The Equine and Chocolate event helps support and empower families through the Women’s Rights Information Center

LEONIA, New Jersey (WABC) — If you’re looking for fall fun for a good cause, we’ve got an afternoon for you!

It’s Equine and Chocolate, Sunday, October 6th at Overpeck Park. There will be horses, entertainment, wine, cider and chocolate to support and strengthen families! Channel 7 is a sponsor of this annual event.

The Bergen Equestrian Center has a unique program that, among other things, supports clients through equine therapy.

WABC is a proud sponsor of the Women’s Rights Information Center.

“Many of the individuals I work with through the Women’s Center may be experiencing food insecurity, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or all of these situations. And the horses give me strength,” said Anna Gassib, Bergen Equestrian Center.

Women and children who have been abused, abandoned, or sought self-determination find comfort and strength in their interactions with these gentle giants. This is the healing power of horse therapy.

“Working with horses has completely changed my life,” said one woman. “It gives me a lot of peace. When I’m around horses, I feel more stability. I was also shown how to work alone with a 1,000 pound horse. It’s amazing.”

“What did that do for your self-confidence?” Nina Pineda asked.

“A lot,” she said. “It boosts your confidence.”

This survivor’s alcoholic husband, who survived two decades of physical violence, left her and their young daughter in 2019.

She became a client of the Women’s Rights Information Center, an Englewood-based nonprofit organization that helps individuals achieve economic independence for themselves and their families.

“How has the Women’s Center helped you?” Pineda asked.

“I’m at a loss for words… just grateful,” she said.

“From housing insecurity, food insecurity, domestic violence to human trafficking and much more. 2,500 clients a year come through our doors,” said Lil Corcoran, executive director of the Women’s Rights Information Center.

The fall fundraiser hosted by employees helps raise money for programs such as job placement and safe housing.

“So it’s an outdoor event where we have horses and offer activities. Children under 10 get in free. Therapists offer free massages which we thought would be for the kids but the adults like it too. We have authors exhibiting books. “It will be a beautiful fall festival and will raise important funds for the Women’s Rights Information Center so we can continue to serve our Bergen County community.”

“Being part of this fundraiser is really important “Hey, this is actually happening in Bergen County,” Gassib said. “It does, it’s a real eye-catcher. So what they can do, what people can expect is a lot of fun. So it’s really important that we raise awareness and raise funds for the cause.”

The event will take place on Sunday, October 6th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance. Children under 10 have free entry.

For more information, visit: https://apps.womensrights.org/special-events?EV=242

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