Brighter Future Fund Donation Helping Injured Veterans

July 21, 2009

“Horses for Heroes” Program Made Possible with Grant

Erie County Executive Chris Collins created the Brighter Future Fund in February, 2008.  The County Executive agreed to work for $1 a month until the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority moved to advisory status.  Collins donated the rest of his salary to deserving not for profit agencies through Brighter Future Fund grants.

One Brighter Future Fund grant for $2,000 went to the Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center in East Aurora, to bring the “Horses for Heroes” program to Western New York.  This six week program provides therapy for injured soldiers and veterans through horseback riding.  VA Western New York Healthcare System’s Recreational Therapy Program also partnered in this effort.

Erie County Executive Chris Collins said, “We cannot do enough to thank the men and women who serve our Country.  I’m grateful this Brighter Future Fund grant is able to help some of our local veterans heal.”

Kathryn Tyrrell of the Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center said, “We’re happy to be able to provide this service to our local veterans.  Pairing veterans with horses has been shown to provide physical and emotional benefits.”

Iraq War veteran Michael Hauser, and Vietnam Veteran Kenneth Berger received riding lessons today during the press conference.

Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center was established in 1983 to provide horse back riding opportunities for individuals of all ages with mental, physical, emotional and learning disabilities.  They serve more than 175 individuals annually.

In all, the Brighter Future Fund donated more than $183,000 before the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority voted unanimously to become an advisory board June 2, 2009.