Wednesday, April 2,
2014
Wild for Life
Foundation’s Charity Spring Benefit to Celebrate
Life, Horses and Healing and Honor our
 |
| Tenor Anthony Kearns performs at WFLF 2014 Spring Benefit |
The benefit was held to help seed
funds for the new Wild for Life Foundation Charity Sanctuary and Wellness Center in North County San
Diego which will promote programs with a
focus on its community enrichment equine wellness activities; robust equine
assisted programs for disadvantaged youth, active duty military, and veterans
and their families. Meaningful donations were received from individual supporters and as part of the evening’s festivities; the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes presented a
check to the Wild For Life Foundation (WFLF) for $2500. “We are honored
to receive these essential funds from the
Coalition,” said Katia Louise, President and Founder WFLF. “These funds will help meet critical needs for
the operation of WFLF’s equine assisted wellness program through the power of horses.”
“It is an honor to be here and to work with the Wild For Life Foundation in partnership to help America’s horses, and America’s heroes – in a positive way that will save lives,” said Sergeant Matthew Pennington, U.S. Army (Ret.). War wounded heroes and at risk
youth will benefit from learning, growth, and recovery opportunities through a
healing partnership with horses. The program at the same time aids rescued
horses whose lives have been saved from life threatening situations.
“The need for a nonprofit community enrichment equine sanctuary and wellness center to benefit people and horses as partners in healing in San Diego County is dire,” added Ms. Louise. Just the day before WFLF’s benefit event the SanDiego Union Tribune reported the suicide of Camp Pendleton infantryman Cpl. Farrell Gilliam who had taken his own life after a long struggle with the invisible wounds of war. Sadly veterans account for 20 percent of U.S. suicides, and for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death, and suicide among Native American youth is 9 to 19 times as frequent as among other youths.
“The need for a nonprofit community enrichment equine sanctuary and wellness center to benefit people and horses as partners in healing in San Diego County is dire,” added Ms. Louise. Just the day before WFLF’s benefit event the SanDiego Union Tribune reported the suicide of Camp Pendleton infantryman Cpl. Farrell Gilliam who had taken his own life after a long struggle with the invisible wounds of war. Sadly veterans account for 20 percent of U.S. suicides, and for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death, and suicide among Native American youth is 9 to 19 times as frequent as among other youths.
“The expansion of WFLF’s sanctuary
and wellness program is so important right here in San Diego County,” added Rob
Pliskin, MSSA, LSW, EAGALA Dual
Certified Professional, and WFLF BOD. “Camp
Pendleton is home to over 42,000 active duty Marines. Over 23,000 Marine and Army Reservists come
here to train, and most live nearby. In
2011, the VA estimated over 235,000 Veterans live in San Diego and Imperial
counties. It hosted over 768 thousand
outpatient visits, and enrolled over 4,300 warriors from Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Among the highlights of the WFLF benefit was a private musical concert by world-renowned Tenor
The benefit helped to raise awareness on an international level and was the first
in a series of fund raising efforts to benefit the WFLF Charity Serenity Sanctuary project. Financial contributions will literally help to save countless horses’ lives. Sponsorships will help to purchase, improve and equip the WFLF Serenity Sanctuary Center and Preserve, and will also endow essential program costs.
To learn how to support this mission, visit www.WildForLifeFoundation.org. Inquire about company sponsorship and naming opportunities; contact WFLF by phone 310.439.9817 or email, admin@wildforlifefoundation.org.
To learn how to support this mission, visit www.WildForLifeFoundation.org. Inquire about company sponsorship and naming opportunities; contact WFLF by phone 310.439.9817 or email, admin@wildforlifefoundation.org.
ABOUT
THE WILD FOR LIFE FOUNDATION: The Wild for Life Foundation
(WFLF) is a 501 (c)(3) U.S. registered tax exempt nonprofit charity. The WFLF
has been at the forefront of efforts to rescue and provide safe harbor for at
risk animals, providing the space, natural habitat and quality of care which
they deserve. The WFLF’ aim is to provide charitable equine assisted learning
activities together with equine-therapy programs to aid youth and adults in
building positive life skills. The WFLF is internationally recognized as a
leader in animal welfare -- among our greatest concerns are imperiled wild
horses and burros, abused, neglected and slaughter bound wild and domestic
equines, and inadequate standards of protection for America’s equine population
as a whole. The WFLF promotes the preservation of natural ecosystems, wildlife
and the prevention of cruelty to animals. We strive to preserve and celebrate
Native heritage and cultures through embracing harmonious relationships among
people, animals and nature. The WFLF is achieving these goals through operating
equine rescue, sanctuary, education and wellness programs which provide
community enrichment through fostering symbiotic environmental stewardship and
a healing partnership with horses. www.wildforlifefoundation.org.
ABOUT
THE COALITION TO SALUTE AMERICA’S HEROES: The Coalition to Salute
America’s Heroes, based in Leesburg, VA, has provided an invaluable lifeline to
thousands of America’s wounded veterans since its establishment in 2004. The
Coalition is distinguished from other veteran-focused organizations by its
direct financial assistance to America’s wounded heroes. Its Emergency
Financial Aid program has stopped foreclosure proceedings on veterans’ homes
and kept their vehicles from being repossessed. The organization regularly
provides gift checks to cover meals, medical and utility bills, clothing, car
repairs and even baby diapers. https://saluteheroes.org
ABOUT
THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF EQUINE SPORTS PRESERVATION: The mission of AAESP is to make the world a
better place for horses and their habitats - and for humans who can be helped
by horses by protecting the historical, cultural and economic value of
equestrian sports, and related industries, throughout the world in recognition
of the innumerable contributions of horses to mankind over centuries.
AAESP helps give horses a new job after they retire from the track by
showcasing equine-assisted programs that help children with autism, military
veterans, and other victims of post-traumatic stress disorder. http://www.aaesp.org
ABOUT
ANTHONY KEARNS: Anthony Kearns first took the American television audience by
storm in 1999 as the youngest member of The Irish Tenors, with whom he has five
PBS Specials and 10 CDs. His solo career includes concerts, high-profile
celebrity engagements, major television appearances, operas, and collaborations
with some of the world's most renowned orchestras. Among his achievements, he
has had the honor to perform for three U.S. Presidents. In fall 2013, Kearns
released his first solo album, “With a Song in My Heart.” www.anthonykearnsmusic.com
###
