Dear Friends, Family and Collegues,

For four years, I have raised money for a very special riding program for disabled children and adults called "Equicenter." The program is near and dear to my heart for how it helped my son Willie gain confidence in dealing with a very scary world through the mind of a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Will gained trust in people, by being able to bond with and ride two very special horses -- Charlie and Doc. He also learned how to cope with people he did not know, in uncertain situations. When he was with the horses, he somehow felt safe. And it was the safety net of horses, that helped him to learn to deal with people.

   I have always set a fund-raising goal of $1,000 for Equicenter, but last year was able to raise over $3,000 due to the generosity of people like you who know how important it is to support these-types of private, not-for-profit programs that help make the world a better place.

   One in 150 children are diagnosed with autism, and two out of three are boys -- including my son, Willie, who has learned how to laugh, how to trust, and how to bond due to the caring people and horses at Equicenter.

   Please considering sponsoring me and Buddy, as we ride to raise money in a Trail-Trial event on June 7, 2009, for this very special program with its very special people and horses who know how to bring out the best in very special children and adults.

With heart-felt sincerity and gratitude,

Ellen Smith

P.S. to read more about Equicenter, see their corporate sponsors, watch videos of their program, go to: www.Equicenterny.org. Equicenter is a 501(c)(3) organization (Tax exempt number 237834) and participates in corporate matching. It receives funding from The United Way of Greater Rochester.