High Hopes fosters a vibrant community where horse and human interactions improve lives.
Connected in Community
Hi friends,
Whether you’re here as a volunteer, participant, donor, trustee, staff member—or, let’s be honest, one of our amazing horses—you’ve played a part in something really special.
We often say that it takes a village—and this past year proved just how powerful our village truly is.
Our programs expanded, our herd evolved, and our community showed up—again and again—with dedication, creativity, and heart. We welcomed new faces, tried new things, and worked through challenges with a spirit that says, “We’ve got this—together.”
Our mission came to life through the hands, hearts, and hope of many. This report celebrates more than just numbers and outcomes; it honors the people and horses who make those achievements possible.
Our volunteers gave their time and talents, our participants inspired us with their courage, our supporters fueled our mission with generosity, and our team
gave their all, every single day. Through challenge and change, one truth remained constant: we are not alone in this work. We are surrounded by a community that believes in the power of healing, learning, and growth.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for being part of what makes High Hopes such a joyful, hopeful, and strong community.
Here’s to the year ahead—let’s keep growing, together.
Sarah Hill Canning Missy Lamont Board Chair Executive Director
Stories that Spark Connection
This past spring, High Hopes launched Reading to Horses, a unique program designed to create a welcoming and engaging environment where students could build confidence and connect with our horses in meaningful ways.
Beginning in April, the initiative invited students to read aloud to our gentle equine partners, offering a calm and supportive setting that encouraged self-expression and engagement. The presence of horses provided a special opportunity for students to grow their confidence while sharing stories in a non-judgmental space—free from the pressures of traditional learning environments.
During a Reading to Horses session, a young participant sat in front of Rolex, a retired horse at High Hopes. She began reading softly, unsure of herself. Rolex stood still, ears forward, listening intently.
“He likes it,” she whispered, a smile spreading across her face. “I think he’s really listening.”
In that quiet moment, confidence bloomed. She kept reading.
In addition to on-site sessions at High Hopes, Lulu, one of our beloved miniature horses, made special visits to students, bringing the magic of the barn beyond our campus and into the community.
Through Reading to Horses, we fostered curiosity, comfort, and connection—helping students build confidence while experiencing the therapeutic benefits of time spent with horses. We are proud of the impact this new program had and look forward to its continued growth in seasons to come.
Community in Motion
Community doesn’t stop at our fences—it moves, literally. Through our Minis on the Move program, our miniature horses serve as ambassadors of connection, curiosity, and compassion by traveling to bring equine-assisted experiences to individuals who may not be able to visit our campus.
This spring, we were thrilled to launch a pilot of Minis on the Move at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London. Over several weeks, students had the opportunity to connect with our miniature horse Lulu. These amazing young learners formed meaningful bonds with Lulu discovering joy through interaction.
One teacher shared: “Our students benefited greatly from your visits with Lulu. Your horse, caring staff, and volunteers truly enriched their lives. We have observed an increase in their self-esteem, confidence, and communication skills this school year.”
Whether she’s helping a student find their voice during a quiet reading session, or offering a moment of calm in a busy classroom, Lulu reminds us of the simple but profound power of connection. These moments— often small, always meaningful—are at the heart of our mission.
As Minis on the Move grows, we look forward to reaching more schools, libraries, and community spaces. Because at High Hopes, we believe the power of the horse belongs to everyone—wherever they are.
A Legacy of Love
Eleanor Bonafonte passed away in March 2025 at the remarkable age of 101½, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and service. Throughout her long life, she embodied a deep spirit of giving, always looking for ways to uplift others.
Her volunteer spirit began as a teenager and never waned. After moving to the Old Lyme community of Point O’ Woods, she poured her time into local organizations, always happy to help, whether with people or animals. For nearly twenty years, Eleanor was a steady and joyful presence at High Hopes, volunteering in the office with grace and dedication. In 2008, she was honored with the High Hopes Office Volunteer Award, a recognition she never sought but richly deserved.
