Holiday thank-you

     It has been said that no greater satisfaction can be realized than aiding a person in need.  When that need occurs for a disabled child, this can take on an even more significant meaning.  Many APHA members and their families revealed unparalleled generosity recently at the Oklahoma Holiday Classic Paint-O-Rama during the Chili Cook-Off fundraiser.  They were crucial in the fundraising efforts for the APHA Challenged Riders Fund and St. Jude Children's Hospital, and for that they deserve recognition and sincere gratitude.
   
     To you who had any involvement, THANK YOU for your participation in this endeavor and being actively involved in helping these special children as they discover "new lessons in love" by learning the joy of horses, more especially American Paint Horses.  Through the creativeness of Kevin Hardcastle and so many others involved in this outstanding horse show, and with the support of Trigg Renfro of APHA, plus the folks involved with CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International), more than $12,500 was raised for charity on New Years' Eve.  The silent auction, the chili cook-off entry fees, coupled with the auction of the chili-judges' chairs major strides were accomplished toward these precious "Challenged Riders" future.
   
     Again, individuals' hard work and dedication to serving others has transformed into making a difference in the lives of others and continues to remind us of the outstanding, unselfish character so often reflected by APHA members and staff.  Their efforts, and those of all the sponsors of the CASI Chili Cook-Off and the Holiday Classic Horse Show Fundraiser, were remarkable and should receive many congratulations and words of appreciation.
   
     A very wise person, Sister May Rose McGeady, is quoted as once saying,     

"There is no greater joy or greater reward than
     to make a fundamental difference in someone's life."
      S0 many of you have done just that!
submitted by: Preston and Susie Shaw
Parsons, Tennessee 

as printed in the
Paint Horse Journal
April 2008
   "From our Readers"
page 10