Page 7 - 2016-2017 Annual Report

A YEAR IN REVIEW from left: Myrna Kulp,

Jerry Rich, Michael
LaVoie
THE

“DERBY”

AUCTION

The 21 Annual Charity Auction for Autism raised approximately $225,000. Over 500 members
st
of the Giant Steps family came out to show their support for our organization. The Kentucky-
Derby-themed event was a smash hit, with a myriad of massive hats and bow ties galore. More
importantly, the “Fund the Need” for Giant Steps’ therapeutic equine program and S.T.E.A.M.
(science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) Lab generated the needed funding to launch
both programs!

We also had numerous media groups who shared the word about the auction.
We did interviews on Fox 32 Chicago and Star 96.7. WDRV – The Drive
radio station donated a gift basket and made a
public service announcement about
the auction. We interviewed
with Showbiz Shelly for her
website. Everywhere
we turned it seemed like
someone in the media
wanted to help promote
our cause.
’
CHRISTINES DREAM

Thanks in part to a successful “Fund the Need” at the 2017 Annual Charity Auction for Autism, last year saw a promising
start to adding another tool to Giant Steps’ arsenal against autism. Sara Carley, a certified PATH (Professional Association
of Therapeutic Horsemanship) instructor, joined the Giant Steps team to take the reins and bring the school’s first
certified, therapeutic equine program to life.

The Rich family and Rich Harvest Farms, in addition to generous donations, made the equine program possible
through the donation of the use of their indoor arena, stables, and most importantly, their horses.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to develop a program that will serve to improve the lives of our
adult community members with autism,” Giant Steps PATH Certified Riding Instructor Sara Carley said.
“Even more incredible is the unmatched generosity of Rich Harvest Farms in allowing Giant Steps to
utilize their horses, equipment and facilities to achieve our goal.”

The equine program, which was later dedicated “Christine’s Dream,” in memory of beloved Giant
Steps family member Christine Thornton Weiner, took its first steps with Canopy Adult Day
Program participants learning how to be around horses, as well as how to care for them and help
with duties around the stables.