WINDHAM - Bright
skies and warm temperatures combined with gorgeous horses and friendly folks
added up to the most successful Christmas Open House for the Horses in the 143
year history of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals. With the
support of Bangor Savings Bank and many other generous sponsors, on Sunday,
December 6th nearly
4,000 visitors thronged the big barn to meet
rehabilitated horses, enjoy holiday treats, experience great shopping o
pportunities, and bring good
cheer. A long, happy line quickly formed to enjoy a ride about the neighborhood
in the big wagons pulled by Doc, Chief, Taz, and Dillon of the J. L. Gray
Drafts.
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The annual open house is the Society’s largest on-site
fundraising event and 2015 was a record-breaking day by every measure. It
raised $
30,000 in donations and sponsorships! From the thousands of
guests to the many generous individuals and businesses who supported the event
and all its activities – face painting, ornament and jewelry making, book
signing, raffle and merchandise sales, equine demonstrations, the event raised
nearly $35,000 to benefit once-abused or neglected horses. Dunkin’ Donuts
donated beaucoup hot chocolate, coffee and baked goods; cider elves from Bangor
Savings Bank passed out warm cider; and everywhere inside and out and the
barns, horses sniffed small fingers, accepted kind kisses, and delighted
families by showing off high spirits in keeping with the day.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Whether you were
one of the more than 50 volunteers working to make the event safe and
productive, a sponsor without whom it wouldn’t have been possible to stage the
event or a first time visitor, please accept the sincere gratitude of the board
of directors, staff and the animals. You make the Society’s success not only
possible, but delightful reality. And last but not least, we thank the Windham
and surrounding communities for their support. As a reminder, you may visit our
farm at 279 River Road in Windham any day between 1p.m. and 4 p.m.
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