Break out your cowboy boots and 10-gallon hats: the Baiting Hollow Farm Horse Rescue will host its first fundraiser, a country western themed dinner, next Friday at the Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard.
The “Mane Event” will feature live music by the local country band “Southbound,” as well as a buffet dinner, wine and drinks, raffles and auctions.
Guests will also get a chance to meet the horses that have been saved by the organization.
“The main focus of the thing is what we’re doing in the context of a fun night,” said co-founder and Baiting Hollow Farm Vineyard CEO Richard Rubin.
The dinner is the start of a push to pull in more donations to fund the horse rescue — which already cares for 27 horses — and expand its operations, Mr. Rubin said.
“We self funded for all these years,” he said, adding that the group is now certified as a non-profit. “We need the financial assistance to continue what we’re doing.”
The rescue opened in 2007, and has saved former racehorses, abused animals, and horses set for slaughter. One of the rescues, named Playboy, is “equine royalty,” a descendant of horse racing legends Secretariat, Man O’ War and War Admiral, Mr. Rubin said.
“We’ve rescued horses since the day we opened,” said co-founder Paula Geonie.
The group is currently trying to rescue a female horse and her one-month-old foal from a pen in New Jersey. The animals are scheduled to be killed soon for their meat.
The rescue are also involved in grassroots campaigns to increase awareness about horse abuse, Mr. Rubin said. Horses were a vital part of building America, helping to fight in war, deliver mail and settle the West, he said.
“We really owe it to them,” he said.
The event will be held on Friday May 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $60 per person and are available online at www.bhfhorserescue.orgor by phone by calling (631) 574-9667.
BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO (TOP)
Sharon Levine (left) and nephew Josh Levine with three-year-old ‘Angel’, the youngest of the rescued horses on the farm.
BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO (BELOW)
Two of the rescued horses 12-year-old Laredo (left) and 20-year-0ld Sir Galahad, the great great great grandson of Man of War back in 2009.
