NOVEMBER 1997 BACK ISSUE
Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 11/1/97; 10:00:00 AM.
1997 Wishing Star Gallop
This year's Production Numbers had to be one of the most memorable happenings that day. Professional singer April Vogel appeared on stage singing a powerful song - "Remember Me This Way." As soon as she began to sing, the sheer white drapes lit up and slowly opened while a misty blue fog lingered. Through the mist appeared a black Arabian gelding pulling an antique buggy driven by Jerry Allen and owned by Dale Brannon of Spokane. As the buggy passed through the drawn drapes and into the view of the audience, one could see through the mist the most precious young man waving to the crowds. A voice announced, "Ladies & Gentlemen, please welcome our 1997 Ambassador of Good Will for Wishing Star Gallop, 11-year-old Chris Taylor." As the buggy reached the stage, this handsome wish child was escorted from the buggy onto the stage as April continued singing. Chris took hold of April's hand, a breathtaking moment caught in time's web.Later, April returned to the stage with several Wishing Star Children following her. She sat down on a chair at center stage and the children encircled her; she began to sing "Point Of Light." The children listened for a moment and then joined her on the chorus. More children came onto the stage to join the singing chorus. The words to the song were perfect and touched the hearts of those listening. Upon completion of the number, April spoke on the importance of Wishing Star's mission for its children, the appreciated support of all who came, and the importance of "reaching for goals", despite the limited time for many Wishing Star children. Following those words, she sang the well known song, "Reach." The stage was filled with the area talent of April Vogel, Barbara Turner, wish families, Gallop committee people, Janet Gorman and April Vogel's Childrens' Choir. At the end of the song, there was a new twist - all the performers moved and danced steps choreographed and taught by Barb and Jake Turner the night before at dress rehearsal. Everyone on stage came through in great poise! This performance was one of the many highlights that signify the quality of the Gallop, and its prestige in the Northwest!
Before the start of the auction, Gallop Coordinator Barbara Turner delivered an inspiring tribute to Gallop volunteers, a wish child, stallion owners, one of her auctioneers, and several stallions who have passed away over the past fifteen years of the Gallop event. Then, as Barbara sang "Gone Too Soon," two ten-foot video screens rolled footage of those remembered in tribute. The enraptured audience watched and their hearts reached out to Barb as they watched her compelling tribute to honor those, once so involved with Gallop, who have passed away. One could see how hard it was for her to get through her presentation, yet how beautiful her actions were executed and performed! Moved with emotion, they watched her sing with composure, dedication, respect and love in a tribute for those being seen on the screens. Another unforgettable memory...
In addition to the Big "D" Blankets being auctioned, this year's event also offered other non-stallion service items for auction. For many years now, in his compassion for Wishing Star's children, Patrick Swazye has been autographing a personal message on one of his posters, making it a collector's item for some lucky person's home. When asked, he's never said "no." This past year, he again autographed another one upon the request of Barb Turner for a wish child (a big fan of his) who is fighting for her life - a familiar Gallop participant - Taffani Turner. Patrick Swazye's poster, artistically framed by Pacific Flyway Gallery, captivated many spectators and bidders. He had signed a personal message for the highest bidder, and it sold for $525 to Irene Mote of Spokane, WA. Southwest Airlines donated two round trip tickets for anywhere in the U.S. The tickets were purchased by Bill and Kim Behrens of LaCenter, WA for $650. We've been told they're heading to the Quarter Horse Congress. For the first time, Allied Cedar Products donated a beautiful western red cedar Gazebo, retailing over $900. Forest Vanwert and Linda Hokenson were instrumental in making this Gazebo possible for the auction. It was purchased by a very excited Nancy Mull of Cheney, WA for $750. John & Joyce Wing of Wing's Fencing and Fabrication once again donated a free standing, heavy duty, fourteen gauge, galvanized 12x12 paneled corral with a superbull gate. It sold for $500 to Jenny Cheatham of Athol, ID. Al Randall of Pine Rock Marketing - in cooperation with Professional Choice Sports Medicine Products, Super Sweats, Ortho-Flex, Vita Flex, Rio Vista, and Lexington Safety Products - donated a complete trainer's package which was bought by Sandra Ruchert of Valleyford, WA for $300. Gary Johnson of Iron Horse Construction donated a stall door, ironed framed with solid steel bars, tongue & groove, hasa fir and larch lumber. It sold for $175 to Jenny Cheatham of Athol, ID. Wishing Star would like to thank Patrick Swayze, Allied Cedar Products, Forest Vanwert, Linda Hokenson, Southwest Airlines, John & Joyce Wing, Al Randall and Gary Johnson for their generous donations. Their efforts and support will certainly bring a smile to a little child's face.
The evening ended in great success! The stallion services auction attributed close to $60,000 to the gross figure of over $90,000, figures higher than any year in the history of the Gallop event. Coordinator Barbara Turner tells us that the success of this event would not have been possible without the sponsors. "Our sponsors are where it begins," Barbara tells us, "but not where it ends. Gallop's success comes from the support, contributions, donations of stallion owners, trade show participators, volunteers, businesses, and spectators. I'm also proud of the horse industry. Regardless of breeds, we've all come together to work for a great cause and a successful event. Everyone plays an important roll in this success story."
Wishing Star Gallop Coordinator, Barb Turner reminds us that while you read this article, "wishes" are being completed and granted to several children. "We granted 66 wishes in the 1996/97 fiscal year," notes Barb Turner. "The average cost of a wish is now up to $4,600. Of our general expenses this past fiscal year, 85% went directly to the `wishes.' These are figures that Wishing Star is very proud of. Some of the 66 wishes granted were a Quarter Horse, computer, Dodge Caravan, Mariners game, Motorhome trip, Sega Genesis, a wheelchair, Tina Turner concert, bike, train ride, Dollywood trip, swing set, battery motorcycle, entertainment center, lap top computer, Beach Boys trip, hot tub, fishing trip in Alaska, pony, shopping spree, trip to Edmonton, a visit to `Free Willy' in Oregon, and our most popular request - Disneyland or DisneyWorld. All who supported the Gallop should be very proud of their efforts. They've helped make `special' childrens' dreams a reality. I thank you all!"
For more information on stallion services, booths, volunteering help or being a sponsor, contact Gallop Coordinator, Barbara Turner at 509-466-8719 or 509-744-3411 or drop a line to Wishing Star Foundation, Attn: Barbara Turner, W. 915 2nd Ave, Suite #3 - Spokane, WA 99201
