RTT Campaign Message from the Co-Chairs

Although I’ve had Multiple Sclerosis for 27 years, it wasn’t until it took a turn for the worse that I needed to find an alternative form of exercise. Riding a bike, going for long walks, playing softball, even swimming (because of the heat of the pool), were no longer available to me.

A friend, familiar with RTT, suggested I take up horseback riding again, which I enjoyed in my teens. From my first day at RTT, I had a feeling of wellness that I had not felt in years. Instead of the very slow pace of my declining gait, I was now moving at the pace of the horse, I was not falling behind nor tripping. I could not remember the last time I had moved so fast.

How does one explain to a disabled child on a beautiful day in the middle of winter that he or she cannot ride? Our clients want to ride because it makes them feel good, proud of their accomplishments and they get to spend time with one of their big friends. With an indoor arena at the RTT farm, every day will be a good day to ride.

Message From Co-Chairs

Join Us In Supporting RTT’s Capital Campaign

Marianne McGettigan, Client, Board Member & Campaign Co-Chair
	Although I’ve had Multiple Sclerosis for 27 years, it wasn’t until it took a turn for the worse that I needed to find an alternative form of exercise. Riding a bike, going for long walks, playing softball, even swimming (because of the heat of the pool), were no longer available to me. A friend, familiar with RTT, suggested I take up horseback riding again, which I enjoyed in my teens. From my first day at RTT, I had a feeling of wellness that I had not felt in years. Instead of the very slow pace of my declining gait, I was now moving at the pace of the horse, I was not falling behind nor tripping. I could not remember the last time I had moved so fast. How does one explain to a disabled child on a beautiful day in the middle of winter that he or she cannot ride? Our clients want to ride because it makes them feel good, proud of their accomplishments and they get to spend time with one of their big friends. With an indoor arena at the RTT farm, every day will be a good day to ride.

Michael Fralich, Board Member, Volunteer & Campaign Co-Chair
	I have been an educator for twenty years and a horse person all my life. The work that I do at RTT combines the two passions of my life. The joy that I feel when working with clients springs from not only sharing my passion with others but from the joy that flows back to me from those individuals I am privileged to work with. Having a facility that allows this exchange to take place year-round in any weather just makes sense. The business of RTT should be able to operate as any other business would, with uninterrupted service to our clients. Building an indoor arena is the logical, and essential next step in RTT’s journey.

The Capital Campaign is being led by Co-Chairs Michael Fralich and Marianne McGettigan with a terrific group of volunteers. The Campaign Committee has been working in tandem with the Building Committee which has been hard at work designing and overseeing our facility plans. Both committees are made up of parents, volunteers and friends of RTT with specific areas of expertise to assist in the Campaign. The RTT Board is grateful to the following individuals who have served this effort by providing collective and thoughtful leadership and giving invaluable assistance in planning and organization. If you would like to assist with the campaign effort, please contact Tory Dietel Hopps, Campaign Director at torydh@ridingtothetop.org or 892-2813 x13.



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