Good news from Flying Horse Farmsred barn report

2011summer

www.flyinghorsefarms.org

every day, we hear more good news about the impact Flying Horse Farms is making in the lives of our campers and families.

“There truly is a heaven on earth, a home away from home at Flying Horse Farms. Thank you one million times. Dre can’t wait to get back in July.” — Parent

“Amazing day at Flying Horse Farms. There were storms all around, but a bubble of dry right over camp. Thank you for inviting me into your magic world. It’s even better than Disney.” — Volunteer

“I will have to invent a word to describe camp because nothing else can describe it: greatfunsome. Great + fun + awesome.” — Parent

“My first time to volunteer as a nurse here! One of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I am hooked. I will be back!” — Volunteer

“Brae came home, took one shoe off, and fell out! You have a truly special group of people down there and you have touched our hearts forever. Can’t wait to come back in September. Brae said it best on the car ride home, ‘Aw man! September is WAY too far away!’” — Parent

“I just got Lily down to sleep after an amazing weekend. She was exhausted but could not stop telling all of the neighbors about ‘the best place in the whole wide world.’ We are filled with so much joy and wonderful memories and renewed hope as we head back to chemo tomorrow.” — Parent

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board oF directors

Rhonda Fraas chair

John Lewis chair elect

C. David Paragas, Esq. past chair

Jenni Belford secretary and Founder

Charles E. Zebula treasurer

David Belford Founder

Gerard Boyle, MDYvette McGee Brown, JusticeSean P. Byrne, Esq.Charles D. FowlerJole HarmonMelissa KassWilliam KreegerStephanie LeaderJohn Letterio, MDBill McDonoughJocelyn Prewitt-Stanley, Esq.Molly RubenKathleen StarkoffBrian StevensonCarole WatkinsBob White, Sr.

When Jamie, a 14-year-old boy from Cleveland, arrived at Flying Horse Farms for a family weekend, he was shy, reserved, and hesitant to meet people. Minutes into his first camp experience, he asked his mom, “You’re not going to bring me back here ever again, right?”

Because Jamie’s intestines don’t work correctly, he has a GI tube and must wear special undergarments to prevent accidents—making it difficult for him to join in many activities that young children enjoy. But two family weekends at Flying Horse Farms have changed everything. When Jamie’s here, he can do anything. He’s made friends, played games, and practiced his aim in archery. He’s even created a game called snoccer—a combination of soccer, hockey, and basketball—a new camp tradition that will be played every session. He’s also developed a serious interest in dog training.

“Illness can make campers feel they don’t have control over anything in life,” says dog trainer Jen Meyer. “Jamie gained confidence in working with the canine counselors at camp—progressing from being too scared to go near them to running the dogs through the agility course all on his own.”

Jamie’s transformation is nothing short of magical. At home, his mom Myrna says her son is different. “He’s so happy. He wants to be outside. He wants to have people over. He asks to do all these things he couldn’t do before.”

Jamie is proof-positive of the miraculous healing power of happiness. Unlike earlier this spring, Jamie can’t wait to get back to camp—to his new friends and the many opportunities for fun that await.

At Flying Horse Farms, we think we have the best volunteers in the world. They’re friendly,

patient, always willing to listen, unconditionally kind,

and sometimes have four legs and a tail. We’re especially fortunate

to have seven canine counselors on staff for the summer, along with their trainers Ben Fan and Jen Meyer.

The special pooches, their trainers, food, and care are provided by Joel Slaven of Joel Slaven’s Professional Aminals, Inc. Joel has been working with animals for more than 40 years. He’s worked with Jack Hanna at the Columbus Zoo and has trained animals for movies like Ace Ventura Pet Detective, That Darn Cat, and Rain Maker.

Ask any camper and they’ll tell you our canine counselors are superstars too. Campers can assist in training the dogs to go through agility courses—but these dogs do much more than run through tunnels and over high jumps. They help campers feel safe in new environments, and feel a sense of connection when they’re homesick. They also help campers develop confidence and offer the sincerest friendship when campers are having a rough day. They do all this—simply for belly rubs and chin scratches.

“It’s such a joy to see the smiles our canine counselors bring to the faces of our campers,” says dog trainer Ben Fan. “Around the campfire, on morning hikes— the dogs are just completely happy and free. And they show campers that it’s okay for them to be happy and free, too.”

We are so thankful for the energy and passion trainers Jen and Ben bring for helping animals and children, and for the generosity of the Montei Foundation who provided the funding for their kennels. Most of all, we’re grateful these wonderful dogs were found at a shelter—and rescue our hearts every day.

“It’s such a joy to see the smiles our canine counselors bring to the faces of our campers.”

“Now he asks to do all these things he couldn’t do before.”

Erin Kelty is an advisor at Park Avenue Elementary School in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, for a fifth grade Kiwanis Kids group. “K-Kids” is

a program designed to help elementary-age

children develop strong personal values and improve the world around them. Earlier this year, Erin asked Flying Horse Farms staff member, Don Wiggins, to speak to her young friends about camp and how they could help other kids like them—who happen to have serious illnesses.

The K-Kids were immediately inspired to do something that would make a difference for our campers. Not knowing exactly what they would fund, they hatched a plan to raise money by hosting a father-daughter dance.

The young philanthropists rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They borrowed a camera and created a backdrop. They bought popcorn and refreshments and enlisted their faculty advisor at school to help them decorate the gym. They decided on an admission fee of $2 per person and for another $5, each couple could have their

picture taken. When the evening arrived, all their hard work paid off: the dance was an incredible success. After expenses were paid, the K-Kids made $500. When Erin asked the children how much of the profits they wanted to donate to Flying Horse Farms, the K-Kids’ response was a unanimous “Let’s give it all!”

