Villager Ralph Flood has performed such exemplary volunteer work for Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, the organization had to dust off its Dreamer Award to say thank you.
He was awarded the prestigious honor May 30 at the annual awards banquet presented by MTRA, an organization which offers therapeutic horse riding for children with autism, stroke victims and those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, among others.
Flood, a Village of Duval resident from Hudson Valley, N.Y., grew up as a “farm kid.” He enjoyed a long career as a special education teacher.
Like so many Villagers, he sought out volunteer opportunities to make his retirement more fulfilling. He and his wife, Connie, both volunteer at MTRA.
Flood has only been volunteering at MTRA since September, but has done so much the organization decided it had to pay appreciation in a special way, hence the Dreamer Award.
In addition to putting in 250 hours working with children and the horses, he held a garage sale at his Villages home and raised $2,500 to help fund the therapeutic program.
“I say thank you to them. The program just fills my heart back up,” Flood said.
The Dreamer Award had not been awarded by the organization for several years. Ruth Sonneville of the Villager of Santo Domingo was also saluted for her 250 hours of volunteer service.
Her grandson Robert Karl, 17, has excelled through MTRA programs leading him to medal at Special Olympics in equestrian events.
“This is a great program that helps people in such special ways,” Sonneville said. “It has helped him in so many ways.”
Her grandson, who has struggled with a host of issues such as learning disabilities, was named MTRA’s Youth Ride of the Year.
Other Villagers honored at the MTRA event included Lois Madden of the Village of Sunset Pointe, Ellie Wright of the Village of Calumet Grove and Ron Diprima of the Village of Caroline.
MTRA Executive Director Laurie Bruun said volunteers are always needed. To volunteer call (352) 732-7300.
