From the January 10, 2002 edition of The Wayne Herald:
Eagles club donates to Rainbow Riders program
The Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Riding Program has been awarded a $1,000 grant by Wayne Eagle's Club Auxiliary #3757.
The grant, given by the Jimmy Durante Foundation, must be used for children under age 18. Rainbow Riders will use the grant riding equipment and tack for its younger riders plus provide scholarship funds for those young riders who would not otherwise be able to afford to participate. If needed, an additional pony will be purchased for the program.
The Wayne Eagles Aerie and Auxiliary were instituted May 1, 1977 with the motto, "People Helping People."
National charities supported include the Golden Eagle Fund, Max Baer Hear Fund, Art Ehrmann Cancer Fund, Jimmy Durante Children's fund, City of Hope, Kidney and Diabetes Funds.
Since being instituted, the Wayne Eagles have obtained numerous grants for the Wayne Library Foundation, Wakefield, Carroll and Winside libraries, Region IV, Wayne Senior Citizens and the Providence Medical Center.
Rainbow Riders serves disabled children and adults of all ages in Northeast Nebraska.
Equine activities are used as a form of therapy to achieve physical, psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication goals for people with physical, mental and psychological impairments as well as to provide the individual with skills in the sport chosen (such as riding, driving or vaulting). The horse is a strong motivator for accomplishing these goals.
Therapeutic riding may be used as a recreation and leisure experience for disabled riders.
The emphasis is on an enjoyable and relaxing experience that provides additional therapeutic benefits in the areas of socialization, posture, mobility and an overall improved quality of life.
Rainbow Riders will begin its 11th year of operation this spring. Plans are currently underway for an annual fundraiser. Volunteers are needed for the program, fundraisers, and many other aspects of the program.
