Moms, magical healing horses, cops and kids all benefit from the March Dyer Difference Award
It’s hard to dispute the magic healing powers of animals to help treat a multitude of physical and emotional conditions. Since the late 1700s, animal-assisted therapy has grown in both acceptance and use, and here on the Treasure Coast, one need look no further than Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast to see the magic at work for more than 170 individuals of all ages and levels of ability who find personal achievement, gain confidence, and experience joy and a deep sense of wellbeing in a safe and stimulating environment with the help of the healing powers of a horse. The March Dyer Difference Award in Indian River County recognized Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast and celebrated its programs, including Adaptive Riding, Dementia Support, Horse-Powered Reading, Riding Beyond Diagnosis, and Horsemanship, all programs which help individuals connect in a healing way with themselves and with the magnificent creatures who seem to offer love with no expectations or exception to everyone they meet.
Dyer Mazda chose to support Care Net of Indian River County, an organization committed to providing compassionate help and practical support for those facing unplanned pregnancies and post-abortion care. Even if she’s dreamed of having a family since she was a small girl, a positive pregnancy test isn’t always the joyful moment a woman dreams it will be. Often, the news can feel overwhelming, especially when a woman doesn’t feel like she has the necessary support to handle the monumental responsibility pregnancy and motherhood entail. Care Net client advocates are well-trained, dedicated, and understanding advocates who are equipped to assist women throughout the journey of pregnancy and parenting without judgment.
In St. Lucie County, the Dyer Difference Committee has a tall order to fill helping to support the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office in their efforts to support a host of other organizations through their 38th Annual St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Golf Tournament. Funds raised by the annual tournament, which is scheduled for May 2nd at St. Lucie Trail Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, will be helping Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches and Community Youth Development Programs, non-profit organizations which assist residents and support community initiatives, and families of Sheriff’s Deputies who may be in need. The tournament, which will mark its 40th anniversary in 2027, was started by Sheriff Bobby Knowles to help develop empowered young men and women who face life with a sense of direction, ability, and hope. Since its inception, it has made a difference for more than 186,000 children and families.
The Dyer Difference Award is all about celebrating the beauty and kindness in our midst. For the Dyer family and the members of the Dyer staff, the award and the typical $6,000 in donations made monthly between the St. Lucie and Indian River Counties are all about helping to make a positive difference in the community. This month’s additional $3,000 award helps the community even more, and it wouldn’t be possible without the loyalty of Dyer’s customers who support their community just as strongly as they do in their Dyer family of dealerships. For the recipients, it’s an acknowledgement of their tireless efforts to do the same and a much-needed financial boost to help further their missions. If you’d like to nominate a non-profit organization for the Dyer Difference Award, please visit www.dyerdifference.org or find Dyer Difference on Facebook.
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email news@indianrivermedia.com.