Proceeds Benefit

The Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Holyoke, Massachusetts, empowers children and adults with physical, emotional, and developmental needs to live their best lives. Through a range of individually designed, equine-assisted programs, lessons, and recreational activities, TEC enhances the bodies, minds, and spirits of riders, creating a stronger, more compassionate and inclusive community in which every member is encouraged and able to thrive.

 At TEC, we understand that each of our student’s needs and abilities are different, so we design therapeutic programs that are unique to each rider’s experience and expectations. Each of our lessons is limited in size so that students receive individual attention from their instructor.

This kind of compassionate approach has big benefits:

Physically:
The horse’s movement has a dynamic effect on the rider’s body.

Sensorially:
The horse and riding environment offer a wide variety of input to participants.

Emotionally:
Overcoming fear and anxiety and learning new riding skills help increase riders’ self-esteem.

Cognitively:
The horse acts as a strong motivator for riders. Riding sessions incorporate activities and games on horseback designed to help each rider achieve specific goals.

Socially:
Our riding program and activities provide an excellent opportunity for participants to interact with their peers, program volunteers, and staff in a positive and enjoyable environment.

Learn more by visiting: www.tecriders.org

2022 proceeds will benefit the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round. The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round is a beloved fixture in the local community. For generations, families have enjoyed riding the carousel, and it has become a cherished part of many people's childhood memories. The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round is located in Holyoke Heritage State Park – managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Inside the pavilion, the carousel is comprised of 48 magnificent horses hand-carved by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company: 16 standers on the outside row that are stationary, 14 jumpers in the middle row, 18 standers and jumpers in the inner row and 2 chariots. The Merry-Go-Round features 56 original scenic panels, 864 brightly colored lights and 98 beveled mirrors. We encourage you to stop in and take a ride on one of Holyoke's historic treasures.

The Greater Holyoke YMCA has proudly served the community since 1886. The world’s second most played sport – volleyball – was invented in 1895 at the Greater Holyoke YMCA by William Morgan.

Here is a detailed history of Volleyball’s creation at the Greater Holyoke YMCA, the role of William Morgan and the role of YMCAs in general in the spread of volleyball.

The Greater Holyoke Y was first located at the corner of Appleton and High Streets in downtown Holyoke. The site included a gym and rooms for rent. Unfortunately the building was lost to fire in 1943.

In 1950, a second building was completed at the corner of Appleton and Beech streets, also downtown. This has been our home ever since. The Y has significantly expanded the site’s original footprint twice, most recently adding our beautiful 25-yard 8 lane pool.

2019 proceeds benefited the children’s museum of Holyoke.  The Holyoke Bar Association donated $12,500.00 to the Museum which resulted in a beautiful new exhibit which was dedicated on October 11, 2019.

The Children’s Museum at Holyoke is dedicated to its mission to enhance the educational and cultural awareness of all children through the arts, the sciences, and the world around them. The Museum features participatory exhibits that invite interaction and programs which promote learning and self-discovery.

The funds raised from the 2019 Holyoke Bar Association Golf Tournament will be put towards the purchase of a new exhibit at the Museum called “Draw Alive,” created by Breeze Creative.

Draw Alive allows children and adults to color creatures and figures and watch them come to life in a giant wall sized environment. Unique every time, this interactive lets visitors explore their creativity and then share it with everyone around. Draw Alive brings together the digital and physical world in a way that will entice all age groups.

Check it out!

Video from Breeze Creative