Horsin’ Around – Great Fun, Great People, No Kidding!

Peninsula Volunteers, Inc., has been known throughout the years for its extraordinary Gala events. This year is no exception!

Horsin' Around - a Western Bonanza was held at the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy on Runnymede Road in Woodside on Saturday, May 21, 2011.


Kimber Sturm of San Carlos and Terri Carville of Los Altos were the Chairs of this hoedown, beginning at 4:00 p.m. with "thirstquenchers" and "trailtizers", including Don Pilar’s famed tequila. (“Don Pilar” owns Amigos Grill in Portola Valley.)


Horse drawn carriage rides and a parade of miniature farm animals, all dressed for the occasion by Riley’s Place, led the list of attractions.  


A fun-filled evening followed with music by the Dick Green Band, gaming by Full House Casino Events, performances by the San Mateo County Horsemen's Association Senior Color Guard, the Pacific Coast Vaulting Club. Cheryle Bacon, "The Cowgirl”, whipped ‘em up (yes, she uses a bullwhip), shot ‘em up (yes, she uses six-shooters and a shotgun), and roped ‘em up (you get the picture.)  

A “Clint Eastwood look-alike” made the rounds for pictures. You can’t guess how many people fed him a line to which he would reply, “Make my day!”

And speaking of pictures, the line was long and laughing for the famous “Texas Butt Sketcher”, Krandel Lee Newton, flown in just for the event. The Butt Sketcher has captured the likes (or the butts) of Warren Buffet and Bill Gates.


"People loved it. They came decked out in their Western best and had a boot-kicking good time," Kimber Sturm said.


Event proceeds support Peninsula Volunteers programs for seniors -- Meals on Wheels; Little House, the Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center; Rosener House Adult Day Services; and Peninsula Volunteers Properties (affordable senior housing at Crane Place and Partridge/Kennedy Apartments in Menlo Park).

“Sheriffs” Jean and Brian Cole were part of the Community Volunteer Posse who volunteered at a Western Bonanza benefit for Peninsula Volunteer, Inc. The event was held at the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy in Woodside and included a Clint Eastwood look-alike, horse riding performers, BBQ, line dancing, cowboy games, auction, and buying goodies at the country store.  When not Horsin’ Around, Jean also volunteers at the Little House front desk.