What an incredible Veteran’s Day weekend we had at Ironstone Farm! We hosted amazing groups of volunteers, foundations, and veterans, all in honor of the selfless service our veterans have given to us and our country. Each day was filled with the spirit of giving back to those who have given so much.
Thursday
Challenge Unlimited Executive Director, Kerri Whalen, and facilitator Dave McCann, pose for a photo with Greater Lowell Community Foundation, who surprised the nonprofit with a $2,500 check to support their veterans programs
We kicked off the weekend with a visit from Greater Lowell Community Foundation. Dave McCann, who facilitates many of our veterans retreats, led the GLCF team in an At Liberty Demonstration – a bonding activity we perform at every retreat. Their VP of marketing, Jennifer, was such a great sport and made a beautiful connection with our horse, Jessica. They also brought us a surprise $2,500 check to support our Veterans programs. So awesome!
Friday
The North Andover Islanders Hockey Club used their day off from school to volunteer at the farm! They arrived with rakes and leaf blowers in hand to help bag the last of the fall leaves and clean the farm for our upcoming veterans retreat. They were such a fun and enthusiastic group, and we were so honored to have them spend their day off from school with us at Ironstone honoring veterans.
Saturday
We hosted our first group of veterans in our brand-new Retreat Center on Saturday and Sunday. Watching the first group walk into the house was an unforgettable moment for everyone involved. During our Sunday wrap-up, one of the veterans told the facilitators that the farm truly felt like home.
Sunday
Volunteers and supporters came out to represent Ironstone Farm during Run for the Troops annual 5k race! The event raises money for local nonprofits that improve the everyday lives of veterans. We are so grateful to be one of the beneficiaries of this event for the 8th year running. Our veterans programs will continue to thrive thanks to the generosity of all who supported RFTT! Thank you!
Monday
The weekend was wrapped up with one of our veterans, Royal, getting up on a horse and riding independently for the first time. As a double amputee, this was an incredible moment for Royal!
Thank you to our facilitator, Dave, and our team of wonderful staff and volunteers who make moments like this happen every day at Ironstone.
I hope that your Veterans Day weekend captured your passion. I hope that you found your own way to give back to the people and things you value and, most importantly, that you had a chance to spend time with your family and loved ones.
Sincerely,
Kerri Whalen
Executive Director
Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm