What an incredibly hot day for the 6th Annual Happy Trails Summer picnic and fund-raiser! Ninety plus degree weather, however, didn’t stop die-hard Happy Trails supporters from coming out and getting their farm animal fix for the day! Guests got to see the Parade of Horses and hear the background stories about the rescued horses needing homes; some brave souls climbed aboard the forecart to get their photo taken with Tony and Red, the Happy Trails Amish Belgian hitch team; kids and kids-at-heart were good sports about getting their faces (and other body parts) painted with cartoons of farm animals and other temporary tattoos; and everyone got to meet Sugar, the newest, pinkest pot belly pig who had just arrived at the sanctuary the night before!
In fact, one of Sugar’s biggest fans at the picnic was Dick Goddard, Chief Meteorologist for WJW Fox 8 News. The photos here show his love for all kinds of animals. Dick has been a wonderful supporter of animal rescue groups across Northeast Ohio, and has always been kind enough to include the fund-raising efforts of Happy Trails in his itinerary.
We have had the nicest group of volunteers pitch in and help for the day. For being an all-volunteer organization, I really have to hand it to the hard-working, compassionate, dedicated, animal lovers who braved record-setting temperatures to donate their time and talents for the entire day to make the annual picnic a success.
View Picnic 2005 Photo Page
Many thanks to:
• Denise Moore, who was busy painting away on all the little faces and arms of young and old alike
• Frank Steigh, long-time Happy Trails supporter who kindly donated the use of his speaker system to provide background country music for the event, and use of his microphone for announcing at the parade of horses
• The Godfrey family, Olen, Arlene, Joyce, Phil, and Angie and Tyler for organizing, cooking, baking, creating, dishing out and serving lunch and beverages for guests. At this picnic, we requested a $5 donation for the lunch buffet that was provided to help cover our costs. In the past we had more food items donated by businesses, and were previously able to provide a complimentary lunch. A local newspaper inadvertently promoted this year’s picnic with last year’s information, so we apologize to anyone who arrived thinking that a complimentary lunch would be provided. As much as we would like to provide free food at a free event, it’s not realistic due to the number of guests being in the hundreds, and this is, after all, a fund-raiser for Happy Trails.
• Siciliano’s Pizza for donating jojo’s (they’re the best, by the way!)
• Board members, Sharon Barnard, Chris Cook, Maggie Godfrey, Russ Fisher, Debbie Friend and Nancy Conring for their long hours of planning and preparation — their pride in the sanctuary, their strong belief that we are making a difference, and the idea that we are doing the right thing is what keeps Happy Trails going and growing
• Volunteers who did anything and everything they were asked to help out with both the week before as well as the day of the picnic: Kevin and Debbie Bragg, Andrea Lynett, Lauren Carroll, Dick Zampini, Alex Hale, Carolyn Hayes, Stephen Reichley and the parking lot crew, Rick and Diane Bair, Rob Willard and My Cousin Billy and Bill Poloski and Tim Linden
• Photographers: Abby Robinson, Marcine Franks, and Chuck Conring
• Nancy Sidwell for creating the beautiful Happy Trails quilt to bring to a close that special fund-raiser
• All the picnic sponsors: Faith Pescatore, Rick & Nancy Winrod, Rolling Thunder Window Cleaning, Susie Wiley and Family
• Everyone who donated raffle items
• Jerry and Angie Hoover who have followed us from early on and continue to donate and support the sanctuary regularly and come out for every picnic — you guys are great!
Happy Trails was able to raise approximately $2,400 toward the care of the rescued animals — from the bottom of their little hooves, we thank all of you for your support!
View Picnic 2005 Photo Page
