|  | The Round-Up Gala is the annual fundraising event hosted by River Valley Riders to benefit the families we serve. The evening includes inspiring videos of our riders and drivers, delicious buffet dinner, live and silent auctions featuring over 100 unique items, live entertainment, and updates on the impact of our programming and future expansion plans with the opportunity to donate to make year-round programming available to our participants! Join us on Saturday, November 22nd as we gather together at the DoubleTree by Hilton Saint Paul East (near I-94 and McKnight Road) for an inspiring evening! Event Schedule: 5:00pm- Silent auction, cash bar and live music by Gary LaRue singing the hits of the Rat Pack era and other easy listening classics
6:00pm- Dinner followed by program, Fund-The-Vision, Ears & Tails game and auction check-out Buffet Choices: - Baked Walleye with Cranberry Maple Chutney
- Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
- Potato and Caramelized Onion Pierogies (Vegetarian)
- Garlic Rosemary Roasted Red Potato
- Roasted Vegetable Medley
Please note any dietary restrictions. Get Your Individual Dinner Ticket for $100 or Reserve a Table for Eight for $750! Tickets include salad, buffet selection, and dessert. After November 8th, ticket prices increase to
$125 per person. Last year the event sold out! |
| | | | Round-Up Gala Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities The Round-Up Gala is a special and entertaining event that supports River Valley Riders' participants and horses. Corporate sponsorship of this fundraising event can expand your business' impact and make a difference – not only in others' lives but in your own as well! We understand that the needs of each company are unique and we are happy to customize a benefits package to help your team meet its marketing and philanthropic goals. RVR is committed to developing and facilitating mutually beneficial corporate partnerships for the betterment of the people that we serve. You will help people with special needs build self-confidence, strengthen their bodies, improve their balance and develop meaningful relationships. |
| | Still Accepting Round-Up Auction Items! We are requesting donations of unique and exciting auction items for River Valley Riders’ Round-Up Gala. The names of supporting individuals and businesses will be featured during the event, in the online auction, on our website and in our annual report. For more information, please take a look at our Auction Item Letter/Form or contact us at info@rivervalleyriders.org. We respectfully request donations by October 31st. We’re always grateful for donations such as restaurant gift cards, wine or liquor, sporting event tickets, golf outings, themed baskets or other unique experiences. |
|  | Thanks to everyone who donated to the 2025 Walk-Wheel & Ride-A-Thon! |
| The 2025 Walk-Wheel and Ride-A-Thon celebrated River Valley Riders' 26 years of creating a supportive community where people with special needs connect with horses and experience life-changing benefits! This annual event raises funds to support our programming, and to help the families of our riders and drivers by keeping our services affordable and accessible. Our generous supporters have helped us to not only meet, but surpass our goal this year, bringing in $55,546! Thank you to everyone who gave! The results are in, and the herd has spoken- or rather, munched! 🥕 This year’s friendly fundraising competition among the RVR-owned horses wrapped up with Arvid and Annie crowned as the champions*. To celebrate their victory, top human fundraisers and riding program participants Christian and Delaney had the honor of presenting the winners with some well-deserved carrots. The smiles from both horses and riders said it all: when our community comes together in support of RVR, everyone is a winner. We are so grateful to all who donated, cheered, and joined in the fun of this year’s Walk-Wheel and Ride-A-Thon! *Ever the dignified statesman, Winston reminded the herd that character, not carrots, is the true prize. |
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| | |  | Hello RVR participants and supporters! We've been busy with the programming of our 2025 season, but I want to ensure that the work of 2024 isn't forgotten! Last year saw River Valley Riders' largest number of programming hours (2,259) as well as the most riders and drivers (151) ever participating! This, of course, resulted in the greatest number of lives impacted by this wonderful organization. We are so proud of the work done by our volunteers, our staff, our instructors, our horses, and most importantly, our participants! Please enjoy reading our 2024 Annual Report and thank you so much for being a part of the RVR Family! Best regards,
Cheryl Holt
Executive Director
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| | Horsepower: Fueled by Volunteers! |
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| At River Valley Riders, our volunteers are the heartbeat of every lesson, trail ride, and smile. Each newsletter, we’re excited to introduce you to one of the incredible people who give their time, energy, and love to make RVR’s mission possible. Q&A with Morgan Nodsle What inspired you to start volunteering with River Valley Riders? “I have loved horses since I was little. My mom had a friend who ran a therapeutic riding program close to where I grew up. I wanted to volunteer so bad, but you had to be sixteen, and I was fourteen or fifteen. When I moved to the cities six years ago, I Googled places like that. I signed up for volunteer training, and there you go!” How did you hear about the organization? |
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| “Just Google! I looked for equine-assisted riding places near me!” What have you enjoyed most so far about volunteering? “The community of all the volunteers and the riders - getting to see them every year. I’m working with a rider right now [whom I] haven’t worked with in a couple of years… it’s really fun to see the riders grow and [to see] their skills develop. Also, making new friends with the volunteers. I go climbing with [another] volunteer. It’s fun to see everybody every week. It’s a built-in hang out time.” What stands out to you about the RVR community? “It was the closest one to me! I love it because it's well organized. They continue to educate their riders and volunteers every week. Instructors are always willing to teach you or support you. I really love that aspect.” What are you most excited to experience or learn as you continue? “Well, ever since I was younger I had a dream that I would be the owner or the director of a riding [facility]. I've seen another volunteer become an instructor, so maybe becoming an instructor could be something I do in the future!” What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering for the first time? “RVR is an amazing organization to volunteer with. If you’re thinking about it, do it. It’s so much fun, and RVR can teach you anything you don’t know. If you're not super confident about horses, or working with riders, the instructors do a great job of making sure everybody feels confident and comfortable. And, it can be a really good workout!” How do you think our participants will benefit from year-round lessons following the completion of the facility in the Phase 3 expansion? “It's been really cool to see the progress from the visions that they had. I think it’s going to be amazing to have the programs year-round, because then riders can continue to see benefits in their physical, mental, and emotional health. Volunteers can continue to see each other - it’ll be fun to have everybody here. With the Phase 3 expansion, there’s more opportunity for horses to live at RVR. Right now, most of the horses are volunteers. It’ll be really cool to have a place for the horses inside and outside!” |
| Morgan was interviewed by another great volunteer, Rowan Hilden, Hamline University Intern. Thanks Rowan! |
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| Our mission is to create a supportive community where people with special needs connect with horses and experience life-changing benefits. River Valley Riders (EIN# 41-1949447) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with support from individuals, foundations and corporations. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Financial statements will be provided upon request. |
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| River Valley Riders
8362 Tamarack Village Suite 119-440 Woodbury, Minnesota 55125 |
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