Leg Up Farm Blog

Welcome back to Leg Up Farm!

2011-04-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since we updated the blog and a lot has happened here at Leg Up Farm.

We are already providing service to over 300 children and their families since we opened in April of last year. We launched our Animal Assisted Programs last week and it has been great to see children working with the horses in our arena. It is amazing to see the difference we can make right away.

We kicked off our Courage To Dream Capital Campaign and have already raised over $2 million dollars. We are making great progress toward our goal of $5 million dollars and we can get there with your support.

Be sure to check out our new website. www..legupfarm.org A big thank you to CTI Networks for helping us out.

There is more to come and announce so be sure to check back frequently and as always, thank you all for your support!

Grand Opening October 16, 2010

2010-10-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you ALL for making our open house an absolutely amazing event! I cried, I laughed and I cried some more. We had more than 1,500 people in attendance! I truly appreciate all of the work that each of you did for the last 13 years to make this dream a reality. We are already serving more than 300 families and we are making a difference. Many Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1d4Tln5jhU

Rutter's Donates $50,000 to Leg Up Farm

2010-10-26T12:05:00.001-07:00

THANK YOU Rutter's for making a $50,000 contribution to Leg Up Farm. We are so grateful to all of the Rutter's employees for making this genreous gift possible. Rutter’s donation is earmarked for an interactive therapy space called Matthew’s Town. Upon entering Matthew’s Town, children will be magically transported into a safe, realistic, sensory-enriched environment…complete with shops, sidewalks and a large grassy area. This interactive play space will be used to engage children in activities that support achieving their therapeutic and educational goals. If you are interested in exploring creative ways for your business brand to be represented in Matthew's Town, please call Leg Up Farm.

PHOTO: From left, Tim Rutter, President, M&G Realty; Todd Rutter, President, Rutter’s Dairy; Louis J. Castriota Jr., President and CEO, Leg Up Farm; Scott Hartman, President and CEO, Rutter’s Farm Stores.

We Need Your HELP to WIN $250,000!!!

2010-10-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

We need your help to win a $250,000 grant for Leg Up Farm to build the “Rainbow Gardens”. We CAN make this happen together!

Pepsi has up to $1.3 million in Refresh Grants each month and each time a person votes, they help decide which projects receive funding. Leg Up Farm's application made it through Pepsi's judges and was posted on October 1st. We now have 31 days to win the popular vote in the $250,000 category and even though this is a national contest we aren't up against that many organizations.

This is a grass roots, marathon race where the organization who keeps everyone engaged everyday will win the money. I need you to share this on facebook & twitter plus email your friends & family. Ask them to vote everyday in October!

The easiest way to vote seems to be by texting 103318 to phone number 73774.

You can also vote online and see our application at:

www.refresheverything.com/legupfarm

The “Rainbow Gardens” are 24 different gardens all designed to provide fresh-air opportunities to children while providing visual and sensory stimulation, walking paths and increased education about the environment. Our entry had to make it past a team of Pepsi judges in order to qualify and the winners will be chosen by popular vote.

We are only up against a limited number of grant applications, so the organization that rallies everyone will win the money in 30 days. Yes…30 days and we may not have this opportunity again!

Your vote counts and will change a child's life. Thank you!

Leg Up Farm Open House October 16, 2010

2010-09-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

It has taken the efforts of so many people to open the doors of Leg Up Farm and we want you to experience this wonderful place by attending our open house! All are welcome to attend and tour this unique facility created for children! You will have a chance to view our newly completed indoor riding arena/barn, observation area, Matthew's Town, classrooms and therapy rooms all while experiencing breathtaking views of the outdoors from our atrium and terrace.

The day's events begin with a ribbon cutting at 12pm and conclude at 4pm. Some of the festivities include music on the terrace, snacks in the observation area, a meet N' greet with our animals and an opportunity to be one of the first to see the York Traditions Bank facade in Matthew's Town.

I hope your family can join us for a fun afternoon at Leg Up Farm!

Thank You Central Market York!

2010-07-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you Central Market York for raising money for Leg Up Farm! It is nice to know that so many people care about our mission of supporting children. Annette Fisher, operations manager at Central Market York and Dylan Bauer, owner of Chilly Dilly’s, organized a fundraiser for Leg Up Farm at Central Market’s Family Fun Day, held on Saturday, May 22. After the photo was snapped we tasted some of the yummy raspberry frozen yogurt at Chilly Dilly's and it was AWESOME! Sooo much great food at the Central Market!

Moxie Awards Annual Grant To Leg Up Farm

2010-07-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU MOXIE!!!

Moxie is a full service advertising and communications firm and they will help Leg Up Farm to create promotional materials and collateral to brand our organization. We are in great need of these services becuase all of our current materials were created prior to opening the facility.

We are so excited to work with the Moxie team to create marketing materials that will help us to reach families in need of our services!

Check out the press release on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/MoxieDM?ref=ts

I continue to be grateful for all of the wonderful people that live in our community. This is another example of a business giving back and it makes me smile!

