photography by Becca Rillo, Cyndi Hardy and Gary Choppe

God knows you don't choose your purpose in life; purpose always chooses you.
Over 18 years ago, I was led to Carousel Ranch, a local nonprofit organization that provides equestrian therapy to special-needs children and young adults. Back then, they were small but so mighty. It was clear that there was much work to do behind the scenes to make this organization's dreams of a permanent home for their unique "therapy on horseback" a reality. "Dreams" are a language I am fluent in - and behind the scenes is my favorite place to be. It was a match, I'm certain, that was made in Heaven.
They needed a signature fundraiser - and I needed a way to make a real, tangible difference. I dreamt up Heart of the West in great detail and I set some pretty big goals for that inaugural event because the kids of Carousel Ranch inspiring me were the most extraordinary goal-getters I have ever encountered. Knowing them changed me - and I knew that everyone would feel the same way if we could get the masses to our event.
I worked to levels of great discomfort in elements that I am not a fan of. I am, however, a huge fan of Carousel Ranch and would do anything necessary to exceed my goals for them - even becoming one with the dirt, sun and great outdoors.
With a massive amount of help from almost every person I have ever met, we surpassed those goals - and then some. So, the bar was raised and we all just kept striving. Directors Becky and Denise, the staff and volunteers at Carousel Ranch were - and remain - the hardest working people I've ever had the privilege to sweat with. They are also the only people I'd want to travel this path alongside.
When I think about it, I was really just following the lead of our kids for all those years - setting and achieving goals on repeat is the Carousel Ranch kids' way. I knew how blessed I was to be part of so many miracles just by my association with Carousel Ranch.
The words on my heart were always, "My cup runneth over."
Heart of the West was my "baby" back then - my contribution and small piece of the puzzle. To see it thriving and to see Carousel Ranch as you see it now - it's just the most breathtaking sight these eyes will never tire of. Seeing one of my actual babies - our Caynen, who has autism - on the back of one of Carousel's magnificent therapy horses, flanked by gifted instructors who are also some of my favorite people... "blessed" is an understatement.
Because of my years at Carousel Ranch, I know how to recognize a miracle and I get to be witness to them every single day as I see and hear Caynen do things he was never "supposed" to do.
Life has shaken me, changed me and refined me in ways that I could have never dreamed up.
"My cup runneth over" in ways that cannot be contained. Thank you, Santa Clarita, for showing up year after year and making dreams a reality. Thank you for your unwavering love and support for our kids and young adults. You are and have always been the Heart of the West.


Please Join Us for Celebrating Heart of the West at Home
When I created Heart of the West so many years ago, I never expected that we'd be hosting it in your home and online in 2020. But like Carousel Ranch itself, HOTW is adaptive to the needs of its community. I hope you will join us on Saturday, August 29, for an online and in-person experience that will raise your spirits - and essential funds for this essential organization. For more information and tickets, log on. carouselranch.org