[NPI]/Media/0/jpg/2009/1/GoDonate.jpg[/NPI]As the late-breaking rule changes to the Trainer Bowl 2008 presented by Kendalls Western Hats have been announced, there are many very excited individuals whom have come together to help the efforts of this heated competition. Read as Jason Martin and Steve Heckaman explain why they chose their respective charities and representatives from each charity give their thoughts about this unprecedented event.
The NSBA Trainers Crisis Fund is reserved for any NSBA member, or immediate family member, that is a horse trainer by primary occupation, who is able to show financial need arising from a sudden and demonstrable hardship or disaster of a severe and unexpected nature or from serious physical illness. Learn more about the NSBA Trainers Crisis Fund.
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“I chose the NSBA Trainers Crisis Fund as my charity because as the founder, it is something very near and dear to my heart. I have seen first hand the way it can make a difference in someone’s life when they need help the most, much like the way the industry pitched in and supported me through my own crisis. Many trainers, especially young ones, often run their businesses on a tight budget and often inconsistent cash flow prevents them from affording such necessities as health insurance.
Because illness or injury strikes when we least expect it, the Fund can provide some quick short term relief for a trainer or his/her immediate family member, whether they have insurance or not, when they are involved in a demonstrable hardship or disaster. Other great features of the Crisis Fund include provision of financial counseling, clothing or equipment and organization for more fund raising. This fund is only possible through the continued support and generosity of our horse show friends.”
– Steve Heckaman
“NSBA applauds the efforts of GoHorseShow.com as they create public awareness to outstanding charities. The selection of the NSBA Trainers Crisis Fund as Steve Heckaman’s charity of choice is one that has a deep passion and commitment of our association. Founded in 1983 by a group of horse trainers, NSBA has been committed to supporting trainers and their efforts to promote the quality and well being of the pleasure horse .
The Trainers Crisis Fund was established to assist trainers and their families with support and financial aid during times of sudden hardship. Since its inception, the NSBA Crisis Fund has raised over $250,000 and assisted eight families. Steve’s continued efforts to raise money to keep the Crisis Fund growing is his way of showing his gratitude to the outpour of support during his time of need.”
-Dianne Eppers, Director
The National Snaffle Bit Association
The APHA endowed two scholarships in Lynn Simons’ name after his death on December 5, 2005. So far, two deserving young women have been awarded $1,000 each year for their four years of college. Money raised in the Trainer Bowl fund raising efforts will go towards the two existing endowments. If we are able to raise $25,000 or more, it would be enough to set up a third endowment. All donations are tax deductible. Learn more about the APHA Scholarship Fund.
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“I am happy to be able to choose the Lynn Simons Scholarship Foundation as my charity for many reasons. The Simons are our neighbors in Pilot Point and I considered Lynn a great friend. Lynn was instrumental in taking me under his wing when I first moved to Texas and I was always extremely grateful for that. I love Andrea and their daughters, Jana and Sarah, and feel the Trainer Bowl is a wonderful opportunity to memorialize him as he was an exceptional horseman. Additionally, I was the recipient of scholarship money growing up and I believe that people can further and better themselves through scholarships.”
– Jason Martin
“The girls and I are overwhelmed at Jason’s choice of Lynn’s memorial fund. We know that Lynn would be so proud. Lynn always believed that the corner stone of our industry is our youth and in these challenging times the ability to assist a young person to achieve their college education is truly rewarding. Sara, Jana & I would like to thank Jason for choosing Lynn’s fund, words cannot express our gratitude.”
-Andrea Simons
“The American Paint Horse Foundation is honored and privileged to have been selected as the charity of choice by Jason Martin as part of GoHorseShow.com’s ‘Trainer Bowl.’
The efforts by GoHorseShow.com, Jason Martin and the many contributors to this noble effort will go a long way toward helping us build a bright future for our youngsters. Jason could not have picked a better cause than our Foundation’s Lynn Simons Scholarship Fund. Lynn was a man who dedicated his life to making the American Paint Horse breed one of the most popular and respected in the world today. He was a loving husband and father, and was very active in making APHA a great organization. Lynn played a key role in helping a new generation of youth to become involved with horses. These new funds will help us continue his work.”
Jerry Circelli, Director
American Paint Horse Foundation
