Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center (GMTRC), a therapeutic riding center for children and adults with special needs located on Hartman Station Road in Lancaster, held its inaugural virtual fundraiser on Jan. 16. Called "Garman Builders Presents the 'Mane' Event Virtual Gala," the event was broadcast live at http://www.greystonemanortrc.org from the Chestnut Hill Villa in Manheim. It featured prerecorded videos of clients and their stories, visits with the therapeutic services horses, and volunteer highlights. The full live presentation is still available for viewing on the aforementioned website.

Through sponsorship from Garman Builders, Thrivent, and Deer Country Lawn & Farm Inc.; a gift from Kissel Valley Farm; and individual gifts and bids on auction items, the organization raised $47,000, exceeding its goal of raising $40,000 for its 40th anniversary.

The "Mane" Event gala is usually held in person at Bent Creek Country Club every fall, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GMTRC recreated the structure of the event so that all supporters and those interested in learning about the mission could be involved. GMTRC plans to hold this fundraiser in person again in October 2021.

For 40 years, GMTRC has been offering therapeutic riding lessons and equine-assisted learning to children and adults with special needs. Clients' diagnoses vary widely and include Down syndrome, neurological injuries, autism, depression, and anxiety. GMTRC's therapeutic riding program aids clients in overcoming some of the challenges associated with their diagnoses with the help of 12 specially trained horses and ponies. readers may learn more by visiting the aforementioned website.