Community Corner

Buckingham Girl Turns Sweet 16 into Fundraiser

In lieu of gifts, CB East student Isabella Schmidt has asked friends and family attending her birthday party to donate money to the Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy program.

A Sweet 16 party can sometimes have the potential to devolve into an uncomfortable mess of tears and angry shouting over the inadequacy of presents.

Through a selfless act of charity, Isabella Schmidt has guaranteed guests at hey party Saturday night won't have to witness such a scene.

Instead of receiving gifts from the approximately 90 friends and family members expected to attend, the CB East student has asked for donations to the Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy program.

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"Volunteerism is one of those things that runs in the family," said Isabella. "My mom is involved with a lot different groups. I just wanted to se the opportunity to do good for someone else.

Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy is a Malvern-based non-profit that provides horseback riding sessions, or equine-facillitated therapy, to childen and adults with physical, mental or emotional disabilities. The time with the animals builds balance and motor skills, plus a feeling of self-sufficiency and responsibility when they care for the horses.

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Isabella hopes the donated money will help children with autism come to love ridinghorses as much as she does. She climbed a top her first horse when she was three-years-old and has not stopped. Isabella rides regularly at Duncraven Stables in Titusville, N.J., and has participated in shows and competitions.

Though she may be graduating from four legs to four wheels, that does not mean Isabella will leave the saddles and stables behind.

"This is way more than a hobby for me," she said. "This something I want to do for the rest of my life."


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