Winslow hosts 31st annual gala

WARWICK-It will be "An Evening Filled With Stars" as Winslow Therapeutic Riding hosts its 31st annual gala Saturday night at the group's state of the art facility on Route 17A. The night will include entertainment by a country western band, dinner, dancing, an auction, a Hippotherapy demonstration, and a performance by Winslow's Quadrille team. If you have walked around downtown Warwick lately you may have noticed the unique cowboy boots in merchants' windows. The boots were donated by many in the community, then were painted and decorated by a group of local artists. They will be auctioned on Saturday night at the gala. Virginia Mazza, emeritus executive director of Winslow, will be honored at the event with a "Winslow Award." "The Winslow Award honors an individual or organization whose value and concern for human life — eloquently demonstrated through their leadership, accomplishments and commitment — serves as an inspiration to others," said Jaime Phillips, Winslow's public relations coordinator. "It expresses thanks to an outstanding leader or organization whose efforts on behalf of the physically, mentally, and/or emotionally challenged, help maintain this society's commitment to the dignity and rights of every child, woman, and man among us." About 150 people come to Winslow each week for therapeutic riding, whether it is because of a temporary condition or for a child with a developmental disorder that will be part of his or her life forever. And it is not just kids — Winslow riders range in age from 5 to 93 years of age. These are Winslow's stars. Winslow has been part of the Warwick community for 31 years, providing an atmosphere of peace and safety for children and adults in need. Many of those who utilize Winslow's facilities and services do so on scholarship. Winslow is run primarily on grants and donations. This year, 500 participants in the 18th annual Tour de Goshen raised $20,000 for Winslow. The annual Orange County Championship Open Tennis Tournament, which was presented by Warwick Valley Racquet Sports, benefited Winslow this year. So, dust off those boots, shine up your diamonds and break out that denim. The cocktail hour starts at 6:30 p.m. and there are still a limited number of tickets available. "We encourage you, the community, to support this great cause," said Phillips. For more information, call Winslow at 986-6686 or log on to www.winslow.org.