Posted by on Monday August 18th, 2008

Meet the 2008 Award Recipients

The Feather Fund Committee had a tough time this year.  Applicants poured in, more than ever.  After much debate, two applicants were chosen to recieve assistance puchasing their ponies!

One pony will be awarded to sister and brother, Bethany and Travis Ward of Elkton, MD.  They applied together after losing a horse they had leased for a summer a few years back. They are two of eight children in a family of 10 that is active in 4-H.  They show their chickens and rabbits at their local fair and take part in many other 4-H activities. “We are totally responsible for our own animals,” they wrote. “I (Bethany) have six chickens, five cats, and three goldfish. I (Travis) have two rabbits, a lizard and a dog.” They wrote about their experiences in 4-H, saying “Together, we gave a speech on ducks and chickens. We would show our pony in the fair and put him in the pretty animal contest. We would also make a display on our pony project and put that in the fair” They added, “We always loved the Misty books and dream of owning a horse like Misty. The feel of the wind in your face, what a dream!” This summer, their dream will come true.

Nathan Turrell of North Norwich, NY originally applied for Gideon, a special award pony that was donated to the Feather Fund by the Buyback Babes this past fall.  The special award foal was announced on this website and at 4-H events and clubs and applications poured in. Kasey Enright of MD won the foal, but Nathan was so close in the committee’s mind, that they chose to award a summer foal to him. Nathan wrote in his application, I’ve been saving for a horse for two years. There is a lady that lives across the street that is on oxygen so I carry her groceries every week and she gives me a dollar.” Nathan shows sheep and chickens at his local fair and takes riding lessons. He hopes to one day become a large animal vet. “I really love horses,” he wrote, “just like Paul and Maureen Beebe did.” Nathan has competed in 4-H in Horse Bowl, Hippology, and done horse presentations, making it to the state level in all three. He attended the auction in 2007 with the hope of purchasing a pony, but he did not have enough money saved.  This year he will be taking a pony foal home.

Congratulations to Bethany, Travis and Nathan! We can't wait to meet you on the island and help ou make your pony wishes come true!  You will know the Feather Fund children by the feathers they hold high at the auction, bidding on their dream ponies.

 

C