Left: Eleanor Bonafonte, a passionate supporter of Friends of the Herd, featured with herd member Petra.
Eleanor also held a special love for the herd of horses at High Hopes. As a passionate volunteer and advocate, she believed deeply in the healing power of these animals and took great pride in sustaining their care.
She cherished friendships, too. In her home, a whiteboard carried the names and phone numbers of loved ones she never wanted to forget—reminders of how much relationships mattered. Among those listed were several High Hopes friends and staffers, including Petra Shearer, former Office Manager at High Hopes, reflecting the bonds she nurtured over the years.
Eleanor had intended to make a planned gift to High Hopes, but her long life meant her funds were devoted to healthcare. To honor her intentions, her family made a generous gift to the High Hopes Fund. Her grandson Steve, his wife Catie and their two boys intend to continue to support the High Hopes mission annually and as volunteers. Their son Teddy, age 13, carrying his great-grandmother’s spirit of volunteerism, worked with the High Hopes Operations team on property projects this summer and plans to return next year. Teddy, an athlete, is inspired to help disadvantaged children facing life’s challenges.
Knowing that Eleanor’s great grandson can share the same space and provide service as she did through the High Hopes relationship provides a living connection to her— I would encourage those with family members to find ways to create these very meaningful traditions.”
Legacy is nurtured from one generation to the next. As Steve reflected: “It’s a very special and rare thing to be able to create a community bond over four generations”.
Where History Meets Hope
As our 50th anniversary year came to a close, we gathered on a sunny October afternoon to celebrate with participants, volunteers, staff, and community members—past and present. It was a moment where history met hope, and where our legacy embraced the promise of the future.
The day was filled with joy and connection: hayrides, crafts, paddock tours, delicious food, and live music brought people together in celebration. We felt the vibrant spirit of our community as we welcomed new faces and warmly reconnected with those returning to campus after many years.
One of the most meaningful moments was the opportunity for attendees to send a “postcard to the future,” sharing their aspirations for High Hopes over the next 50 years. These heartfelt messages were placed in a time capsule, to be opened in 2074—a beautiful reminder that our journey continues, shaped by the dreams of those who believe in our mission.
As we look ahead, continuing to innovate, grow, and adapt, we remain deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of our story—from our beginnings as L.C.V.E.R.A. to the thriving community we are today. Thank you for helping us build a legacy of hope.
Heartfelt Service, Lifelong Impact
For more than three decades, Sandy Mulligan has been a shining example of kindness, dedication, and heart at High Hopes. She first learned about our organization in 1990 during her move to Lyme, through her architect. After seeing firsthand the impact High Hopes had on its participants, Sandy knew immediately she wanted to be part of this work. With no prior horse experience—but plenty of enthusiasm—she completed volunteer training and jumped right in as a sidewalker.
Sandy supported riders for many years until a hip replacement temporarily brought her to the front desk, where she warmly welcomed participants and families. It wasn’t long before she returned to sidewalking and later expanded into supporting our ELP horsemanship classes. Most recently, Sandy has been part of our Minis on the Move outreach program, traveling with Lulu directly to schools and community groups that face challenges with transportation or accessing our campus.
Sandy Mulligan (left), sidewalking with Stanley (rider)
“In a special way, High Hopes has touched my heart.”
Sandy shared. Volunteering here brings her a deeper sense of empathy and purpose, and she treasures the memories made along the way. One of her favorites is working with Stanley, a paraplegic participant determined to ride. With an adapted saddle and the full support of staff and volunteers, he achieved his goal— and Sandy was honored to walk beside him every step of the way. She also loves Horse Show Days, watching parents beam with pride and riders glow with accomplishment.
Looking ahead, Sandy believes “the accomplishments can be endless” for High Hopes. She hopes to see our programs continue to grow and reach even more people across the community. To her, simply driving onto campus brings a sense of calm: “You take a deep breath… and everything stressful fades away. It is a beautiful feeling.”