Leg up Farm featured on abc 27 News

2010-07-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! The past few weeks have been extremely busy here at Leg Up Farm. We recently completed the official Leg Up Farm sign in front of the facility. It looks great! In addition to the new sign, we were recently featured on abc 27 News. We would like to thank Dara Rees for covering the story. She did a great job explaining what Leg Up Farm is all about. Check out the story by clicking on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2tw30s3PlQ

Have a fun and safe 4th of July weekend!

Leg Up Farm was chosen as the benefactor of the 2010 York Revolution Golf Tournament on August 16th

2010-06-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

TOURNAMENT DETAILS
Monday, August 16, 2010
Check-In - 10:00 am
Tee Off - 11:30 am
Post Tournament Party
Directly after play
About the Course:
Heritage Hills
Golf Resort & Conference Center
2700 Mount Rose Ave, York, PA 17402
Playing Format:
Scramble - Captains’ Choice. All players will
play at least 9 holes with a Revolution coach,
player, or representative. Be ready to shoot
for longest ball, closest to pin, etc. Prizes to
be awarded for best team, team who has
most fun, and on the course
skills competition.
On the Course:
Boxed lunch and complimentary soda/water
After Party:
Featuring complimentary beverages and
great food. Raffle & Silent Auction - great
sports memorabilia, dinners, getaways, etc.
Immediately following in Windows on the
Green Terrace.

For more information contact John Gibson at (717) 801-4491 or jgibson@yorkrevolution.com

Leg Up Farm Featured on Central Penn Parent's Magazine

2010-06-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

Central Penn Parent's Capabilities focused an article on Leg Up Farm on page 12. Brooke was so excited to see herself on the cover of this magazine and of course it made me cry as I read it to her!

http://www.pageturnpro.com/Central-Penn-Parent/15608-Capabilities-Summer-2010/index.html#/1

Riding Arena Construction Almost Complete!

2010-06-09T09:30:00.002-07:00

Riding Arena Construction Almost Complete!

2010-06-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Leg Up Farm Receives Approval by the York County Capital Campaign Review Association

2010-06-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

Leg Up Farm received approval by the York County Capital Campaign Review Association to conduct a $5 million Capital Campaign from April 1, 2011 to July 31, 2011. The money will be used toward several essential projects within Leg Up Farm. These include the completion of the main building, an interactive community center, Matthew’s Town and the Rainbow Gardens.

The money raised for the main therapy building will help contribute to therapy equipment. Funds going to the interactive community center will provide 10 classrooms, a greenhouse, and a therapy pool. All proceeds going to Matthew’s Town will help create a highly functional model town used for children to engage in activities that support their individual therapy goals. Contributions to the Rainbow Gardens will provide an opportunity for children to have recreation and exercise while increasing their respect for the environment. The gardens are also designed to provide fresh-air opportunities to the children for sensory therapy.

We are very excited to start the Capital Campaign and your contributions will directly improve the lives of thousands of children. Please become our partner and help us complete the final stages of this first-of-its-kind therapy center for special needs children!

Leg Up Farm Open House with special guests…Bean and Kim Woodworth

2010-05-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

Leg Up Farm is hosting an open house event on May 22nd at 10am.
Come see childrens author Kim Woodworth and have an opportunity to tour our brand new facility!

Hey kids, stop by on May 22nd and also have the chance to meet "Bean" Leg Up Farm's therapy dog!

Family Fun Day at Central Market

2010-05-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 22nd

Join us as we celebrate families
and “fresh local flavor” with the
York community. Activities are
free to the public and are
scheduled from 10am
to 3pm, including:
• Dunk tank
• Ice cream eating contest at 12pm
• Face painting and kids crafts
• Balloon Lady
• Petting zoo
• Live music by Tall in the Saddle
• Raffle - 100% of proceeds benefit Leg Up Farm

FREE PARKING
is available on Saturdays during
Market Hours (6:00am – 3:00pm)
in the Philadelphia and Beaver
Street Garage.

LEG UP FARM WELCOMES THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS

2010-05-05T11:59:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce the arrival of Kathy Parks King, Travis L. Miller and James T. Morton to the Leg Up team.

Kathy Parks King brings more than 30 years experience both as an educator and as a committed and well-known community volunteer. Born in raised in York County, she is a graduate of York Suburban High School, Millersville University and earned her Master’s in School Administration at Western Maryland University. King was an elementary education teacher locally within the Southern and Southeastern school districts; taught in a gifted and talented program in Palm Springs, CA., and oversaw the development of a curriculum for Kids Country School, which she owned and operated for 10 years and which was licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Over the years, she has been actively involved with the York Symphony Orchestra, the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, Focus on Our Future, the Victim Assistance Center and Parents Anonymous. She is a former board member of the York YWCA, past chair of the York Day Nursery and currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for the York County SPCA.

