“Whoa-Down” raises $4,000 for Equine Eden Rescue Center

With Old West gunfighters, horses, hay bales and live music — it was a real western “Whoa-Down” Saturday night at the Ak-Chin Community Center. The evening was a benefit to raise funds for the Equine Eden Rescue Center, and, thanks to overwhelming support from local businesses, it was a huge success, raising over $4,000 for the cause.

“I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of all the businesses and people who donated to help the horses,” said Belinda Clifford, founder of Equine Eden. “It does my spirit good to know I live in a community with such a large heart.”

Dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment for abused and unwanted horses, the center is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and operates on a very slim budget. “We collect old cell phones, cell phone batteries and laser and inkjet cartridges to recycle for cash in order to buy feed for the horses,” says Clifford. “So far, recycling printing cartridges has paid for over 3,000 pounds of food.”

“With the monies raised we can start looking at getting the best prices for some shade; this summer has been brutal on the horses,” Clifford explained. “We have shade for the special needs horses, but the others are out there day in and day out in this searing heat.”

“When you see these horses – you see her heart,” volunteer Pat Smith says of Clifford. “You also see my pocketbook,” Clifford quips. Clifford has funded much of the center’s rescue efforts with her own money, the limited funds she earns from raising Appaloosa and Arabian/Appaloosa cross horses.

Belinda Clifford (left) with rescued horse Missy and volunteer Pat Smith with Bo.

Volunteer Maryeileen Flanagan managed the silent auction tables and t-shirt sales.

Maryeileen Flanagan, who refers to herself as “just a support person,” says she provides mostly moral support for Clifford but “helps in any other way she can.” She explains, “Belinda knows she can call me in the middle of the night… and whatever she needs, she can ask for.” Flanagan, who operates Rainfire Stables, a breeding ranch that is home to 18 horses, has also sponsored and boarded rescue horses for Clifford. “I wish I could do more,” she says. “What is especially amazing about what Belinda and her entire Board of Directors do for these horses,” notes Flanagan, “is how much they do with the budget they have.”

The horses that Clifford brings to the center arrive with various issues. Most suffer from illness or abuse and neglect. Clifford’s passion is rehabilitating them. Bo, who was in attendance at the Whoa-Down, suffers from Cushing’s disease. Clifford was able to find an herbal treatment for the horse, which now enjoys a much better quality of life. “Maricopa is really blessed to have a true rescue center like this one,” says Flanagan. “Equine Eden is the real McCoy, and the horses there are true rescue horses.”

Clifford extended heartfelt thanks to everyone that supports the center. “Who would have known that so many people could care so much for horses that they don’t even know,” she said.

“Katy Creek and the Ace High Gunfighters did a great job of entertaining the people,” said Clifford. “And the Ak-Chin Community really saved us by allowing us to use their Community Center at the last minute.”

The Ace High Gunfighters staged Old West-style shootouts for “Whoa-Down” guests.

Event guests listened for their names to be called as winners of one of the many raffle prizes.

After the raffle guests enjoyed live music performed by Katy Creek.

The horses weren’t the only winners that evening. Event guests walked away with various prizes, including gift certificates, gift baskets, artwork and rounds of golf. “It was a wonderful event,” remarked guest Christina Karins. “My three-year-old loves horses — he calls them ‘Yee-Haws.’ The whole family had a great time!”

“We still need a lot of help,” said Smith. “These horses are so loveable; it’s a really great feeling to interact with them.”

Clifford says any donation of time or money is always welcome, adding, “Equine Eden has been blessed by having the greatest bunch of volunteers any organization could have. I love them all!”