WILD MUSTANG HELPS FEED ELDERLY AND DISABLED IN BOULDER

Traditionally, Christmas gifts are thought to be delivered by reindeer, including the one named Rudolph.  For Meals on Wheels of Boulder, one special gift was delivered (figuratively) by a gray mustang named Squirt.

Here’s how it happened:  Every year, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado State Office auctions off an animal from its Wild Horse & Burro Program.  It’s an event designed to stimulate employee interest in and support of the Combined Federal Campaign.  This year’s winner was Maryanne Kurtinaitis, a BLM employee who for many years has been a supporter and friend to Meals on Wheels of Boulder.  Her prize?  A dark gray mustang named Squirt.

Squirt has been at the Canon City Correctional Facility for the last year getting trained under the Wild Horse Inmate Program, which donated their services as professional trainers.  He is a 3-year old gelding, easy-going, quick learner, and likes to be around people.  

According to Kurtinaitis, “Whoever won the bid for the horse must donate the horse to the Westernaires.  So after I won the horse, I donated it to the Westernaires and picked one of my favorite charities to give the money to – Meals on Wheels of Boulder.” 

“The proceeds will help purchase 104 meals for our elderly and disabled neighbors in Boulder, many of whom cannot afford to pay for meals,” said Francea Phillips, executive director.  “And it’s such a wonderful example of how several nonprofits working together can make something good happen!”

The Westernaires is a nonprofit mounted precision drill organization composed of Jefferson County, Colorado, youngsters from 9 to 19 years of age.  The group performs regularly around the region.

Meals on Wheels of Boulder was founded in 1969 and is a locally administered and funded not-for-profit organization serving residents of Boulder.  Meals on Wheels’ clients include individuals of all ages and economic abilities who may be confined to their homes for any reason, including recovery from surgery, an illness or long- or short-term disabilities.  It has provided more than 1.7 million meals since its founding.

Pictured below are Meals on Wheels of Boulder volunteer Teresa Maraia (left), Squirt, and Bureau of Land Management staff member Mary Anne Kurtanaitis.