Giving back to organizations dear to my heart and my books

Whether it's through volunteering or donations, I believe in giving back when and where I can. 

The Distance Home

Animals and their connection to humans are obviously instrumental in this book. Organizations I've supported:

• Stargazing Farm: My son volunteers here and we sponsor several of the animals, including Sir Newman. He even has his own Hall of Shame page on the Stargazing Farm website. 
• Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses: Teams of tiny horses visit over 25,000 adults and children each year inside hospitals, hospice programs, and with families, veterans and first responders who have experienced traumatic events.
• Therapeutic riding programs: You can learn more about therapeutic riding programs from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International website. I volunteered at a local stable that had a fabulous therapeutic riding program when I was in graduate school. One of the boys I worked with was the inspiration for the final scene in The Distance Home.
• Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary: This beautiful sanctuary is owned and run by a friend and fellow author.  

Carousel Beach

• Alzheimer's Association
• The National Carousel Association is dedicated to preserving the beauty and magic of historic carousels.

This is Newman, the self-appointed greeter at Stargazing Farm.

And this is the page from Carousel Beach that Newman "helped" edit.

Literacy

In addition, the Tall Poppy Writers have formed a charitable partnership with Room to Read, leading non-profit focusing on literacy and gender equality in education in developing nations, investing in nearly 1,000,000 children per year. Through sales of a special BLOOM candle, created in partnership with Book Scents Candles, and sales of Poppy and Bloom products on our Zazzle store, the Tall Poppy Writers support Room to Read's innovative girls' education programs. You can find out more about the partnership and how to support on the Tall Poppy Writers website.

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