CHALLENGE FOR THE ARENA

For release the week of June 5, 2006

CHALLENGE UNLIMITED AT IRONSTONE FARM
BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW INDOOR ARENA
"A CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS"

Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm held its official "Groundbreaking Ceremony" Sunday, June 4th, for a new indoor arena with a VIP crowd of about 100 well-wishers in attendance. The non-profit therapeutic riding program in Andover has been struggling with the New England climate for more than 20 years. This month, the ground will really be broken for construction of an indoor arena that will enable the program to run in all weather, all year. It is a milestone for Challenge Unlimited, the non-profit organization that bought the 11 acre Ironstone Farm from the Richard and Bernadette Donovan family in 2001. To establish a sustainable future for the property and programs, an indoor arena has been the primary fundraising focus for the past four years. Sunday's Groundbreaking celebrated achieving that goal and set the stage for Ironstone Farm to be a significant community resource for many years to come.

The construction cost of the indoor arena is approximately $500,000. Challenge Unlimited has raised $250,000 and secured a loan for the remaining half with Enterprise Bank. But their goal is to not incur more debt, but rather to raise the remaining funds and to build the arena debt free.

In May an anonymous donor offered a $125,000 matching gift challenge that, if matched, will cover the entire cost of the building. As of Sunday, $48,000 had been raised against the match. In an exciting announcement by special guest speaker, George Behrakis, the $48,000 was matched by Mr. Behrakis, his wife, Margo and the Behrakis Foundation. Challenge Unlimited needs to raise another $29,000 to complete the challenge - a task, in the words of Mr. Behrakis, that shouldn't be too difficult with the growing corporate presence in the neighborhood. Mr. Behrakis also spoke of the important next steps for the non-profit Challenge Unlimited - to build on an endowment that will secure the future of the facility and programs. The Challenge Unlimited Endowment Fund was recently established with the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and will be a next focus of fundraising for the organization. Mr. Behrakis recognized the contributions of "visionary" Richard Donovan and his family, former owners of Ironstone Farm, and founders of Challenge Unlimited, Edward and Andy Stevens, Richard and Nancy Donahue, Walter Reichert, former president of Challenge Unlimited, and Dan Leahy, first president of Challenge Unlimited and a key player in creating and growing the organization.

Besides the exciting matching gift announcement, the event was highlighted by a "Ride of Thanks" by Ironstone Farm students, horses and volunteers to the music of Peter Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, a blessing of the ground by Reverend Dr. Calvin Mutti, Pastor of South Church in Andover, and an actual shoveling by two of Challenge Unlimited's riders, Meredith Leonard of Tewksbury and B.J. (Robert) Landry of Chelmsford. In a humorous punctuation of the blessing and groundbreaking, Ironstone's two donkeys, Toby and Bradley, brayed in prayer to an amused crowd of 100 spectators. The shovels were presented to George and Margo Behrakis and Edward and Andy Stevens.
Special recognition was given to Enterprise Bank, who sponsored the event, Glory Restaurant of Andover, who provided the brunch, and Alive Productions, who provided the sound system. Other contributors were Dunkin Donuts of North Main Street, Andover, Panera Bread of North Andover, Kimball's Farm Ice Cream of Westford, and Wal-Mart. Also, appreciation was expressed to the President and Past Presidents of Ironstone Farm's Boards of Directors - most of whom were in attendance: Daniel P. Leahy of Lowell (1983-1999), Walter Reichert of Andover (1999-2002), Patricia Zalewski of Salem, MA (2002-2003), Charles Gaffney of Andover (2003-2005), and David Sollars of North Andover (2005-present). Also recognized was Dr. Allen C. Crocket, noted pediatrician who established the Developmental Evaluation Center at Children's Hospital in Boston, and has been President of the Ironstone Therapy Board of Directors since its establishment in 1998.

Arena contractors are RUBB Building Systems of Sanford, ME, and Soucy Industries of Lowell. Construction is scheduled to start in June.

Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm has several events planned for the coming season starting with a Celebrity Bartender Night at Glory in Andover, Tuesday, June 13th, from 5:30 to 9:00 PM, with NECC CEO Patrick Leyne as the guest 'tender; a Ballroom Dinner Dance benefit at the Tewksbury Country Club, July 21st, a Night at the Lowell Spinners sponsored by Sovereign Bank on Thursday, August 9th; the Regional and State Special Olympics Equestrian events at Ironstone Farm September 24th and October 15th respectively, their annual Spirit of Giving Award gala at the Andover Country Club, November 4th, and a Santa Night of caroling in Lowell on December 8th. The Spirit of Giving Award recipients this year are Drew and Joann Weber of Lowell, owners of the Lowell Spinners, recently retired football quarterback Doug Flutie, his wife Laurie and family of Natick, and Frank Forlizzi of Tewksbury, a valued Ironstone Farm volunteer. For more information, contact Ironstone Farm, 978-475-4056.

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Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm - 450 Lowell Street - Andover, MA 01810 978-475-4056 Fax 978-475-4046

E-mail: Info@ChallengeUnlimited.org