By Maddy Vitale
Stainton’s Gallery of Shops in Ocean City had a special guest Sunday parked outside of the store – well sort of.
He wore a Santa Claus hat. But he was no Santa.
His name was Nate. He’s a 16-year-old horse who happily nibbled on carrots from passersby. For a one dollar donation dropped in a feed bucket, shoppers got their turn at feeding the affable steed a carrot.
And it was for a very good cause.
Nate and his handler, Brandon Hickerson, of Black Oak Farm in Egg Harbor City, were the guests of Mike Yanniello, owner of “My Derby,” a shop specializing in Kentucky Derby collectibles in Stainton’s.
The monies raised from Nate’s visit will go to Hope Farm in Galloway Township. The farm is part of the Hansen Foundation which helps people in recovery from drug addiction. Horses at Hope Farm provide therapy for those in recovery and for people with disabilities.
Yanniello called the turnout for Nate fantastic and people were very generous with their donations.
“Virtually everyone who walked by engaged with Nate in some capacity. They posed for pictures with him, fed him a carrot and gave a donation,” he said.
Yanniello said he chose Hope Farm because he loves people, but his life’s passion has been horses, especially Thoroughbreds. He grew up watching them race and has dedicated his life to them.
“Thoroughbreds, and all horses, can become therapy animals that help people who are compromised,” he explained. “They help people find an emotional bond. So, the people who care for horses will forever have my support because it can be financially difficult. That’s where a little bit of help can go a long way.”
As far as the amount of donations collected, Yanniello said it was hard to say.
“The buckets were full,” he noted. “The people from Black Oak Farm are wonderful. I cannot wait until the next event at some point in the future.”
In addition to paying for Nate’s visit to raise funds for Hope Farm, Yanniello also gave out his own sauces from his “My Derby” collection, to everyone donated to Heart of Surfing, a local nonprofit surfing program for families with autism.
“I love people too,” he said with a smile. “Cindy and Bob Fertsch of Heart of Surfing do a great job. It is a wonderful organization.”
He thanked Stainton’s management, including Director of Operations Bridget Buchanan, and the staff, for allowing him to hold the events.
“When Mike came to me with this idea, I was all for it. What an amazing opportunity to partner with Heart of Surfing and help shine a light on the great job the people along with the animals are doing over at Hope Farm,” Buchanan said. “The names of these two charities says it all – heart and hope. I couldn’t think of two better words to describe the holidays.”
