Issue 43 April 2015

Mark your calendars!

Veteran Open House Saturday April 18 - 2:00 - 4:00

Veterans, their families and support networks are welcome.

Blue Jeans & Dreams

May 2, 2015 Make your reservations today

at www.HETRA.org!

Omaha Gives

May 20th, 2015

Go to omahagives24.org and

make a donation to support

HETRA!

SAVE THE DATE!

Little Britches Horse Show

August 15, 2015

Interested in touring the Gretna Barn?

Go to events page of HETRA

website to sign up for a tour!

The Heartland Hoofbeat Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy

Follow us on Social Media

15th Annual Blue Jeans & Dreams Benefit

HETRA

10130 S. 222nd St.

Gretna, NE 68028

(402) 359-8830

www.HETRA.org

Put on your hats and boots for an evening of entertainment

country style with great food, friends, and entertainment for the 15th annual “Blue Jeans and Dreams” benefit held at the HETRA barn. Join Host Couple Jamie and Ted Friedland as we celebrate a tremendous year of success and raise sponsorship dollars for the HETRA students.

Event Sponsors:

The Friedland Family Foundation

Smiling Turtle Art Spot

This is one event you won’t want to miss! Your reservation to Blue Jeans and Dreams

opens the doors to an incredible night of food, friends, and fundraising! FUN!

Don’t forget to wear your BLING! Prizes will be awarded for the Best Hat, Fanciest Boots and Blinged Out Belt Buckle!

5 pm: Doors open to watch the Kentucky Derby! Cocktail hour and Silent Auction begin!

6:30 pm Prime Rib Dinner - served by Chef Don Lerdahl, and Silent Auction 8 pm: Special Presentation - Student Demonstration – Live Auction 9 pm: Dance to the music of Crossfire

Make individual reservations or reserve a table for 8

for Blue Jeans and Dreams at www.HETRA.org

$65 per person (prior to April 17) $550 per Table of Eight

$75 per person (after April 17) $650 per Table of Eight

The Blue Jeans and Dreams committee would like to thank the 2015 sponsors:

Area ($2,500): BroadmoorApar tment Communities, Henry & Aleta Neuhaus, CAT/

Nebraska Machinery, Country Lanes & The Burbs, and Proxibid. Gold ($1,000): Seim

Johnson, Union Bank & Trust Company, C&A Industries, SCHEELS, US Assets, Josh & Nikki

Evert, Marathon Commercial/Investment Real Estate, Hanger Clinic, and Helget Home Care.

Silver ($500): UNMC Chancellor ’s Office, Nebraska Medicine, Jackson Lewis LLP, First

National Bank, Big “O” Photo Booth, Equine Quarterly, Lundbeck, LLC, Radiant Life

Pediatric Chiropractic Office, and The Wolfson Family. Bronze ($250): Sid Dillon Chevrolet

Blair, Stricklett & Associates, No Frills and Bag N Save Supermarkets, Aurelius Investigations

and Consulting, E&K Consulting, Pleasure Lakes, Inc., Boys Town Pediatrics, Nebraska

Equine Veterinary Clinic, Sally Gilbreath Counseling PC, WIT Capital Management, D.A.

Davidson & Co., Ed & Susan Stuchlik, Performance Chiropractic, ConstellationWest, Vickie

Wrobleski, and Big Rig. (as of print date) Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information on sponsorship

or to reserve your seats to Blue Jeans and Dreams contact Lisa Shkolnick,

Development Associate at 402-359-8830 or lisashk@hetra.org, or visit our website at

www.HETRA.org.

The HETRA Tack Shack is now

open! We are stocked with

many great items!

Open: M-F - 9am - 5pm

weekends by appointment

Pictured left: Host Couple:

Jamie & Ted Friedland Rosie and Alex

Issue 43 April 2015

Thank you to Kiwanis Club of Omaha for a Student Scholarship Grant of $1,320

A special thanks to the many memorial donations received from Dunham+Company employees, family and friends in memory of Eileen Dunham.

Thank you to Midlands Community Foundation for a grant which will help fund the printing and postage for this newsletter.

