Winslow's annual ride and walk-a-thon raises over $10,000

Warwick - On Sunday, Sept. 16, horseback riders, walkers and other supporters of Winslow Therapeutic Center, enjoyed near-perfect weather for the center’s 33rd Annual Ride/Walk-A-Thon. The fundraiser has been renamed in honor of Alison Klepper, a Winslow volunteer who died in an automobile accident four years ago. Riders and walkers assembled that morning in the Park and Ride lot near the Village of Warwick on Route 17A. The commuter parking lot is just outside the 800-acre Orange County Park and an extensive network of trails had been reserved for the participants. Winslow Therapeutic Center, located on 100 acres just off Route 17A between Bellvale and Greenwood Lake, conducts an award-winning therapy program to help children and adults with special needs develop self-esteem and physical confidence through horseback riding. After completing their ride or walk, participants enjoyed a barbecue style lunch. In addition to Winslow volunteers, members of the Warwick Valley High School Varsity Football Team and the Bellvale Community were on hand to help make the event a success. According to Leo Kaytes, president of Winslow’s Board of Directors, the sponsors, riders and walkers on Sunday raised over $10,000, and the money is still coming in. The final tally may be much higher. Proceeds will go to the Alison Klepper Memorial Fund, created by Winslow volunteers Fred and Mary Ann Klepper in memory of their daughter. The money will be used for scholarships to help children in need of therapeutic riding who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford this type of service. Winslow has been offering unique and often life-changing horseback riding experiences to children and adults in this community since 1974. “We use the movement of the horse to heal body, mind and spirit,” said Winslow’s Executive Director Christine Tawpash. “Riding a trained horse who instinctively knows he carries a special passenger, lets trust and friendship begin.” Tawpash explained that physically, the movement of the horse stretches and strengthens muscles, improves balance and coordination and encourages learning. She reported that about 250 people, children and adults, enjoy this highly successful form of therapy at Winslow each week. Frequent fundraisers, private donations, volunteer service and Federal and State grants help offset costs and provide funding for need based scholarships. A horse and carriage program for special needs people who are unable to ride horseback will soon be available. “They will still benefit from the motion of the horse,” said Fred Klepper, who is certified as a horse and carriage-driving instructor. “We’re looking for more volunteers.” For information about Winslow Therapeutic Center call 986-6686.