Over $35,000 Raised for The Donkey Project in First Month

We announced “ The Donkey Project" nearly one month ago, with our sights set on raising $1.5 million by June 30, 2024. In the first month our donors have already stepped forward to help 2,500 donkeys. “ The Donkey Project” is intended to grow Brooke USA’s depth of work while raising more funds in support of working donkeys and the people who depend on them for survival in vulnerable communities worldwide.

For 600 million people in some of the poorest places in the world, 100 million donkeys and other equines are the backbone of communities and their best means of making a living.

Without healthy working donkeys, people would not be able to put food on their tables, send their children to school or build better futures for themselves and their families. In summation, donkeys are essential to the livelihoods of people in developing countries.

The campaign allows for Brooke USA to calculate the approximate cost of care and treatment of donkeys throughout our programs, with the amount estimated at $15 per donkey.

The impact of your donation:

$15.00 - Helps One Donkey

$45.00 - Helps 3 Donkeys

$150.00 - Helps 10 Donkeys

$300.00 - Helps 20 Donkeys

$750.00 - Helps 50 Donkeys

$1,500.00 - Helps 100 Donkeys

Ian Maina is 13 years old and is a member of the Thiba Primary School Donkey Care Club. Although his family does not own any donkeys, he takes the initiative to attend and learn about donkey welfare and care so he can educate donkey owners in his village.

“I have been part of the Donkey Care Club for three years, and my favorite part is drawing. I like drawing donkeys and their carts.”

The Donkey Care Club asks children to draw pictures of donkeys and illustrate them with the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of animal welfare. They then encourage the children to go back to their homes and villages and spread what they have learned to improve the lives of as many donkeys as possible.

“I tell all the people in my village about what I have learned at the Donkey Care Club,” Ian explained. “They listen to what I say, and they treat their donkeys differently now. I tell them to take care of their donkeys—make sure they give them plenty of food, so they are not hungry, and plenty of water to quench their thirst. I tell them not to overload their donkeys with too much baggage. They should not be carrying things that are heavier than they are.”

Although young, Ian is acting as an agent for change in his village, and he is proud to share all he learns during his sessions at the Donkey Care Club. “It is lucky for the donkeys that I have been able to help them.”

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Prīmī's charity auction on their website! In collaboration with talented equestrian artists, Prīmī is offering a selection of unique art items for the chance to win. From stunning paintings to signed posters, these pieces showcase the beauty and grace of horses in various artistic forms.

This raffle not only celebrates the artistic talent within the equestrian industry, but also contributes to a noble cause by supporting Brooke USA Foundation’s efforts to provide worldwide sustainable economic development through improving equine health welfare.

Your participation and support will help us create a brighter future for these remarkable animals. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the equestrian world.

Brooke USA Foundation and EQUUS Foundation Partner

to Provide Emergency Funding for America’s Equines

Early in January, Brooke USA Foundation announced the establishment of the Brooke USA Bridge Grant Program, a joint effort with the EQUUS Foundation, funded with a $10,000 donation from Brooke USA. The microgrants, ranging between $500 and $1,000, support equine charities in the United States in desperate need of financial support brought on by and unplanned and/or unexpected circumstances.

To date, Brooke USA and the EQUUS Foundation have helped the following organizations and projects:

Central Virginia Horse Rescue (Fredericksburg, VA): The Shenandoah Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a complaint of over 100 horses living in inadequate conditions and malnourished. The rescue took in 25 of these horses which required close to $40,000 in care and maintenance over 2.5 months. $1,000 was contributed toward the nonprofit’s fundraising appeal.

Begin Again Horse Rescue (Lima, NY): Due to the unexpected birth of a foal, prior to adoption of the mother, this rescue incurred nonbudgeted veterinary and transportation expenses, far exceeding availability of funds. Assistance in the amount of $850 was granted.

Gerda’s Equine Rescue, Inc (Townshend, VT): With the area hit with devastating floods and 36 horses in its care, the rescue experienced major damage, especially on the road connecting the farm to its largest pasture, manure pile and hay storage, all under 4-feet of water. $1,000 was granted to replace 200 bales of hay.

Horse Haven of Tennessee (Lenoir City, TN): When two senior mares were in peril due to the owner’s recent personal and heartbreaking circumstances, the rescue improvised and took them in. Established to work with local and state officials, this was an unusual situation and one that required a separate funding stream. The mares required veterinary and farrier care with $1,000 granted for such purposes.

Saving Horses (Encinitas, CA): Unfortunately, the Founder and Rescue Manager suffered a fall (not horse related) and broke both wrists. It became apparent that a part time interim manager was required to work alongside volunteers and complete many of the routine tasks. $500 was contributed toward the organization to assist during this difficult time.

Only US-based equine charities that find homes for at-risk equines and equines in transition, provide a haven for aged equines, and/or increase opportunities to engage, inspire and empower people and that have attained the EQUUS Foundation Guardian designation are eligible to apply.

For more information or to apply for a grant, visit www.equusfoundation.org/emergency.

Join Brooke USA's Bluegrass Regional Advisory Council for their first Bourbon, Brews and Bites on September 7th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Secretariat Center in Lexington, KY. Mix and mingle with Brooke USA supporters and friends during this mixer, enjoy a silent auction and the local flavors of Kentucky BBQ. 

