Special CHEERS Celebrates Stand by Me 15th Anniversary Gala Sept. 30

Fundraiser benefits nonprofit providing equine therapy and other occupational therapy services to special needs children and adults

WHAT:                 Special CHEERS (Children with Horses for Evaluation, Education, Rehabilitation, and Socialization) celebrates its 15-year anniversary with Stand by Me, a western-themed fundraiser with barbecue, adult beverages, dancing, live and silent auctions and music by the Shayne Still & Southern Blend Band. The nonprofit operates on 240 acres of land consisting of trails and pasture in Northwest Houston and employs a range of occupational therapy services for children and adults with special needs, with a strong focus on equine therapy. This allows clients to use the movement of the horse as part of the treatment strategy. (All Special CHEERS horses are rescue animals.)

Language development, physical mobility, stability, strength, visual control, motor planning, self-esteem and attention are benefits of using a horse as a treatment tool. Funds raised at Stand by Me will target three initiatives: 1) replacement of a ramp/deck that was damaged due to flooding; 2) feeding of 14 horses at $4000 a month and 3) scholarships for children from lower-income families.

WHERE:               Daisy Dukes, (formerly Rebels Honky Tonk) 5002 Washington Ave., Houston, 77007

WHEN:                 Saturday, September 30 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

WHO:                   Barbara Blades-Line, Lynn Kelly and Loraine Lyons, Event Co-chairs

TICKETS:              Tables available from $5000 and up; individual tickets start at $125.

INFORMATION: For more information, check the website at specialcheers.com, call 713-983-0075 or email specialcheers@yahoo.com.

MORE ABOUT SPECIAL CHEERS: Since 2002, the nurturing staff at Special CHEERS, under the direction of founder Fritzi Glover-Strowmatt, OT, has provided more than 800 Houston-area children with vital therapeutic services, with a strong focus on equine therapy. Its mission is to provide children and young adults with physical, emotional and developmental challenges, with opportunities for advancing their personal developmental goals in a safe, family environment that optimizes peer interaction and community support. Special CHEERS also serves veterans with PTSD issues. Diagnoses treated include: Autism/PDD, ADD/ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Challenges, Physical Limitations and Developmental Delays.