Southern Redhead Farms Rescue, Inc., a Bronson, Florida, based 501(c)(3) horse rescue organization, will host a fundraiser on Saturday, June 23 in Ponte Vedra Beach to help the nonprofit pay for feed, veterinary services and other operating costs.
Although the organization’s farm is located near Gainesville, the fundraiser will take place at a home in Marsh Landing. The goal of the event is to raise funds to help Southern Redhead Farms, which costs thousands of dollars to run, continue to save horses from unhealthy, underkept conditions. The fundraiser will kick off at 6 p.m. at 113 Teal Pointe Lane.
Owner/operator Dr. Susan Spivey launched the nonprofit after learning about kill pens, a term used to describe pens where slaughter-bound horses are auctioned off. Subsequently, she began rescuing horses and taking care of them at her farm.
"Next thing I know I had 11 of them," said Spivey. "I told my husband, 'We need to start a 501(c)(3) charity.' We started on that path, registering with the state and last year we got our 501(c)(3) status from the IRS to become a full-fledged charity."
Spivey said her mission is to "rescue, rehabilitate and rehome" the farm’s 32-horse population, which would likely be headed to the slaughter house without the charity.
"We are to the point now that some of the first ones that are here are now getting ready to actually go into the rehoming status and adoption," she said. "I have a trainer that comes and helps me train the little ones and then retrain those that just need some touch ups."
According to Spivey, the rescue's feed bill — including hay — costs $5,000 to $6,000 per month. Additionally, the farm needs funds to help with veterinary fees, the cost of maintaining the facility and other expenses.
The fundraiser in Marsh Landing will feature raffle prizes, including a weekend Cedar Key getaway. Spivey noted that her team is currently getting other prizes that can be raffled off in a silent auction or presented in a basket.
For more information on the event and to RSVP, contact Kim Seals at kim.stclair1@gmail.com or call (904) 547-0939.