We are deeply grateful for Sandy’s 30+ years of service, her steady compassion, and the joy she brings to every corner of High Hopes.
DEVELOPMENT STATISTICS
300 Guests at October 2024
Homecoming
600 Guests and $519,000 raised at Summer Soirée Gala
1,027 annual donors
$219,000 distributions form donor-advised funds
$1,360,000 new gifts and pledges to support current operations
$208,000 in donated goods and services
This year at High Hopes
PARTICIPANTS
4,957 Total Services Provided
361 Unique Individuals Served
VOLUNTEERS
7,921 Total Hours Provided
324 Total Volunteers
59 Average Volunteer Age (12–83 years)
175 Total Volunteer Training Hours
FARM
127 Acres Protected from Development
30 Acres of Pastures
3 Miles of Riding Trails
Annual Giving
High Hopes greatly appreciates the individual donors who have invested in our mission.
Scan QR code for a complete list of donors, or please visit:
https://highhopestr.org/about/annual-reports/2024-2025-individual-donors/
Foundation Giving
Acorn Hill Foundation
Cactus Jack Foundation
Chichester duPont Foundation, Inc.
Citizens Charitable Foundation
Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Inc.
Elsie A. Brown Fund, Inc.
Erwin C. Bauer Charitable Trust
Frank Loomis Palmer Fund
From My Heart Foundation
Gardiner Family Foundation
George A. & Grace L. Long Foundation
Hamilton Rare Breeds Foundation
Kitchings Family Foundation
Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation
Nordson Corporation Foundation
Oliver-Hoffman Foundation
Pennsylvania Horse Show Foundation
Pine Bar Cornerstone Foundation
Raible Foundation
The Allan Louis Loeb Foundation
The Buchanan Family Foundation
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
The Edward and Mary Lord Foundation
The Equus Foundation, Inc.
The Foundation to Preserve and Promote the Nativity
The Madison Foundation
The Taft Foundation
The Westbrook Foundation
Thompson Family Foundation
TZP Cares Foundation
Corporate Giving
A Good Home
A.T. Y. Hospitality
Ace Hardware
All American Waste, LLC
All Pro Automotive
Amelie Michelle Linens
American Cruise Lines
Anchor Fitness
Anonymous
Artemisia, Inc.
Atlantic Seafood
Atlas Outdoor Living
Bailey Enterprises, LLC
Ballek’s Garden Center
Barn Brew Company
Benedetto Heating & A.C., LLC
Best Cleaners
Black Hall Outfitters
Blowfish for Hangovers
Bouvier Insurance
Brandtech
Brushline Design
Burnett’s Country Gardens
Carefree Boat Club
Centerbrook Architects and Planners
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
Charter Oak Credit Union
Chelsea Groton Bank
Clinton Country Club
Coffee’s Country Market
Colonial Chevrolet, Cadillac, Hyundai
Confections by Tonie-Marie
Connecticut Dressage Association
Connecticut Orthopaedics
Connecticut Orthopaedics in Essex
Cooked Marketplace & Mercantile
CorePlus Credit Union
Cortland Park
Daniels Energy, Inc.
David Adams | Morgan Stanley
Wealth Management
Deveaux Lawn & Landscape
Dime Bank
Dominion Energy
Donahue’s Madison Beach Grille
Dreamscapes Marketing + Design
Drink Mechanics
Duncan Downie’s Septic & Excavation
Electrical Wholesalers, Inc.
Essex Dentist
Essex Indoor Golf
Essex Marine Group
Essex Savings Bank
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat
Essex Tiki Tours
Eversource
Eversource Energy Foundation
Finkeldey’s BMJ
Fit Focused
Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant
Four Mile River Farm, LLC.