Before Erin told the kids how their donation would be used, she scheduled a field trip to Flying Horse Farms. There, the K-Kids met two of the camp’s canine counselors and their trainers, Ben and Jen. Together they walked respectfully through camp, knowing this place was magical—that when kids come here they leave their illnesses behind and they’re just kids. Just like them. Having fun.

The K-Kids completed their tour with a stop at the lake, where they found a new fishing boat tied to the dock. The name K-Kids was painted on the boat. Erin beamed as the children quickly realized this boat was purchased with their love and kindness.

The generosity of the K-Kids sets a shining example that a gift of any size can make a powerful impact—especially when it comes from the heart.

meet mimi.saY so LonG to nicK.

We’re thrilled to welcome Philomena “Mimi” Dane to the Flying Horse Farms team as Chief Operating Officer. Mimi comes to us from the Columbus office of global law firm Squire Sanders, where she served as a litigation partner. Flying Horse Farms CEO Cindy Lazarus says, “We couldn’t be more excited about Mimi joining us. She has incredible passion and energy for her work, and the talents she developed as one of Ohio’s top-notch trial lawyers will translate easily to her new role.”

Mimi brings with her a commitment to community involvement and a long track record of support for organizations that improve the lives of others. “I‘m proud to be a part of the team that’s bringing happiness to children when it’s needed most—when they’re seriously ill,” Mimi says.

Mimi joins Flying Horse Farms as the inaugural camp season is in full swing. You’re sure to find her in the midst of the action, making sure we’re providing the safest, most enjoyable camp experience for our campers and families.

It is with grateful hearts that we bid farewell to Nick Miesen, Director of Leadership Giving. Nick joined the Flying Horse Farms team in 2007 as one of our very first staff members. For more than 3 years, Nick has worked tirelessly to raise money and support so that Flying Horse Farms could be the magical, transformative place our campers dream of, and so their families would bear none of the expense.

The many relationships with our friends and donors that Nick developed will be a reminder for years to come of his dedication to our mission and the children we serve. We thank Nick for his service and wish him well in his new role with Wholesome Tummies, an organization that provides healthy school lunch options to schools. We know it won’t be long before we see Nick again, rolling up his sleeves to volunteer on a family weekend.

to make a gift of your own to Flying Horse Farms, visit www.flyinghorsefarms.org/give.

GiveFund a campership and make a kid a happy camper. Your gift of $2,500 will fully cover the costs of sending a child to camp, and give a camper the opportunity of a lifetime. Give at www.flyinghorsefarms.org/give.

voLunteerBe the ringleader for a group of campers by serving as a cabin counselor, be at the center of the fun as an activity counselor, or provide medical support. Pick your date at www.flyinghorsefarms.org.

come and campSummer was made for kicking back and playing like a kid. Visit www.flyinghorsefarms.org for the full camp schedule and start packing your bags.

As a provisional member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps, Flying Horse Farms continues to work toward meeting the set of requirements that will allow us to apply for full membership. These requirements are designed to ensure the highest level of safety, programming, and financial sustainability at our camp.

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~ flying horse farms events ~

FLYING HORSE RIDEPresented by Time Warner Cable

October 8-11, 2011Kickstands up at 8:30 amFrom the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Registration is $100 per rider.

The third annual Flying Horse Ride provides an exhilarating way to support Flying Horse Farms, whether you’re navigating the open road on two wheels or four. Don’t miss the beautiful fall ride from the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington to historic Gettysburg.

Sponsors include Time Warner Cable; Cecil & Geiser, LLP; Clark, Schaefer, Hacket & Co.; Rider Insurance Agency, Inc.; M. Bleiwise & S. Blewise Greenfield Charitable Foundation Trust; Safe Auto Insurance; The Ohio Chapter of the Society of Pediatric Nurses.

Learn about sponsorship opportunities and register at www.flyinghorsefarms.org/news-and-events

CAMPFIRE 2011: CAMPFIRE AT THE CASTLEPresented by Fairmount Minerals

September 24, 2011Residence of Scott A. Wolstein, Hunting Valley, Ohio5:30 pm Champagne Tour of Home: $1006:30 pm General Admission: $225

Campfire at the Castle will combine the sophistication of a gala with the very best parts of camp. Take a champagne tour of Scott Wolstein’s elegant home, enjoy sophisticated campfire cuisine, and get your groove on to the sounds of Nashville’s hottest country-rock sensation, Brother Trouble.

The inaugural Cleveland-area gala for Flying Horse Farms will raise awareness and fund transformative camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and their families. Sponsors include Fairmount Minerals, Penske Cleveland, Furnace Parts, and the Judith A. Embrescia Family Foundation.

Learn about sponsorship opportunities and purchase tickets at www.flyinghorsefarms.org/campfire

BENEATH THE STARSHosted by the Magic Makers Guild

September 9, 20116 pm–7 pm VIP Reception: $507 pm to MidnightThe Venue at Smith Brothers , Columbus, OhioTickets: $100

Join the Magic Makers Guild for a celebratory evening supporting Flying Horse Farms. Dance the night away to the live music of Disco Inferno and enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Don’t miss the chance to place your winning bid in both live and silent auctions in support of our campers.

Learn about sponsorship opportunities and purchase tickets at www.flyinghorsefarms.org/beneath-the-stars

Where camp is good medicine.

Flying Horse Farms3 Easton Oval, Suite 330Columbus, OH 43219