The Grainger Foundation Supports Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. (SMART)

    BRADENTON, FL, August 11, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Grainger Foundation, an independent private foundation based in Lake Forest, Illinois, has donated $5,000 to Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc., in support of their mission of enriching the lives of people with special needs through therapeutic horse-related programs.

"This grant will be used to support two very important lighting and security projects at our facility," said Gail Clifton, Executive Director of SMART. "The support for these projects will make our program even safer for our participants and volunteers during our weekly therapeutic riding lessons, as well as provide even more security for our farm and horses. We are very grateful to The Grainger Foundation for its generosity."

SMART has been in operation for nearly 30 years, and currently serves more than 650 children and adults with special needs in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

This donation was recommended by Suzanne Eisenhart, Branch Manager of W.W. Grainger, Inc.'s, Sarasota location. Grainger has been a part of the Sarasota business community for more than 32 years as the leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating products. "We are proud to recommend the programs offered by SMART," said Eisenhart. "We understand the importance of these therapeutic services provided for children and adults with disabilities in our local community."

The Grainger Foundation, an independent, private foundation based in Lake Forest, Illinois, was established in 1949 by William W. Grainger, founder of W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Established in 1987, Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. (SMART) is a not for profit organization that provides horseback riding, carriage driving, and equine-assisted activities for individuals with disabilities. Located in eastern Manatee County, SMART is a mostly volunteer organization that serves over 650 individuals with disabilities each year, including people with a variety of challenges such as autism, attention deficit disorder, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome, as well as individuals with terminal illness, emotional or mental health conditions, and hearing, speech, or vision impairments. Among the activities offered are therapeutic horseback riding and driving, a literacy program, and programs for veterans, women with breast cancer, at risk youth and teens, and victims of human trafficking. Volunteers age 14 and over are welcome to join the organization at any time after completing an orientation and training program.

For further information about Grainger contact:
Joe Micucci, Director, Media Relations at [email protected]

For further information about Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc., visit: http://www.smartriders.org or call 941-322-2000.

# # #