Brooke USA's Southern Pines Regional Advisory Council is hosting the screening of the acclaimed and Oscar-nominated movie EO. A Polish film, directed by Jersy Skolimowski, EO features a grey donkey with melancholic eyes as hero who meets good and bad people and experiences joy and pain on his life's path.

For Brooke USA, EO is a reminder of the life endured by working donkeys across the world and right here in the United States.  On September 14th at 6:00 P.M., Event Chairs Dr. Jim Hamilton and Ms. Mary Warlick will host a pre-screening VIP Reception with a special presentation, and silent and travel auctions.  

Net proceeds from funds raised during the screening of EO will be allocated to Brooke USA’s Advocacy Fund, intended to combat the importation and sale of Ejiao in the United States.  Ejiao is a product derived from boiling the hides of donkeys and used in Traditional Medicine.  The trade of donkey hides presents major animal welfare issues and threatens the poor people who depend on them for survival. Tickets and sponsorships are available now.

Divertimentos & Dressage offers a dressage musical freestyle to a live symphonic orchestra, the perfect equation for a magical evening. On Thursday, October 19 from 6-9 p.m. at Tryon International Equestrian Center, spectators will be overwhelmed by the beauty of this event when horses, orchestra and guests literally share the arena.

Grand Prix riders and horses will once again delight the audience with Freestyle performances to live orchestral music.

Event Chair, Sharon Decker is planning a spectacular evening by incorporating hallmark features and performances, while adding new and captivating elements, such as our very own Dorothy Brooke Orchestra.  

Brooke USA’s Aiken Regional Advisory Council will host its signature fundraiser, Ponies & Pearls, at New Bridge Polo and Country Club in Aiken, SC, on Sunday, October 22.

Now in its 3rd year, Ponies & Pearls has become a staple in the Aiken community. The event celebrates women and their accomplishments, while raising funds in support of women’s groups in equine-dependent communities across the developing word.

Wear your pearls, and a pop of orange. Guys are welcome, too!

Guests will have the best view of the polo action from the Argentine-style clubhouse, while they enjoy a choice of signature drinks and gourmet catering. A silent auction will provide some of the most sought-after items, and all of it benefits Brooke USA.

Arianna Delin

Donna Leonessa

Brooke USA Foundation is extremely honored to award long-time volunteer Arianna Delin and Foothills Regional Advisory Council member Donna Leonessa with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Due to their hard work, attention to detail and passion for the organization, Brooke USA is proud to have these two as volunteers.

Arianna has volunteered for Brooke USA Foundation since 2016 when she first donated her time and talent to the Brooke USA's Sunset Polo & White Party in Wellington, FL. Since then, she has helped with the Young Professionals Committee and Paint Wellington Orange. Arianna has also dedicated her time to stuffing numerous envelopes and helping with administrative tasks.

Donna is part of the heartbeat of Divertimentos & Dressage, assisting Sally Frick in making her vision a reality since 2019. Donna always goes above and beyond to help with the program, riders and musical coordination. Her assistance in 2023 extended to the Divertimentos & Dressage in Wellington, FL, helping to make the inaugural showcase during Brooke USA's Paint Wellington Orange. 

Thank you, and congratulations to Arianna and Donna!

Advocacy - Don't Stop Writing to Amazon

A dramatic increase in recent years of trade in donkey hides is driving demand for the widespread slaughter of these animals across Africa (with Kenya as the epicenter), Asia, and Latin America. As prices are driven upwards, black-market activities are also increasing, supplied by theft and illegal slaughter.

The treatment of donkeys in this process is often gruesome and has a huge impact on the livelihoods of people. Donkeys are being stolen, horrifically mistreated and cruelly slaughtered—sometimes in the bush or street just outside their owners’ property.

Not only are donkeys suffering and being killed at an unprecedented rate, but the loss of a donkey is crushing for the people who depend on these animals to survive. Families that lose a donkey can suffer colossal harm. The loss of a donkey for a family in an impoverished community can have devastating consequences on their ability to earn money, grow food, access water, and send children to school. Indeed, these setbacks can plunge an already poor family even deeper into poverty. 

MAKE AN IMPACT NOW

We need stop the sale of ejiao on the world’s largest purchasing online platform. If we help curtail product availability, we can have an impact on the economic gain of those involved in the manufacture of ejiao – both legal and illegal suppliers.

Many organizations, including Brooke USA’s sister organization Brooke: Action for Working Horses & Donkeys, are advocating for bans on the legal slaughter of donkeys, securing support from international organization such as the UN’s Food & Agriculture Organization, educating communities on safeguarding their donkeys, fighting the illegal trade with local governments’ support and more.

Together we can make a difference; just ask Amazon to remove all ejiao products from its online inventory. Please join us and write or email Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon.

Email or send to:

Amazon Corporate Headquarters
410 Terry Ave N.
Seattle, WA 98170

Be sure to copy Amazon’s Office of Public Policy, ATTN: Robert Diznof at RDDiznof@amazon.com or via mail at:

Amazon Office of Public Policy
1800 S Bell Street
Arlington, VA 22202

Amanda Delgado

Lynn Palm

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