Travis L. Miller is a sales, marketing and digital media executive with Comcast. He currently manages a $4 million budget, leads a staff of more than 6 and is responsible for employee retention, development and performance management. He has a decade of experience within the media world and served as general manager and assistant promotions manager at WVYC Radio in York where he supervised 16, handled promotions and events and grew grant funding nine-fold in the course of one year. As an account executive at WHP CBS 21 in Harrisburg, he developed marketing campaigns utilizing Clear Channel Radio, television, event and internet assets and chaired an annual charity fundraising event. And he served as a national sales manager at WBFF Fox 45 in Baltimore where he led the station to first place position for new business revenue in all of Sinclair Broadcasting.

James Morton is a founder and Senior Partner at Principia Partners, an industrial business consulting firm with extensive experience in materials and related manufactured goods. Jim has more than 20 years of consulting experience and has conducted and directed numerous assignments on market and sales strategies, acquisition and divestiture analyses. He has specialized in assisting Fortune 500 clients with their market-entry planning, product repositioning and pricing strategies. He assists his clients with strategic and market planning advice by careful analysis and identification of global opportunities for growth.

Morton and his wife, Christina, in 1998 opened Children First Learning Center, Inc. in York Township. Their dream, much like Leg Up Farm, involves putting the needs of children first. Recognizing that parents desire high-quality, safe, nurturing care for their children, the Center is designed to exceed these expectations. Jim and Christina are very proud to have been in the forefront of obtaining Keystone Star 4 Status and to have earned Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

We are proud to have you three on board here at Leg Up and we appreciate all of your support!

2009... What a Year for Leg Up Farm!

2009-12-23T10:21:00.001-08:00

I just bought my last holiday gift, I took a deep breath and had a moment to reflect upon 2009! What an amazing year it has been for Leg Up Farm. This year more than any year in the past, I learned to appreciate the talents and generosity of so many people! Just think for a moment about the people you interact with in a day. We often take for granted how important every person is in our community and how we need each other to live our lives.

At the beginning of the year we worked on drawings, permits and approvals. I walked the property, dreaming and enjoying the beauty of this special place, envisioning what it would soon be. In august we broke ground. Site work followed, then stone, then concrete and paving, then framing, windows and shingles. Grand opening in 2010 here we come!

Thanks to ALL for giving me a wonderful year, for standing by my side when Leg Up Farm was only a possibility and for your generosity which will impact children for many years to come!

As I read with my daughter Brooke last night, we came across this beautiful quote. Enjoy!

"One hundred years from now it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much I had in my bank account, or what my clothes looked like. But one hundred years from now the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child".

Anonymous

Thank You B.R. Kreider!!!

2009-10-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you B.R. Kreider for working through the night in the cold on October 14th to finish our road work!

Penn DOT requires that paving for the season be completed by October 15th and of course there was rain in the forecast for that final day of work. It was quite an amazing scene in front of Leg Up Farm on Wednesday night! The entire road was lit up for more than a 1,000 feet, so the B.R. Kreider team could continue to work after nightfall. They had a huge crew of people, paving equipment, rollers and dump trucks full of hot asphalt.

I have come to appreciate the skill and expertise of the B.R. Kreider family over the last few months. I have received many comments from the community and witnessed first-hand the caring way that they have completed the work at Leg Up Farm. Their people are always friendly, willing to help and conscious of meeting our budget goals!

Every day I feel more and more blessed by the people that I have come to know and that have touched Leg Up Farm in some way. What a great community we live in!

THANKS AGAIN B.R. KREIDER!

"Old Fashion Hymn Sing"

2009-10-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Leg Up Farm is truly blessed to have Starview United Church of Christ as our neighbor. The entire church community has been so wonderful to us and a giant help during our groundbreaking celebration. I just found out that they are now having an "Old Fashion Hymn Sing" where they will take a donation for Leg Up Farm.

Here are the details:

The community is invited to attend an "Old Fashion Hymn Sing" on Sunday October 18 at 6:30 PM at Starview United Church of Christ, 4832 North Sherman Street, Mount Wolf, PA 17347. A free will offering will be gathered and donated to the Leg Up Farm.

Come out and join the fun!

Welcome to the Leg Up Farm Blog!

2009-09-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

After many years, Leg Up Farm is under construction and will be open in 2010 to help the children in our community! Check our blog for updates on construction and communication about our programs and services!

Hello Everyone!

2009-09-25T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hi! I wanted to introduce myself, since you will be hearing from me often with updates about Leg Up Farm. My name is Lou "Louie" Castriota Jr. and I am the founder of Leg Up Farm. My story begins 12 years ago because I wanted to give something back to the community by creating a therapeutic riding center. Not long after that vision, my daughter Brooke was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease at the age of one year old. Through my own personal experience and learning of the challenges by other parents, Leg Up Farm grew into a complete developmental and therapeutic center for children with special needs. We will bring together many different types of therapy services in a unique, fun, child friendly environment.

Brooke is now 13 years old and helped me to put a shovel in the ground on September 10, 2009 officially celebrating groundbreaking! What a feeling! I am so grateful for the many, many people who helped to make this day possible.

TODAY we had a construction meeting where we began to select the exterior colors of the building and I watched as the masons began to lay block for the foundation! I had a huge smile on my face and laughed happily. Now the FUN begins!