HETRA’s Program and Facility Expansion Campaign is well underway, and

HETRA would like to take this special opportunity to thank the following Foundations, Grants, Businesses, Organizations and Individuals for their generous pledges, contributions and donations to HETRA.

Program & Facility Expansion Update

Mustaches for Kids Omaha The Harper Family Foundation HDR Foundation Union Pacific Foundation The Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation Git – R – Done Foundation The Friedland Family Foundation Thiry-O'Leary Foundation Clifton B. and Anne Stuart Batchelder Foundation Merck Foundation Carl & Kimberly Falk Jim & Kathy Helget Grant & Sara Janke Glenn Uffelmann & Dr. Lynn O’Hanlon

Mike & Jan Doiel Gail & Shane Graeve Diane Duren & Drew Collier Chris & Betsy Murphy Steve & Janet Henthorn Cindy & Scott Makinster Daren & Teresa Konda Carol Gendler Lee Gladding Brenda Helget Karen Sedoris Dr. Rick & Kyle Black In Honor of Shirley Sladovnik Tom Cramer Chip & Rita Borgstadt Edye Godden Teal Family

Ben & Alissa Wormington Kris & Marc Bowman Lisa & George Stillahn Anonymous (2) Big Ass Fans E&K Consulting DaVita Health Partners, Inc. Flat River Corp McDonald Home Improvement CAT Nebraska Machinery TRK Construction Mike & Pat Teal Kathy Sangimino QLI Jeanette Janke

A Note from our Co-Chairs:

With our recent move to Gretna from the Valley and Omaha barns, HETRA’s programs and services are rapidly

growing. At our new facility, our capacity and ability to reach out to even more individuals with disabilities or those

who have experienced life changing events is expanding . . . each and every day!

We have recently reached our first milestone in our Program and Facility Expansion Campaign; raising $1,000,000 in

an overall $3,000,000 campaign. We want to personally thank every individual, foundation, grant, business and

organization for your generous support of the Program and Facility Expansion Campaign. These donors have

personally brought us to this “defining moment” in our Campaign. We recognize and thank them for their investment

in HETRA’s future.

Additional Program and Facility Expansion Campaign information will be presented soon. In the meantime, if you

would like to join our “defining moment” donors, please contact HETRA at 402-359-8830.

Sincerely,

Carl & Kimberly Falk Program and Facility Expansion Campaign Co-Chairs

Special Thanks

Program and Facility Expansion Campaign (Grants, Pledges and Donations $1,000 and above are listed as of print date)

Issue 43 April 2015

Over the past several months, HETRA has been facilitating meaningful and engaging life skills training opportunities

for adult individuals with disabilities. These clients receive on the job training as well as experience in a work environment; helping clients improve their skill set, expand their comfort zone, and prepare them to contribute to the community.

OMNI Behavioral Health is our newest partner in HETRA’s Life Skills program. OMNI provides sub-acute community-based behavioral health services for individuals with disabilities. Recognizing the importance of cooperation for improving the living conditions of children, adolescents, adults, and their families in every community, OMNI promotes those activities which enhance personal autonomy while promoting the spirit of the global community.

Individual clients and staff from OMNI attend Life Skills Training at HETRA three times per week and perform a variety of volunteer activities. From cleaning tack and picking stalls to tidying offices and organizing storage areas, these individuals are demonstrating responsibility and independence. Every day, OMNI clients develop skills such as following directions, staying on task, completion of check lists, working with other volunteers as well as building many other important life skills.

One OMNI client informed us he traded in some books and video games at a local store in exchange for a book about horses. He said ever since he started Life Skills Training at HETRA, he wants to know more about the breeds of our horses and is using his new book to learn. His favorite HETRA horse is Sugar because she is always curious about what he’s doing. Whether in the next stall or across the fence, Sugar is always watching and following him!

If you are an organization who works with adults with disabilities and are interested in learning more about HETRA

vocational training opportunities, please contact Cassie Ford, at cassie@hetra.org.

Summer is Coming!!

Life Skills Training Program Continues with Omni Behavioral Health

HETRA offers a variety of summer camp opportunities for everyone. Summer is coming so it is time to get

registered as camp openings are filling up fast and are available to all ability levels!

