On Saturday, April 2, 2005, more than 300 people will be attending the first Spring Forward, Give Back Celebration.  Some of San Diego’s best talent has come together to create an inspired event to show their support for a local charity that saved and changed lives in a critical time of need.  This year, the beneficiary will be the Therapeutic Riding program at the ‘internationally-recognized’ Helen Woodward Animal Center to thank them for their incredible response and support during the San Diego fires of 2003. 

During the fires, people with horse trailers and a lot of courage drove into fire invested areas to rescue lost and abandoned animals, many who were badly burned and in shock.  These drivers took their precious cargo to Helen Woodward Animal Center where the injured animals received treatment.  The Center’s staff continued to provide care for these animals until their owners were able to house them again.  They turned away no animal despite being on alert to evacuate the premises themselves.

Helen Woodward Animal Center continues to change and save lives of both people and animals.  The Therapeutic Riding Program at the Center enables more than 50 people with a variety of physical, emotional and mental challenges to ride specially trained horses to enhance balance, muscle development and learning skills, such as hand-eye coordination, concentration and short-term memory. 

In the middle of planning for this event, the San Diego Convivium of the Slow Food movement came in as a co-creator for Spring Forward, Give Back.  They joined me in creating this event to raise awareness for sustainable farming and healthy, delicious eating.

We are very pleased that renowned chef Jeff Jackson of the Torrey Pines Lodge has signed on to create a phenomenal menu for us.  He has some amazing support from the San Diego food community:  chocolates from Chuao, bread from Bread and Cie, cheese from Aniata Cheese, poultry from Wright Poultry, wines from Orfila Vineyards and amazing, local, seasonal produce!  He will also be joined by Jason Kribb of Nine-Ten.

Majesty in Motion will also be there to give us a salsa show and some basic how-to moves so that we can dance the afternoon away! Simeon Flick will be outside, playing classical and accoustic guitar, which will surely tickle your ears.

Your participation in Spring Forward, Give Back will expose you to incredible food, wonderful people and great time.  Help make a difference in the life of an animal or a child by participating in the following means:

· Purchase a ticket and enjoy the afternoon
· Cash Sponsorship
·  Volunteering for the event
·  Donating food, wine or other goodies/product for 300+ humans

Remember, a gift of any amount will help and will be truly appreciated.  E-mail me directly at michelle_1000wattsoflight@yahoo.com

On behalf of everyone involved, both two-legged and four-legged, thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Michelle Acks
Founder, 1000 Watts of Light