Fox Hopyard Golf Club
Foxwoods Resort & Casino
Franklin Organic Mushrooms
Friendship Rose Caribbean
Schooner LTD
Fromage Fine Foods & Coffees
Funktion Fitness
Geneve Corporation
Grand Prix Equine
Grand Wine & Spirits
Guilford Savings Bank
Guilford Savings Bank in partnership with The Community Foundation of Middlesex County
Hall Communications, Inc.
Heike Coffee Photography
Homestead Madison
Homeward Collective
HP Broom Housewright
Hydrangea Galore
Ice Cream Emergency
Inhalexhale Massage & Yoga
International Wire Group
J&B Tackle Co.
J. McLaughlin
Jamie Childs | William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty
Janney, Montgomery, Scott LLC
Jansky’s Rubbish
Jodi Strycharz | William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty
Corporation Giving
continued
Joy Chocolate Co.
Julia Balfour, LLC
K Blake and Company
Kettlepot Soap
Killingworth Lions Club
Lark
Lawrence + Memorial Hospital
Laysville Center Hardware
Le Charlot
Liberty Bank
Lighting Affiliates
Mac’s Pizza & Kitchen
MAR Florals
Marker 37
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
MassMutual Financial Group
Matunuck Oyster Bar
Mercer Advisors
Middlesex Health
Mohegan Tribe
Musical Masterworks
New England Power Equipment
Nick’s Services CT
Noah’s at 63 Main
Nori
Northern Light Gems
Northern Trust
Novak Brothers Landscaping
Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union
Old Lyme Country Club
Old Lyme Hardware
Old Lyme Landscape
Old Saybrook Racquet Club
Orthopedic Partners
Overabove, LLC
Pasta Vita
Pattaconk 1850 Bar and Grill
PayPal Giving Fund
Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant
Petra Star
Pfizer, Inc.
Plus Coaching | Adeline Horner Neubert
Polished Medspa
Power Posse Productions
Principle Wealth Partners
Rehab Concepts Physical Therapy
Reynolds’ Subaru and Reynolds’ Boats
Riggio’s Garden Center
Ring’s End
River Tavern
River Valley Periodontics
& Implant Dentistry
Robinson+Cole
Roger Parkman | William Pitt Sotheby’s
International Realty
Rotary Club of Deep River
S.D. Hallahan Housewright, Inc.
Salon Pure
Santa Fe Opera
Sapphire Aesthetics
Saybrook Home
Saybrook Point Resort and Marina
Sennheiser
Shagbark Lumber & Farm Supplies
Shore & Country Real Estate, LLC
Shoreline Boards
Shoreline Eye Group
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust
Simon’s Market
Solari Brothers Carting
Soul Sweat
Sperry View Farm
Springbrook Tennis
Stanley Black and Decker
Stonington Vineyards
Sugarapple Inn
Sullivan Financial Advisors
Suzanne Murphy, DC
Taylor Rental Party Plus
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
The Black Seal
The Bubbly Burro
The Buttery
The Chocolate Shell
The Claremont Sales Corporation
The E-List
The Essex
The Hartford
The Herb Chambers Companies
The Lee Company
The Light House Voc-Ed Center
The Ocean House
The RiverLane
The Rolling Tomato
The Spring Wellness
The Study at Yale
The Wheatmarket
The Yoga Shop
Travelers Community Connections
Treasures
United Parking LLC
Valenti Auto Group
VFW Post 1467
VFW Post 4608
Walt’s Market
Water-Flo Inc.
