Thank you to everyone who took the time to honor and nominate a SIRE volunteer for their outstanding achievements and dedication to SIRE. All nominations were carefully reviewed and considered based on the narratives that were submitted. The 2016 Gala committee and co-chairs, Hugo and Mary Elizabeth Sand, took their time and carefully considered all nominations. The following outstanding volunteers were selected and will attend the SIRE Outer Limits Gala on April 22nd.

Luiza Lopes, Fort Bend site Volunteer

Luiza LopesLuiza has been volunteering with SIRE/Fort Bend since September 2013. In that time frame, she has volunteered 600 hours while attending Clements High School in Sugar Land. Luiza is truly devoted to her riders. She encourages them and gives them the tools to succeed in their tasks. Whether Luiza is leading or sidewalking for her rider in a class or one of the many events she always volunteers for, she is helping to put a smile of joy on their faces. Luiza is one of those volunteers that you always want on your team because of her impeccable work ethics and calm demeanor that helps to inspire a team to succeed. She is always the first to sign up for extra duty in classes or special events. She is our Fort Bend Teen Council President and has kept the group together with the purpose of fundraising for our site. In 2015, Luiza created a video to help introduce potential volunteers and groups to what SIRE is all about. CLICK HERE to see the video!

Chris Ellsworth, Hockley site Volunteer

Chris came to SIRE looking to spend time with a friend who lives across town. Well over six years ago, she decided volunteering together had more impact than a weekly lunch. Fortunately for us, SIRE is the chosen charity. Having much experience with horses, Chris is a horse leader for my daughter and her horse. Chris quickly became more involved than the weekly one hour volunteer session. Growing exponentially, she even got her husband Fred involved, also an accomplished equestrian. Together they have volunteered in a variety of ways at competitions and special events. With her extra dedication, Chris has remained my daughter’s reliable horse leader. Her constant presence and skill has impacted my daughter’s progress and joy, who looks forward to seeing Chris as much as her horse! Chris, always smiling, has a calming nature with both horses, riders, and their parents. She prefers to stay out of the limelight and quietly go about her work which embodies the very spirit of SIRE.

Debbie Sweren, Spring site Volunteer

JEE_8781 (1)Debbie has been a volunteer at the Spring site since September 2012. Not only is Debbie great with the horses and riders, she is an amazing artist and designer. Over the years, Debbie has helped SIRE at almost all fundraisers and horse shows with her one of a kind decorative creations. Additionally, at the Spring site she painted the office and made whimsical window dressings. Currently Debbie is working on an extravagant woodland animals 3D mural for the site’s tacking shed.