From the Heartland Haven Foundation
The Heartland Haven Foundation invites you to its 2nd Annual Fall Festival Fundraiser, "Harvesting Hope," a family-friendly event dedicated to mental wellness and the healing power of equine therapy. Join us on Saturday, November 9th, from 11 AM to 4 PM at Heartland Haven in Apopka, FL, for a day filled with fun, music, games, and community spirit – all in support of mental health and equine-assisted wellness programs.
With free admission and parking, the Fall Festival is designed to bring together families, friends, and supporters for a memorable day on the farm. From live performances to activities for all ages, this festival celebrates our community's strength and resilience. Every activity, from the Kid Play Zone and artisanal vendors to the raffles and mechanical bull rides, helps to further Heartland Haven’s mission to provide equine-assisted programs and resources to those in need.
Event Highlights:
- Meet Heartland’s Healing Horses: Connect with our therapy horses, each with a unique story of rescue and rehabilitation, and experience the magic they bring to our healing programs.
- Live Music by Jordan Mohr & Faith Alene: Enjoy captivating performances that blend folk and country, echoing the Heartland Haven mission of wellness and community.
- Fun Activities: From testing your skills on the mechanical bull to exploring handcrafted items from local artisans and vendors, there’s something for everyone! Don’t miss the raffle baskets and 50/50 cash raffle for a chance to win exciting prizes.
- Kid Zone: Sponsored by Ladies 327, Inc., the Kid Zone will feature a bounce house, a craft corner, face painting, and more.
- Delicious Food Trucks & Heartland Merchandise: Sample delicious bites and pick up exclusive Heartland merchandise to remember your day while supporting a great cause.
- Special Featured Guests: Heartland Haven is delighted to partner with fellow nonprofits for this special day. The C.A.R.E. Foundation and Snuggle Bunny Baby Therapy will be joining us, bringing their unique animal ambassadors, including exotic animals and cuddly bunnies, for kids and adults alike to enjoy.
We’re also honored to welcome Dog Mayor Asher, who chose Heartland Haven as his charity to sponsor during his re-election campaign earlier this year. Asher’s motto, “Paws working hard for Apopka,” reflects his dedication to advocating for the animals of Apopka. Through his work, Asher promotes increased emotional and physical support for our first responders and contributes to efforts to reduce crime and substance abuse in our community.
Together, we’re expanding the reach of hope, healing, and support to every corner of our community.
Shining a Light on Caregiver Awareness
This year’s festival also honors the caregivers within our community—unsung heroes who play an essential role in mental health and wellness. The festival aims to raise awareness about caregiver mental health and provide a day of recognition, self-care, and community appreciation.
Festival proceeds will benefit Heartland Haven Foundation, enabling us to continue offering transformative equine-partnered wellness sessions to those seeking mental health support, personal growth, and healing opportunities. Heartland Haven Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ladies 327, Inc., DJ’s Giving Back, BBM Structural Engineers, A&Z Outdoor Trees & More, Veith Engineering & Business Solutions, and Merrill - The Burke Cox Group for their generous sponsorship and support.
Join us for this unique celebration of community, healing, and hope – where everyone is invited to experience the beauty of equine therapy and make a difference!
Event Details:
Date: November 9, 2024
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
Location: 590 N. Lake Pleasant Rd., Apopka, FL 32712
Admission: Free
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, including our special animal guests, please note that no outside pets are permitted on the farm. This policy helps protect the well-being of our therapy horses and featured animals from the C.A.R.E. Foundation and Snuggle Bunny Baby Therapy, ensuring they can interact comfortably with visitors throughout the day. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in making this a safe event for everyone!
To support Heartland Haven Foundation’s mission, we kindly suggest a $5 donation per person upon entry. This contribution helps us continue offering equine-assisted therapy and wellness programs for those in need.
Help Us Harvest Hope: Contributions to the Fall Festival
Help make our Fall Festival a success by donating any amount ($100+) to support this wonderful community event. Your contribution will go toward sponsoring the festival as well as H3’s wellness programs, which focus on caregiver awareness for this event and the incredible work of our once-rescued, now-therapy horses. With your permission, we’d be honored to spotlight your generosity in H3’s Year-End newsletter!
Your generosity makes a difference, and every dollar goes directly toward creating a meaningful impact in our community. Thank you for helping us Harvest Hope together!
For more information on the event, visit https://heartlandhavenfoundation.org/fall-festival/ or contact Carissa Burlakos at cburlakos@heartlandhavenfoundation.org.
About Heartland Haven Foundation
Heartland Haven Foundation, located in Apopka, FL, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to mental wellness and personal growth through equine-assisted therapy and learning. Our programs support mental health and literacy development, rescuing and rehabilitating horses who partner with us in bringing hope and healing to our community.
