SALISBURY — A local therapeutic horsemanship and counseling center, Saving Grace Farm, has been given a large, anonymous donation in memory of Lillie Edwards.
Scholarships will be awarded from the fund to children with and without special needs that would like the opportunity to learn horsemanship skills or receive therapeutic sessions.
Edwards, 6, had a congenital heart defect and died in January.
As many know, Lillie loved animals. Dogs and cats were the most well-known receivers of her affection, but her love also included horses.
The fund’s anonymous donor said Lillie collected Breyer horses and was thrilled with the opportunity to ride. This friend had planned to register Lillie for riding lessons at Saving Grace Farm later this year.
The donor asks that Lillie not be forgotten and that money in the fund be used to allow children with special needs or a special love of animals the opportunity to participate.
Lillie herself had some history with Saving Grace Farm. Her father, Tripp Edwards, has performed at Saving Grace Farm events in the past. Lillie sang right along with her father’s band at these fundraisers.
“She was a hit,” said Janna Griggs, the farm’s program director. “I remember enjoying watching her and her friend dancing in front of the bands. And when she sang with her daddy, everyone listened with a smile on their face. Such a cutie. She will be missed at the farm.”
Liz Edwards, Lillie’s mother, has approved of publicizing the fund and was very grateful to the donor for creating this in her honor.
“Lillie never let anything hold her back from having every day be her ‘best day ever!’ ” Liz Edwards said.
It is the hope of the organization that many children will have lots of “best days ever” at Saving Grace Farm, with the help of this fund.
The scholarships provided by the fund will allow children the opportunity to participate in the organization’s programs regardless of financial circumstances. Families can apply any time and if they meet simple qualifications, they will be awarded assistance.
Scholarship applicants should contact Griggs, the program director, to set up an appointment to visit the farm.
Saving Grace Farm is a nonprofit organization, located near Ellis Crossroads, that provides therapeutic horsemanship and counseling services to people with special needs, disabilities, youth at-risk, veterans, seniors, those who have experienced trauma, etc. These programs are therapeutic and empowering recreational activities open to people from all walks of life.
The farm also offers standard riding lessons throughout the year.
Contributions can be made to Saving Grace Farm, 565 Trexler Loop, Salisbury, NC 28144. Please note Lillie in the correspondence or memo line.
Contact the program director at janna@savinggracefarm.com, or 704-638-2339.