Dear Valued Volunteers,
As we approach Thanksgiving Day, 2025, my heart is filled with warmth and deep appreciation for each of you. I am writing this letter as your CEO to share a simple, heartfelt message of thanks. You are the heartbeat of our Sanctuary, and without your kindness and dedication, none of our work would be possible. This holiday season, let’s pause to celebrate the joy we bring to our horses, our heroes, and one another.
First, I want to express how truly grateful we are for the time and love you dedicate to your training. Our natural horsemanship classes are more than just lessons—they’re a meaningful way to connect with our horses on a deep, trusting level. You show up week after week, rain or shine, to learn how to listen to them, guide them gently, and build those special bonds. Whether it’s practicing soft cues in the arena or spending quiet moments grooming a shy horse, your dedication shines through. I hear stories all the time from our team about how your growing skills make a real difference: a horse that once shied away now walks calmly by your side, or a session that ends with a contented nuzzle. You invest in yourself so you can give even more to our gentle giants, and that touches us all so profoundly.
Your efforts don’t end there. Many of you are also rolling up your sleeves to help build our strong Board of Directors. Together, we’re creating a team full of heart and wisdom, ready to guide us forward. This is exciting because it opens doors to serve even more people—our brave Veterans and Retired First Responders. These heroes have given so much to protect us, and now we’re reaching out to welcome them into our programs. Imagine a Veteran finding peace in a horse’s steady gaze, or a retired firefighter rediscovering joy through a gentle ride. Your help in shaping this board means we’re expanding our family of services, reaching hearts that need healing the most. It’s because of you that we can say yes to more dreams and make lives brighter.
As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s hold close the true spirit of this season. We gather around tables laden with good food and laughter, but at our Sanctuary, our feast is one of gratitude for service. We’re here to care for our horses—their soft whinnies and warm breaths remind us of simple joys. We’re here for our heroes, offering them a safe place to heal and feel valued again. But most of all, we’re here for each other. In the barn on a chilly morning, sharing a cup of coffee and a smile; during a training class, cheering one another on; or at a board meeting, listening with open hearts—you lift each other up every day. This act of serving one another isn’t just kind; it’s what fills our souls with a warm, glowing purpose. It reminds us why we’re on this earth: not just to get by, but to give, to connect, to make the world a little kinder.
That warmth inside? It’s the knowledge that we’re building something lasting—a legacy of servant leadership for our families and beyond. Imagine your children watching you lead a horse with patience, or your spouse seeing the light in your eyes after helping a hero. They learn from you that life is about putting others first, about leading with love and humility. This isn’t something we chase; it unfolds naturally in the work we do together. Years from now, when you look back, you’ll feel that same cozy pride knowing you’ve shown them how to live with heart. Our Sanctuary isn’t just a place; it’s a ripple of goodness that touches homes, communities, and generations. What a beautiful gift to leave behind!
Now, let me share a heartfelt message about why serving like this matters so much more than just working for a paycheck. In our busy world, many days are spent chasing bills and deadlines—important, yes, but they can leave us feeling empty. Here at the Sanctuary, you choose something different. You give your time freely, not for money, but because it feeds your spirit. That first step into the arena, the laugh shared with a fellow volunteer, the quiet thank you from a horse’s trusting eyes—these are the true rewards. Serving isn’t just a job; it’s a calling that brings joy money can’t buy. It teaches us to see the world through eyes of compassion, to find strength in helping others, and to wake up each day excited about what we can give. When we serve, we don’t just change lives around us; we transform our own. It’s that profound shift—from doing to being—that makes every moment meaningful. Hold onto this, dear friends: your service here is weaving a tapestry of purpose that will warm you through every season of life.
I pray with all my heart that you never, ever underestimate the role you play at our Sanctuary. You might think, “I’m just one person feeding the horses” or “I’m only taking notes at the board meeting.” But oh, how wrong that is! Every smile you share, every hand you extend, every class you attend—it’s a thread in the beautiful fabric of our mission. Without you, the horses would be lonelier, the heroes would wait longer for hope, and our community would be dimmer. You are the spark that lights it all. Remember the Veteran who wrote, “This place gave me back my smile”? Or the horse that now trots happily because of your gentle training? That’s you. You’re irreplaceable, indispensable, and so very cherished. Let this Thanksgiving be a time to see yourself as we see you: a hero in your own right.
And know this: our horses and heroes are grateful beyond words. The horses show it in their relaxed ears, their willing steps, and the way they lean into your touch. They’ve been through hard times, but with you, they feel safe and loved. Our heroes? They tell us every day— a quiet “Thank you” after a session, a letter sharing how they’ve found peace, a hug that says it all. One retired first responder recently said, “You all saved me without even knowing it.” Their gratitude mirrors ours—deep, real, and endless.
This Thanksgiving, as you sit with loved ones, savor the turkey and pie, and count your blessings, carry this letter close. We’re thankful for you—not just in words, but in every beat of our Sanctuary’s heart. Let’s keep serving with joy, supporting each other, and building that legacy together. You make this place magical, and I am so proud to call you family.
With all my love and endless thanks,
Darlene
