Buckaroo Ball For Harmony Farms Is Smash Hit

By  //  June 10, 2013

PHILANTHROPY & STYLE

ABOVE VIDEO: Harmony Farms was selected a Central Florida Humanitarian organization last year. The riders at Harmony Farms range in age from a four-year-old autistic boy to an 87-year-old lady suffering the ravages of stroke. Referred by physicians or therapists, they are coping with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — The Buckaroo Ball, a Country Western-themed fundraising event to benefit Harmony Farms was a big success, raising important funds for the therapeutic riding program.

Harmony Farms volunteer, Dakota Hanson and Pam Roganl
Harmony Farms volunteer, Dakota Hanson and Pam Rogan. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

“This event was the official kick off to our relocation project for Harmony Farms,” said Pam Rogan, Executive Director and Founder of Harmony Farms.

“Not only did we raise a considerable amount of money, but the exposure to our program and our project was wonderful. People liked what they saw and they want to be a part of the future of Harmony Farms. We will benefit from this event in so many ways.

“Sometimes change is good and at the 2013 Buckaroo Ball, change was great. The new venue, new menu and new events seem to be the magic combination,” said Rogan

SUPER RELOCATION AND EXPANSION COMING SOON

Relocation plans are looming on the horizon as Harmony Farms, through a generous donation of land from Duda and The Viera Company, will be relocating and finally realize their dream of a new, larger facility.

RIDERS AT HARMONY FARMS are coping with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis and stroke. “Horses give legs to riders who can’t move their legs,” said Pam Rogan, founder of Harmony Farms. (Image for Space Coast Medicne & Active Living)
RIDERS AT HARMONY FARMS are coping with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis and stroke. “Horses give legs to riders who can’t move their legs,” said Pam Rogan, founder of Harmony Farms. (Image for Space Coast Medicne & Active Living)

Harmony Farms, Inc. is a volunteer-based charity, providing equine assisted therapy for disabled individuals of all ages, dedicated to improving their quality of life. A member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PathIntl), the center is located in the town of Rockledge in East Central Florida.

COUNTY LINE  NEW LOCATION 

The Buckaroo Ball was held at a new venue this year – The County Line Saloon, where the event was more casual and interactive than in previous years. The event included a BBQ buffet by Charlie and Jakes restaurant, a mechanical bull riding competition, music by the Just Us band, celebrity cow pokes, dancing and fundraising activities.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the fundraiser at the County Line Saloon,” said Robert Dean Friedman.

“Between the horse race and the bull riding, it was great to see so many contribute so much. Hats off to the Duda Family. That gift for the auction of a Runaway Country Music Fest Guitar was a smash too. Sweet.”

Katie Pallone, Beth Courtney and Teri Stone
LEFT TO RIGHT: Katie Pallone, Beth Courtney and Teri Stone. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

To make the evening an even more resounding success, the Duda Family and the Viera Company, jointly donated an additional $10,000 for the Harmony Farms relocation project.

“Yippee Kye Yay,” said Carey Beam. “I think we can safely say that the 2013 Buckaroo Ball was a huge success.

Carol Craig showed good form on the mechanical bull (image for Space Coast Daily)
Carol Craig sponsored the event through her company Craig Technologies and Craig also showed how its done on the mechanical bull. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

“We tried a lot of new things this year and had a lot of new faces. The Duda presentation really helped to set the tone for a fun and exciting fundraiser like none other. The feedback from the guests has been overwhelmingly positive.”

A ground-breaking for the new facility is anticipated this summer, which will allow Harmony farms to expand their current programs, add new curriculum and hopefully eliminate their extensive client waiting list.

For the past 21 years, Harmony Farms has provided numerous services to the community including therapeutic riding, a veteran’s program as well as outreach in the community for nursing, occupational therapy and veterinary technician programs at local colleges.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT HARMONY FARMS

 

Twice a year, on her birthday and at Christmas, Pam Rogan would ask for a horse. The Brooklyn girl didn’t get her wish…until she moved to Brevard County and created Harmony Farms, a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization that enhances the quality of life of disabled individuals through interaction with horses.
Twice a year, on her birthday and at Christmas, Pam Rogan would ask for a horse. The Brooklyn girl didn’t get her wish…until she moved to Brevard County and created Harmony Farms, a not-for-profit, volunteer-based organization that enhances the quality of life of disabled individuals through interaction with horses.