FROM TINA HALBERT
NOAH FOUNDATION/NEW HOPE ACADEMY
What happens when three local non-profits join forces to help children and adults with autism? A rodeo! The idea of bringing a fundraising rodeo to Prattville was born when Jeremy Smith of Deep South Rodeo Productions contacted Tina Halbert of The Noah Foundation/New Hope Academy about helping local children.
“COVID had shut down our annual fundraiser for the past three years,” said Halbert. “This was the perfect opportunity to move forward and involve two other local non-profits with whom we work closely. That way, we can reach out and help even more families. The proceeds from this rodeo will be split among The Noah Foundation, Savannah’s Hope and The Prattville YMCA Field of Dreams. It’s really an amazing thing! Our children and adults with autism and other special needs require specialized programs that allow them to thrive in our communities. This is exactly what our three non-profits offer.”
The Noah Foundation/New Hope Academy offers educational support, job training, financial support and resources for families with special needs, while Savannah’s Hope is working on building an independent housing community for differently abled adults. The Field of Dreams offers an incredible sports program for children and adults with special needs. “We are very fortunate to be able to serve so many families in our local communities by having these three non-profits work together,” Halbert said.
While raising awareness and acceptance of those with differing abilities, the rodeo is taking into consideration the sensory needs of those with autism by offering a “Cowboy Day” on Saturday, April 29th starting at 10:00 a.m. at Mac Gray Park Fairgrounds in Prattville. Instead of having a normal noisy “shoot out” program for the children who attend, the cowboys will be interacting with the kids and doing some cool riding. The vendors will be set up, and everyone is encouraged to wear their cowboy gear and enjoy a fun time. New Hope Academy will have some activities for the kids, and there is no charge for admittance. It will last until 3:00 p.m.
The rodeo will be held at Mac Gray Park Fairgrounds in Prattville. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday nights. Mutton Bustin’ starts at 6:30 p.m. and sign-ups are at the rodeo. The rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m. A raffle will take place during the rodeo on Saturday night. Tickets will be available at the rodeo, and you don’t have to be present to win. There are still some volunteer openings for both nights. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Tina @ 334-399-1520. Donations for this wonderful cause can be sent to giving@thenoahfoundation.org through PayPal or @thenoahfoundation through Venmo.
