HELP US REBUILD!

Saturday April 3, 2021 Equine Rescue of Aiken suffered a severe loss. The heart of our rescue caught fire and all that is left is remnants of what used to be our beloved barn. Saturday evening our farm staff finished feeding and had left for the day 15 minutes before a large explosion was heard. Board member Debbie Rhodes heard the explosion and ran to the barn. We had Whistle in a stall being medically treated for a severe wound on his muzzle. Debbie was able to get Whistle out of the barn, but he still sustained heat burns to his back. Whistle's injuries were cared for by Performance Equine Vets. He is has recovered from the fire injuries but his initial muzzle wounds continue to need treatment. The barn, and everything in it, was lost in the fire. The barn was the hub for our operation housing our office, medical supplies, records, tack and feed for our 60+ horses. We remain in good spirits, but this is a huge loss for Equine Rescue of Aiken as well as future rescues as this setback has caused us to regroup.

Rebuilding the "Heart" of the Rescue.

We have developed plans for a 4,600 sq. ft. barn. Plans include a 6 stall barn with 2 medical stalls, turn-out paddocks with lean-to, an office/meeting room, a covered entry and breezeway.

The Rescue is one of the largest horse rescues in the southeast, rehoming more than 1,400 equines. Often referred to as "a hidden gem of Aiken", we have an average of 2,500 visitors each year. We host several programs for community groups, military, veterans and children where our horses impact lives.

When the fire destroyed over $450,000 in buildings and property, it destroyed our ability to continue many programs which required a classroom setting. It also destroyed our ability to received those horses requiring a stall for medical care. Turning away the types of horses that needed us the most.

Our initial goal is to raise $290,000 to rebuild the barn. There are two opportunities to help with the rebuilding. Please note that 100% of your donation to our BUILD A BARN will be used for building the barn.

1. By making a donation to BUILD A BARN or

2. Purchasing an ENGRAVED BRICK

Commemorative, engraved bricks will pave the entry and line the aisle of the new barn. Commemorative, engraved Black Sugar Tiles will be placed permanently, on either side of the entry door to the barn, welcoming everyone who visits the Rescue.

BUILD A BARN DONATIONS:

Paypal: donate@aikenequinerescue@gmail.com

Venmo: @aikenequinerescue

By Mail/Drop Off; Aiken Equine Rescue 532 Glenwood Drive Aiken, SC 29803

Or use the DONATE Button below.

Our Tax-Identification number is 20-5162723

Engraved Brick Fund Raiser

Engrave your family name or business/organization, honor a loved one, or recognize family and friends with a commemorative brick or tile.

Personalize your own brick or tile and choose from hundreds of clip art or, add your own logo or clip art.

Ready to order? Please click on "FIND OUT MORE" below.

ENGRAVED BRICK

BUILD A BARN - NAMING OPPORTUNITIES

BUILD A BARN DONATIONS - Naming Opportunities

Our plan includes 6 stalls and 2 medical stalls to accommodate the at-risk horses requiring a higher level of care. The building will include an office/operation room. The plan will enable us to accept horses that we have had to previously turn down due to the lack of stall space.

We are offering Naming Opportunities that continues your legacy to your commitment to the people and horses we serve. Naming Opportunity gifts will allow the donor(s) to name that space or structure. Contributions greater than $1,000 will be recognized on a centralized, highly visible donor plaque recognizing the barn is made possible through their generosity. Please contact us to confirm your designation at aikenequinerescue@gmail.com.

HELP US REBUILD

EDUCATION CENTER

Due to the large number of clinics, training sessions and community programs such as PonyPals, our plan includes a separate Education Center to at as a gathering place. Our Veterans' programs, PonyPals as well as hosting Animal Control and Veterinarian continuing education programs will be conducted in this space.

FRONT AND BACK ELEVATIONS

A 20' x 40' covered entrance will be paved with the ENGRAVED BRICKS available from our ENGRAVED BRICK FUNDRAISER website. Each brick, personalized by friends of the Rescue commemorating a tribute, special occasion or loved one. On each side of the entry doors, the Black Sugar Wall Tiles will greet everyone who comes to the Rescue. Black Sugar Wall Tiles are an option on our ENGRAVED BRICK FUNDRAISER website.

SIDE ELEVATIONS

We are excited about the barn plan as it will allow us to expand stalls to larger double stalls for horses needing more room to rehabilitate.