Harbor Kitchen will host a fundraiser on Sunday to benefit the Pony Up Rescue for Equines.
Pony Up is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Olalla that rescues horses who live in deplorable conditions. The hope is to rehabilitate the animals and offer them a better life.
“I really believe strongly in helping the horses,” Harbor Kitchen owner Cherri Dreyling said. “It’s devastating seeing them being rejected and thrown away due to economic issues. People are in horror when they see this happening to dogs. Why isn’t it equally disturbing when they see it with horses?”
The fundraiser, at 8809 N. Harborview Drive, Suite 203, in Gig Harbor, will feature live music with Brazilian guitarist Bill Whitcomb, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a chance to meet Pony Up volunteers and supporters.
Rosemary Collins, Pony Up’s president, grew up in the area and has spent her life around horses.
“I can’t remember a time when my family didn’t have horses,” she said. “I’ve been privately rescuing horses for years. I have a real love for horses, and when I see that they’re not being cared for, I want them to have something better.”
Collins said her first rescue was when she was a teenager.
“There was a horse down the street that was not being cared for, and, finally, I got the owner to release it to me,” she said.
At the time, Collins had no idea how her heartfelt hobby would grow. Four years ago, she started Pony Up to raise funds for other rescue operations in the area.
Collins acquired more property to take care of additional animals about a year ago, and she obtained the non-profit designation last spring.
She is past president of the Lower Puget Sound Dressage Club, a volunteer organization which supports the interests of equestrians in the Puget Sound.
Collins has an active relationship with the Kitsap Humane Society, and she’s worked with other volunteers to get a barn built for KHS to accommodate horses.
Pony Up has about 10 volunteers and focuses on giving abused or poorly-cared-for horses a second chance.
“Horses that were a luxury are now discarded items,” Collins said. “We’re not a sanctuary. They get immediate medical attention and care until they’re well enough to re-home.
“We have several horses that are now in useful careers that were in deadly situations,” she added. “Now they’re being used and loved as show horses.”
Collins tries to make sure the horses are placed in proper homes. Taking care of the large animals is not a low-cost operation, she said.
“It is costly to rehab,” Collins said. “Before we place a horse with somebody that will be riding them, they’re taken to a professional rider to see if they have any issues under the saddle.
“We want to make sure the horses have proper placement.”
Harbor Kitchen’s fall fundraiser will benefit the Pony Up Rescue for Equines.
Those who wish to donate goods for the silent auction can drop them off at Harbor Kitchen, 8809 N. Harborview Drive, Suite 203 in Gig Harbor.
The auction will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at Harbor Kitchen. Tickets are $18 per person, sold in advance only, via Paypal, cash or check.
For more information or for tickets, e-mail info@ponyuprescue.com.
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