Horse Course 101 - This 5 day HETRA Horse Course combines qualified staff, experienced horses, and beautiful facilities to create an atmosphere where campers can practice basic horsemanship, learn about horse tack and general horse care, and enjoy riding with friends! Each day the one and a half hour lesson will begin with grooming and tacking under the supervision of a specially trained volunteer. Participants will then have the opportunity to experience different riding disciplines with a mounted lesson taught by a PATH International certified riding instructor. Each day will end with a fun craft or ground activity designed to increase horse knowledge in a fun and interactive way. At the end of the week, participants will have the opportunity to show off their skills during a horse show including trophies! Prices are $50 per day or $200 for the entire week for HETRA Students and $55 per day or $250 for the entire week for non-HETRA Students and requires a nonrefundable $25 deposit at sign up (this is applied towards the total cost). All camps are from 8:30 – 10:00 AM and 10:15 – 11:45 AM each day and are offered on the following dates:

June 15 – 19, June 22-26, June 29 – July 3

Miniature Horse Camps

Horse camps are fun for all ages and skill levels! During Horse Camps, students will learn more about horse handling from the ground. They will be paired with a Miniature Horse that they will lead through an in hand trail course. They will also learn how to groom and ready their miniature horse, learn parts of the horse, different horse tack, play games, make crafts, learn about nature through nature walks, and so much more! Cost: $50 for HETRA Students, $60 for non-HETRA students

Camp Dates at Gretna Facility from 2:00 - 4:00:

May 23rd , July 25th , September 26th , October 29th

Camp Dates at Jimando Farms from 2:30 to 4:30:

Miniature Horse Camps: April 25, Oct. 3 Driving Days: May 16, June 13, July 18, Aug. 22, Sept. 19, Oct. 10

Students must be at least 5 years old to participate in any Camps. All students must have up to date paperwork. Any student that needs assistance with toileting or ambulation or may experience behavioral issues will need to have a caregiver present with them at all times.

Issue 43 April 2015

Make your

Reservations!

Blue Jeans & Dreams

May 2, 2015

10130 S. 222nd Street

Gretna, NE 68028

Dani's interest in HETRA started in 2009. She hadn’t been around horses so being at the barn and riding was a new

experience for her. As she got up onto the big horse with the help of HETRA volunteers her fright turned into delight. She progressed quickly and her confidence grew as she realized she could be in control of the beautiful horse under her. I watched as her posture became perfect, sitting up so straight and tall.

In addition to her weekly riding lessons, she volunteered at the barn and learned how to respect, clean, and care for the horses. She also got to know the horses and shared with me the differences in their personalities and dispositions. Dani attended summer camps and really loved the extra time with not only the horses but the HETRA volunteers. She has grown to love the leaders. She is inspired while watching them ride the horses.

Dani’s favorite experience was participating in the Special Olympics last year. The new barn gave her the opportunity to ride outside, which she loves. The Barrel Course and Poles were quite challenging but competing and completing the events have increased her desire to keep riding. She knows there is always more to learn and practicing is key.

I speak very highly of the HETRA organization. I tell parents, teachers, counselors and friends about the joy it brings not only her but our family. I love to see the smiles on the faces of all the students as they ride. Seeing the smiles and excitement at the Special Olympics made that my favorite HETRA experience, too. Thank you for all you do for Dani and all of the HETRA students.

~Jamie Duckert, HETRA PARENT

Dani’s Story

The 2014 Special Olympics Equestrian Team and HETRA Staff

Click Here to make your Blue Jeans & Dreams Reservations today!! Or send in the form below

___ Enclosed please find my payment of $65 per person for ___ number of tickets. ($75 per person on or after April 17)

___ Enclosed please find my payment of $550 per table, for ____ number of tables which will seat 8 guests. ($650 per table after April 17)

___ I’m sorry I cannot attend but please accept my tax-deductible donation of $______________________.

Your Name_________________________________ Address__________________________________________ City:_________________

State: ___________ Zip:_______________ Phone: ____________________________ Email: ___________________________________

___ I would like to pay by check ___ I would like to pay by credit card

___ Please use this credit card for express checkout at the event in order to expedite the check out process at the event

CC # ________________________________________________ Exp _____________

For more information about HETRA or the Blue Jeans & Dreams Benefit, please visit our website at www.HETRA.org or call us at (402) 359-8830

Please include a list of names of guests attending with you so we can expedite their check in process.

