & Steven Piccinati
Deborah & Scott Pievac
John Polak
Fran & Donald Pratt
Andrea Price
Gay & Hank Rams
Melinda & Chip Rathmell
J.R. & Jim Raub
Georgia & Doug Redoglia
Theresa & Alan Reese
Jane & Rob Reindl
Anita & Lawrence Reuland
Kim & David Rich
Renee & Dave Ritchie
Janelle & Rod Robinson
Amy Rockefeller
Connie & Kirk Roloff
Susie & Rob Roof
Tammy & Steve Rozich
Michele & Tim Ryan
Corrin & Gary Sanders
Kimberely Santore
Mary Kate & Kirk Saunders
Joan Scarantino
Kathleen Schaefer
Hans Scharer
Maxine Schmidl
Cynthia & David Schorr
Sandy Segerstrom-Daniels & John Daniels
Hem Shah
Joy & Saleem Shaikh
James & Patricia Shebl
Thomas Sheehan
Tim Sheehan
Ronna Skinner
Lyndie Slack
Bob Smith
Margie & Larry Smith
Jaroslava Smith
Debra Sorensen
Dixie & Gary Sparks
Diana St. Germain
Beverly & Tom Staley
Melissa & Dave Stamey
Colleen Stanton
Jill & David Stearns
Patty & Ken Steelman
Janet Steiner
Ann & Bruce Steinhilper
Commie & Clay Stevens
Linda Stites
Dana & Bill Story
Robert Summers
Cyd & Steve Swerdlow
Janelle & Joe Tanner
Beth & Dave Taylor
Cindy & Ron Taylor
Barbara & William Taylor
Mike Templeton
Ellen & Les Thomas
Leila & Darren Thomas
Patti & Louis Tomaselli
Kathryn & Bill Tovatt
Helen Tran
Maria Trefethen
Judy Vanatta
Kristen Verdieck
Jose Villa
Annemarie Voegtlin
Linda Walker
Elaine & Don Walker
Jeffrey Walsworth
Jim Warmington, Sr.
Briana & Daniel Warner
Cindy & Reid Washbon
Jim Washburn
Tracy & Richard Watson
Marla & Brian Webb
Nanci Williams
Allison & Gregg Yacovone
Tim & Kristy Yale
Kimberly & Abram Yap
Sharon & Frank Zannitto
Pam & Al Zelaya
(Recognizing KleinMatch donors between 7/20/09 and 9/30/09.)
www.sheacenter.org | The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center News |
all 2009
5
VOLUNTEERS (CONTINUED
FROM PAGE
1)
“I would like the world to know what The Shea Center has done for
my little boy. Adam started hippotherapy before he turned 3 years
old and, now just a couple of weeks away from his 5th birthday,
his quality of life has improved significantly.” Kerrie, Adam’s mom
Standing Tall: Adam’s Story
to give back to the staff and volunteers who helped me become
a stronger person.”
The Shea Center thanks all of our
volunteers and congratulates our
other 2009 honorees:
Volunteer of the Year
Jill Schreiber of Laguna Hills
Rookie Volunteer of the Year
Sharon English of San Clemente
Youth Rookie Volunteer of
the Year
Addy Brongo of Ladera Ranch
“Worth at The Shea Center is
measured by the delight on
the faces of the riders as their
horses arrive for mounting;
the pride of being praised
for sitting up tall or doing a
perfect two-point; the spontaneous giggle during a trot;
and the gentle neck pats at
the end of a successful lesson.”
Sharon English,
2009 Rookie Volunteer
Check out our
Volunteer Program
www.sheacenter.org
6
Our spotlighted rider is a 5-year-old boy named Adam
who was born deaf. He had a cochlear implant in 2007
when he was 2 1/2 years old. Later that year, after being
diagnosed with severe autism, Adam started therapy at
the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center where more than
20 percent of the clients have both a physical and a
cognitive disability.
When Adam had his first therapy session on horseback he
was extremely tentative and scared. He was agitated and
resisted wearing a helmet. He did not communicate well,
made very little eye contact, and did not respond to any
commands. He had little core strength and was very
wobbly on the horse.
Through his therapy at The Shea Center, Adam’s frustration level started to decrease, and he
made excellent gains in improving focus, attention and using sign language. His mother,
Kerrie, says that Adam is spontaneously using sign language to communicate with his parents,
his physical therapist, Janelle Robinson, and even with strangers! Adam now stays calm
throughout his entire therapy session and focuses more consistently. He also exhibits more
confidence on a horse and takes great pride in his accomplishments; often looking to his
mom and dad during his therapy session, wanting to share those moments with them.
Adam has also improved his core strength, not only sitting independently, but even by
standing on the horse! His motor skills have improved, and at times he will hold the reins.
Adam’s neurologist reports that his autism is now mild, as evidenced by the fact that he no
longer exhibits the frustration often associated with his inability to communicate. According
to his mother Adam is now able to communicate and he is able to get his needs met which
helps him feel calmer and more relaxed. He no longer hits his head in frustration, and he
continues his Shea Center therapy sessions that utilize both sides of his brain to allow him
to tap into his strengths.
Three-year-old Nicholas joined Reo in the demonstration ride at the BBQ. Nicholas has
Down Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects his overall development. Nick benefits
from the three-dimensional movement of the horse to
increase his core muscles, improve his coordination,
and improve his balance. Nick’s therapeutic activities on
the horse have helped him improve his gross and fine
motor skills that he uses in his daily living activities. Nick
is also working on his speech skills during his therapy
lessons. His favorite song is “Take Me Out to the Ball
Game,” and he loves to have an audience!
