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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 announced that the charity’s successful signature fundraiser, Bootstrap Boogie Barn Dance held every November, has been converted to an online appeal with virtual elements due to health and safety concerns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This would have been the charity’s 15th year hosting the Barn Dance on its campus. Historically the Barn Dance gathers more than 500 generous supporters for a memorable, casual evening of live and silent auction bidding, dancing, dining and activities. Mission-critical revenue from NTRC’s 2019 event, their largest annual fundraiser, raised $350,000 towards the annual operating costs to care for the horses, staff and provide rider scholarships. Revenue from the new Barn Dance Appeal is important now more than ever due to the lack of program revenue and loss of fundraising income as a result of having to postpone programs and cancel fundraisers for five months during stay-at-home measures. Donations towards the first-ever Barn Dance Appeal will be accepted now through November 14, 2020, culminating in a live virtual Pony Pie Bingo game. The appeal gives donors an opportunity to support the charity through a variety of donation levels starting at the Horse Power level of $50,000. Appeal donations can offer strength, hope, empowerment, encouragement and compassion to the more than 800 participants who rely on NTRC’s innovative, evidence-based, equine-assisted programs for health, wellness and healing. The appeal also includes several fund-a-need categories where supporters can direct donations specifically to sponsor a rider, horse or barn cat – each with varying levels of associated costs. Longtime supporters Gary and Connie Sharpe have already stepped up with a matching gift to leverage the impact of the Barn Dance Appeal giving. They will match up to $50,000 raised through the appeal. The Appeal will end with the virtual Pony Pie Bingo – a fan favorite at the Bootstrap Boogie Barn Dance and an element the event committee wanted to keep as part of the new appeal format. For $25 a plot or $100 for five plots, donors can purchase plots mapped out on the paddock where they hope one of NTRC’s therapy horses will drop their “pie” (aka manure) so they can win a table of 10 at the next Bootstrap Boogie Barn Dance, a value of $4,000. The Pony Pie Bingo will take place on November 14, 2020, and the winner will be announced on FaceBook. “During these uncertainties, NTRC has had to cancel vital fundraising events, yet expenses remain predominately fixed,” said Missy Lamont NTRC Executive Director. “In good times, NTRC relies on the generosity of good donors, in times of great challenge, we rely on great donors who recognize the importance and see more reasons for philanthropy. Now is when gifts are most needed, most meaningful, and most appreciated. We are grateful for the Gary and Connie Sharpe for their leadership gift and the many more to follow for supporting our first-ever Barn Dance Appeal.” For more information: To donate to the Barn Dance Appeal, visit: https://www.naplestherapeuticridingcenter.org/barndance/. To follow the Pony Pie Bingo Game on November 14, 2020, visit: https://www.facebook.com/NaplesTherapeuticRidingCenter/.