New Status as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit
The Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (WHOA!) is celebrating the organizational milestone of achieving nonprofit status as The WHOA Foundation Inc, a California public charity 501(c)(3). This step forward will uphold the over twenty-year legacy of public fundraising to support local equestrian projects and programs within the community that align with the Mission and Vision of WHOA! Fundraising began in 2006, under the fiscal sponsorship of the Woodside Community Foundation (WCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This beneficial relationship allowed WHOA! to focus on its initiatives while WCF handled fiscal management. Now as it approaches its 21st anniversary, WHOA! is ready to be its own independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Giving Voice to our Mission through Grants
The WHOA Foundation Inc’s mission supports the preservation of the fundamental role of horses in maintaining the rural character of Woodside and surrounding communities through grants to equestrian projects and programs aimed to foster and promote the appreciation and enjoyment of horses. Equestrian related projects and programs will continue to be supported by fundraising efforts from dedicated community sponsors through annual grants, which to date total over $450,000. An annual Equestrian Merit Scholarship is also funded for an outstanding student with a background in community service in the equestrian field. Funding
Equestrian Projects and Programs
Some notable local projects funded include key contributions to the refurbishment of the historic Folger Stable in Wunderlich Park, including the public arena located within. Additionally, grants have been made to repair and maintain the trails and bridges within the Town of Woodside and San Mateo County Parks. A full list of past grants can be found on the website: www.whoa94062.org/projects-and-programs
With Our Gratitude
The WHOA Foundation Inc is most grateful to the Woodside Community Foundation for their assistance over the past 20 years. The Foundation is also very grateful to Michael Degnan, Esq. whose family has been a part of the Woodside community since the 1940’s. Michael, on a pro bono basis, provided the legal expertise and advice to expedite the nonprofit status for The WHOA Foundation Inc.
Board Members and Advisors
The Foundation’s current Board of Directors include Alexis Bartlo, President, Iain Finlay, Treasurer, and Fawni Hill, Secretary, as well as advisors Donna Poy, Susan Lang, and Michael Degnan, Esq.
Woodside Day of the Horse – Our Principal Fundraiser
The 21st Annual Woodside Day of the Horse will be celebrated with a trail ride through the Town of Woodside and the Horse Park at Woodside on Saturday, October 11. The following day, October 12 a family-fun Horse Fair takes place at Woodside Town Hall. It takes over 200 generous sponsors and volunteers to put on this event and it is an excellent showcase for the past successes and future planning for WHOA! as it maintains relevance in our equestrian community and evolving dynamic landscape.
