Who We Are
We are Helping Horse, Inc. a 501c(3) non-profit organization. We serve those with physical, mental and social special needs. Our students come to us for many different reasons. Some physically benefit through riding by engaging important muscles. Some find peace and comfort in building emotional connections with our horses and team. And some learn confidence and self-reliance. We've had many first words spoken during our lessons!
Our mission centers on serving our 75 students. We do this through the power of horses and our amazing team of volunteers and instructors. Helping Horse provides both mounted and unmounted programs for participants based on their needs. Additionally, this Spring we will be launching an unmounted wellness program for first responders and veterans. Today we have 13 horses on our Wendell farm, 13 instructors and over 150 volunteers actively engaged. But we cannot do this alone; our services depend on support from the community. Fundraisers help offset the cost of operations.
Our Spring Gala, Unbridled Hope: Dare to Dream is an important step in that effort. Our goal is to raise $100,000 for our program's future. You are a necessary part of that effort! There are several ways you can participate: buy a ticket to the Gala, become a Gala sponsor, bid on silent auction items, select a special horse or student to sponsor, or make a direct donation.
Thank you for being such an important part of our Helping Horse community!
Silent Auction Frequently Asked Questions
When does bidding start?
Bidding will begin on Friday, April 7 2023 promptly at 9 a.m. If you have already registered, you can bid as soon as the auction starts. If you haven't registered yet, create an account using the button above.
How do I bid?
You can bid on any item with your computer, smartphone, or via text message!
Auto-Bid Option: You can also have GiveSmart (our platform) automatically bid for you--up to a designated amount--by selecting the Auto Bid tab. Enter your highest bid amount and we'll increase your bid as needed to keep you winning until your amount is reached! You will receive a text notification when you have been outbid at your highest amount entered.
On Your Phone: Click the blue link in your welcome text message (from when you registered) and it will take you to your personal bidding page. Click on an item you would like to bid on. If you do not have the text message, go to the auction's webpage, log in, and begin bidding!
Via Text Messages: Text the item number and amount you would like to bid. No dollar signs ($) needed. Example: "102 300" then press send. You placed a $300 bid on item number 102.
How will I know if I'm outbid?
If you are outbid, you will receive an email and a text message notification if you opted in to receiving text message notifications. You will know as soon as you are outbid and can immediately go back to your item and bid on it again. This feature is active for every item in the auction.
When does bidding end?
All bidding will end on Saturday, April 15 2023 at 11:30 p.m. No bids will be accepted after the bidding deadline.
How will I pay for my items?
When the auction closes, you can check out by selecting the Pay option at the top of the screen. Our system is secure and will process your payment. If you wish to complete payment using another method, please contact Kitty Sarosy via phone (614-406-9929) or email [email protected] to coordinate your payment.
How will I get my items when I win?
When the auction ends, you will be contacted by a Helping Horse Therapeutic Programs volunteer between April 17 - 24th to setup a way for you to get your items. Items can be picked up at Helping Horse's Wendell farm or they can be shipped directly to you (shipping charges may apply).