Event Sponsors:

The Friedland Family

Foundation

Auction Sneak Peak:

Instant Wine Cellar

Disney Theme Park Trip

Garth Brooks Concert

Tickets

Private Catered Dinner

Autographed Heisman

Football

Massage Therapy, Manicures

and Pedicures

Golf, Baseball, and Sports

Packages

Gift Cards Galore: To all

your favorite places!

Fun prizes to be

awarded for best hat,

fanciest boots, and

“blinged-out” belt

buckles.

I would like to sponsor a horse! Click Here to make a donation or send in the form below ___ Horse Penny Race Donation in the amount of $______________

___ $300 Sponsors a horse for one month

___ $1,800 Sponsors a horse for six months

___ $3,600 Sponsors a horse for one year! I would like my donation to go to (HETRA Horse Name) ___________________________

Your Name_________________________________ Address__________________________________________ City:_________________

State: ___________ Zip:_______________ Phone: ____________________________ Email: ___________________________________

Your name or business name as you like it to appear when recognized: ________________________________________________________

___ I would like to pay by check ___ I would like to pay by credit card ___ Monthly ___ One-Time Full Payment

CC # ________________________________________________ Exp _____________

Please return this portion to HETRA at: 10130 S. 222nd Street, Gretna, NE 68028 l (402) 359-8830 l www.HETRA.org

Supporting the HETRA Therapy Horses

Every once in a while, you have the opportunity to do something extraordinary…

this is one of those times.

With over 100 students served each week, and 18 HETRA therapy horses trained and ready to

meet the needs of our students, it’s no wonder that our equine assisted therapy sessions are

thriving and expanding. HETRA sessions are a team approach, with Professional Association

of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Int’l) certified riding instructors or

licensed therapists conducting sessions.

The fact is, we simply could not do what we do without the highly skilled, trained and

patient HETRA horses that serve as the backbone of our mission. The horse’s rhythmic,

repetitive movements work to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, strength, coordination,

flexibility, cognitive skills, and self-esteem of every HETRA student.

Did you know that the annual cost of healthcare, nutrition, feeding, and training of our therapy horses is $3,600 per horse

per year? We take great strides to ensure our therapy horses are always healthy, sound, and ready to work with all of our

students with disabilities. To this end, we depend on the generous donations and sponsorships from our caring community

to help subsidize the expenses associated with our therapy horses.

There are several ways for you to have an immediate impact on our Horse Sponsorship Program.

Horse Penny Race: The dedicated volunteers, student families and staff have teamed up with a therapy horse and

are raising money that is allocated to horse sponsorships. This campaign began in January and runs through May 2nd. The

“horse” that raises the most money in the Horse Penny Race will be crowned the “Horse of the Year, or “HOTY” at the

Blue Jeans and Dreams Benefit on Saturday, May 2nd. The HOTY will also be sponsored for the entire year. Please join

the race and give our Teams a boost in securing horse sponsorship! Every donation counts!

Horse Sponsorships are available monthly and annually. Each of our horses deserve to be sponsored, and it takes

an extraordinary group of people to lead this effort. Imagine what it feels like to know you’ve sponsored a horse that is

helping an individual with a disability improve physical development such as core strength, balance, posture, and

flexibility. Add to that the great confidence, joy, and sense of pride your horse brings to those individuals.

Many thanks to our current Horse Sponsors:

Edward Jones - Lori Blum - Sponsoring “Red”

Hubbard Feeds, Inc. - Sponsoring “Charm”

Karen Sedoris & Kathleen McGahey - Sponsoring “Stoney”

The following HETRA horses are still in need of sponsorship: Diamond, Jessie, Molly, Rainbow, Rocky, Shetan, Smokey, Star, Ted, Trixie, Waldo, and the Miniature Horses – Belle & Stormy. To view their full biographies, please visit our website or contact Maggie Olson, Horse Manager at 402-359-8830.

Your name or business

could be here!

Sponsors contributing at the one year level will have a

plaque on the horse’s stall of your choice recognizing

your generous donation.