What is The Reins of Life Club?
The Reins of Life Legacy Club was established
in 2008 to recognize forward-thinking individuals
who have included The Shea Center in their
estate plans with a future gift through a bequest,
a gift of life insurance, or a charitable trust.
Reins of Life Legacy Club members believe in
the purpose and values of The Shea Center and
will help ensure that our nonprofit organization
has the financial resources to serve people with
disabilities for years to come.
How do I participate?
Step 1: Please contact us for more
information or to set up a time to
visit. (949) 240-8441 ext. 111.
Step 2: Let us know if you have
already included or are planning
to include The Shea Center as a
beneficiary in your will, trust or
estate plan.
Step 3: After we’ve heard from you,
you become a member of the Reins
of Life Legacy Club. Some donors
prefer to let us know, but remain
anonymous and not be included in
Reins of Life Club activities.
Note: Donors may ask to remain anonymous,
and specific details regarding estate plans are
not required to become a member of our
Reins of Life Legacy Club
How can I support The Shea
Center today and in the future?
Gifts to Support The Shea Center Today:
GIFTS OF CASH
A direct gift of cash (check or credit card) can
be given to The Shea Center and designated
to support our therapeutic riding programs or
invested in the endowment. You will receive an
income tax receipt for your cash donation.
www.sheacenter.org | The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center News |
all 2009
GIFTS OF SECURITIES
A gift of appreciated securities, including stock
and mutual fund shares, provides special tax
incentives. By giving securities that have increased
in value, you may avoid paying capital gains
tax and receive a charitable deduction for the
full fair market value of your securities.
IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER
If you are 70 1/2 or older in age, you have until
December 31, 2009 to transfer any amount up
to $100,000 from your IRA to The Shea Center.
The transfer will count toward your required
annual minimum distribution and will not be
considered as taxable income.
Gifts Through Your Estate Plan:
WILLS AND BEQUESTS
You may name The Shea Center as a beneficiary
in your will or living trust. Your bequest gift
may be a specific sum of money, a percentage
of your estate assets, or a gift of specific
personal property or real estate.
RETIREMENT FUNDS
Individuals may name The Shea Center as a
beneficiary for all or a portion of their retirement
funds at the time of their passing.
LIFE INSURANCE
You may transfer ownership of an existing life
insurance policy and make The Shea Center
the owner and irrevocable beneficiary. You will
receive a tax deduction for the cash surrender
value of the policy.
Gifts that Give Back:
Some gifts provide a lifetime of income for
you or your loved ones that will eventually
result in a future gift to The Shea Center.
Often referred to as “planned” or “deferred”
gifts, these irrevocable gifts may provide you with
immediate tax benefits and current income.
How can The Shea Center help you plan?
While this information is intended to be general
in nature, professional staff are available at
The Shea Center to give you additional details
and visit with you. All donors are also advised
to consult with your own tax and legal advisors.
Call us at (949) 240-8441, ext. 111 for more
information and thank you!
7
all 2009
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
NEWS
PA I D
PERMIT #647
SANTA ANA , CA
The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center
26284 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
T (949) 240-8441 | F (949) 240-3447
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
www.sheacenter.org
Join us in 2010 – a year of new beginnings with the grand
opening of the Klein Family Education & Therapy Building!
If you would like your address corrected or removed from this mailing list, please send us your mailing label with instructions.
Become our
Fan
SAVE
THE
DEC | 1-5 | 2009
and comments from
volunteers and get a
DEC | 31 | 2009
Family Education &
Therapy Building on our
In addition to using
social media to share
JAN | 5 | 2010
Winter Client Session Begins
FEB | 25 | 2010
Grand Opening Celebration
Klein Family Education & Therapy Building
and Shea Center Open House
MAY | 22 | 2010
Shea Center Gala at the Montage Resort,
Laguna Beach
SEPT | 25 | 2010
Shea Center Annual Family BBQ &
Country Faire
stories about The Shea Center with fans around the
world, rider parent Ali Wolf and her son Adam recently
raised more than $3,200 for Shea Center programs by
reaching out to family, friends, neighbors, and their
FACEBOOK fans with a request to support “Adam’s
Challenge Ride.” Diagnosed with cerebral palsy,
epilepsy, and hydrocephalus, Adam took his first three
steps at The Shea Center in 2006 at age 8. His efforts
Shea Center Fiscal Year Ends
Remember to send and postmark your charitable
gift by December 31 to qualify as a 2009 income
tax deduction. (Use the pledge envelope
enclosed or give online at www.sheacenter.org)
glimpse of the new Klein
FACEBOOK fan page.
Rider Recognition Week
Come celebrate our riders during the last week
of our fall session.
Check out fan photos
parents, riders and
DATE
are focused on one thing: giving more kids the oppor-
Watch for more details by mail and email!
tunities he’s had; to build the strength, balance and
If you would like to receive our monthly eNews from The Shea Center,
please send your email address to [email protected].
coordination to live a more independent life every day.
Newsletter editor: Cindy Bobruk/The Shea Center | Design: Cathy Cervantes/Trixie Design
Contributing writers: Dana Butler-Moburg, Cindy Bobruk, Julie Johnson, Dana Ludutsky-Green, Susan Martin, Charles Nunn