Santa Clarita non-profit Carousel Ranch celebrated its 25th Heart of the West fundraiser on Saturday to support equestrian therapy for children with disabilities.

The event took place on Aug. 28 at the Carousel Ranch grounds, where participants enjoyed a night filled with dancing, casino games and a live auction, as well as a horseback demonstration from some of the students, according to event organizers.

“It was absolutely beyond incredible, the community showed up with enthusiasm,” said Denise Redmond, executive director of Carousel Ranch. “We didn’t know what to expect with the past year, and it was more than we could have ever expected. Every single person was so happy to be there for our 25th Heart of the West celebration.”

Since 1997, Carousel Ranch has provided equestrian therapy for children with disabilities. The nonprofit added its Ready-to-Work vocational training program a few years ago for young adults with special needs, according to officials.

This year’s fundraiser is especially important, as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Carousel Ranch has been unavoidable.

“It makes a difference, it’s been hard these last 18 months, we have only 65 percent of our kids back, we lost some horses and we need to rebuild,” Redmond said.

On top of all those who attended the in-person event, she estimated that at least 400 people took part virtually through livestream and interactive auction, according to Redmond.

“We wanted to make sure that every person had an opportunity to participate, no matter their comfort level with COVID whether it be at home or at the event,” Redmond said.

Redmond estimates that the 25th annual Heart of the West is the “best financial year yet,” with initial counts estimating that the fundraiser may raise around $475,000 by the time the silent auction closes on Friday.

“Just seeing that many people from the community, some of whom have been there since the first year… We were just floored by this community and its support,” Redmond said. “We are just two people who started a program in Becky (Graham)’s backyard and it’s so much more than that now. It’s here to serve the kids generation after generation

For more information regarding programming at Carousel Ranch, as well as future events, visit their website here.

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