Bike Run benefiting On Angels’ Wings
By KEVIN HOWELL, Salem News staff writerArticle Photos
Fact Box
- WHO: On Angels' Wings Therapeutic Riding Center and the Youngstown H.O.G. Chapter of Harley-Davidson
- WHAT: Charity Bike Run benefiting On Angels' Wings
- WHEN: Sunday, July 13, registration from 10 a.m. to noon
- WHERE: Begins at BikeTown Harley-Davidson in Austintown and ends at the riding center, 710 state Route 170, East Palestine
- COST: $15 per bike, $15 per passenger
- MORE INFORMATION: Call the riding center at 330-426-2558 or Bob Bodnar at 330-507-1450.
By KEVIN HOWELL
Salem News staff writer
EAST PALESTINE- Imagine being unable to experience the wonder of proper motor skills, confined to a wheelchair or stricken with an inhibiting disability.
Now imagine learning that you can simulate those motor skills often taken for granted with the help of a common farm animal - a horse.
On Angels' Wings Therapeutic Riding Center in East Palestine provides the opportunity for children and adults with disabilities to experience simple, everyday movements through horseback riding, an activity that closely simulates natural body movement and muscular development, according to instructor Michelle Baker.
"Our goal is to help as many disabled children and adults as possible by promoting the confidence and independence that can be established through horseback riding," she said.
As a non-profit organization, the riding center relies heavily on support from the community, be it by volunteering time to help with the students or donating money or materials to maintain operation, Baker said.
Requiring three assistants per rider, the program is in constant need of volunteers to serve as side walkers, guides and leaders, help in the barn and office, assist in fund raising and recruit volunteers, Baker said.
"The more volunteers we have, the more people we can reach," she said. "We can't operate the organization without volunteers."
In an effort to raise money for the organization, the Youngstown H.O.G. Chapter of Harley-Davidson will conduct a Bike Run July 13. Registration is from 10 a.m. to noon at BikeTown Harley-Davidson in Austintown and cost is $15 per bike and $15 per passenger.
This is the third charity run to benefit On Angels' Wings.
Starting at BikeTown, the run will conclude at the riding center, 710 state Route 170, East Palestine, where the riding center will provide a rib dinner that will include ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers and half chickens with all the trimmings. There will also be a Chinese Auction and tickets sold for a 50/50 raffle that will be announced on Aug. 1.
According to the riding center's executive director, Lorie Shaffer, the organization teamed with the Youngstown H.O.G. Chapter because of the chapter's philanthropic reputation.
"They help so many area organizations and have been very good to us in the past," she said. "They are very willing to help the community in need."
Although no milestones have been established, Shaffer said she would like to see an increase from last year's monetary total of over $3,000 and number of bikes from over 80 to over 125.
All proceeds will go toward the general operation of the organization, Shaffer said. Specifically, the money will help maintain the boarding and caring for the horses, purchase more training and teaching tools and continue day-to-day operations, she said.
For more information or to donate money or materials for the bike run call 330-426-2558.
Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net