Waterford Hotel Group
Waterview Landscaping
Wilcox Tree Experts
William Pitt/Sotheby’s International
Realty
Wireless Zone Gives
Wolf Tree Landscape Architecture, LLC
Workers’ Compensation Trust
WP Financial LLC
In Honor of:
Marci Bender
Jane and Keith Bolles
Judith Cohen
Patti Coyle
Peter Curley and Elaine Gordon
Jeb N. Embree
Ed and Mary Jane Fegan
Shirley Furgueson
Andrew Hart
Elaine Holman
Sandy Mulligan
Janet M. Romanowski
Lily Russell
Matthew, James, and Andrew Scotella
Kitty Stalsburg
Josh Webster
Maris Wacs
Barbara Willkens and Wilhelm Meya
In Memory of:
John Asselin-Connolly
Sally Aubrey
Natalie Bieber
Cash Bengtson
Pauline Bladek
Eleanor Bonafonte
Allison Bond
Candy
Anna Marie Carpiniello
Bonnie Cascio
Nancy Cash Corbin
Joseph Curley
Margot Donkin Morgan
John Duncan III
Dawn Fisher
Danielle Katelin Fogle
Sis Gould
Barbara and John Kashanski
Ashley Pelletier Key
Dan Marderosian
Ann Marie
Hillary McCurdy
Megan Moore Eno
Donald Morrell
Elsie Moyer
Claudia Newell
Susan Qua
Wayne Royston
Jane Samuels
Dianne Saunders
Jordan Siborg
Marcia Smith
Roger and Marcia Smith
Leah Smith Blaise
Charles L. Terrell
Barbara Trasacco
Daniel Willkens
Sis and Lytt Gould Society
Matthew* and Barbara Abrams
Anonymous (5)
Mary Bell
Barbara Benjamin
Susan Raible Birch
Keith and Jane Bolles
Eleanor L. Bonafonte*
Gary F. Borla
John M. and Athana K. Catlett
Hannah M. Childs
James M. Childs
Susan K. Childs
Susan Chodorov and Robert Crane
Judith D. Cohen
Peter J. Curley and Hon. Elaine Gordon
Marge Curtis
Elizabeth L. David*
Janie Davison*
Elizabeth Doering
Michael and Sherley Furgueson
Katharine Howe Gildersleeve
Cheryl Heffernan
Inge Hieret*
Joanne M. Ives
Frank Jarrabeck and Francis Cowgill
Richard and Judith* Lightfoot
Barbara McGhie*
Sandra Mulligan
Earl J. and Margaret C. Mummert
Penny Nelson
John and Heidi Niblack
Susan Peacock
Gail M. Peck*
John and Lee Pritchard
Jeff and Holly Ridgway
Linda Rogers
Karen Schwarz*
Petra B. Shearer*
Matthew C.* and Cheryl F. Sheridan
Roger* and Marcia* Smith
Steve Smith
Kitty Stalsburg & Robert Hageman
Victor Strazdas*
Anthony C.* and Sandy Thurston
Debra Tietjen-Smith
*deceased
Sis and Lytt Gould Society recognizes donors who have established a planned gift. These meaningful intentions ensure High Hopes can deliver on our mission for years to come.
The Herd
Arthur Captain Centos
Churro
Lacey
Levi
Lucky
Lulu
Panda
Petra
Poppy
Ritzie
Rolex
Shiloh
Tulip
In loving memory of:
Nifty
Warrior
Chip
Staff
Amara Alpert
Marci Bender
Trudy Burgess
Jessica Caron
Karen Castelli
Audra Chmiel
Kathy Christensen
Chris Clarke
Dan Coffee
Jenn Dube
Mike Fox
Missy Lamont
Nicole Makos
Cara Morello
Lesley Olsen
Juanita Paris
Mykenzie Parker
Hayley Plas
Kim Severance
Erin Wester
Trustees
OFFICERS
Sarah Hill Canning, Board Chair
Gary Rogers, Vice Chair, Development
Natalie Yonker, Treasurer
Liz Doering, Secretary
TRUSTEES
Chris Berger
Hanna Calcagni
Beth Garrity
Kimberly Grant
Jonathan Heuser
Adeline Horner Neubert
Sarah Kitchings Keenan
Mac Mummert
Chase Rogers
Gregory Varga
Wendy Visgilio
Maris Wacs
Peter Watt
Barbara Willkens
EXITING TRUSTEES
Mark Fader
Todd Machnik
Position
YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
Liabilities and Net Assets
