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Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC), a non-profit organization providing therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-facilitated group services to children and adults with physical, social and mental health needs has received a generous $50,000 matching gift challenge from The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. The Foundation will match every dollar contributed from new donors received prior to October 31, 2020. The funds will help support general operations which have been greatly affected by the loss of revenue and fundraising support brought on by the suspension of programming due to the coronavirus. “The Foundation supports NTRC’s mission because it’s healthy, safe progressive programs provide material changes to children and the entire family,” said Toulmin Foundation board member William Villafranco. “NTRC’s new innovative programs provide support for anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and other mental health challenges that are far too common in our world today. COVID-19 will create increased demand for these services now and into the future. The Foundation sees this as an opportunity to support NTRC’s growth and encourage others to get behind the organization now as they prepare for the future when we are on the other side of this pandemic.” NTRC’s annual herd expenses are roughly $272,000 which are typically funded through special events. The recent cancellation of NTRC’s Kentucky Derby Day Party and uncertain future of its signature fundraiser, the Barn Dance, held annually in the Fall have created an urgent need to find new funding sources for the care and maintenance of NTRC’s 14-horse therapy herd. In addition, NTRC expects participants who have been impacted financially by the quarantine will need more financial aid when programming is resumed. “Through this loss of event income, coupled with the loss of anticipated program revenue, NTRC is faced with significant operational challenges for a minimum of four to five months,” said NTRC Executive Director Missy Lamont. “We are grateful for the Toulmin Foundation’s continued support especially during these trying times and their belief in the future of NTRC’s further innovation and expansion of equine therapy.”