A surprise gift of $1 million was the highlight of a super successful fundraiser at the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center in San Juan Capistrano. Over 1,800 attendees enjoyed a beautiful evening at the Center’s 29th BBQ fundraiser, held at their newly renovated equestrian facility on Sat., Sept. 15. 



Record setting proceeds exceeded $425,000 to support ongoing operations and programs of the Shea Center. The incredible surprise gift of $1 million cash was given by long time Shea Center supporters Jenny and Bill Klein, toward the organization’s capital campaign, now in its second phase. In addition to the $1 million gift, the couple announced a matching challenge grant of an additional $850,000, which generated $612,250 during the evening’s festivities. These funds will go toward the Shea Center’s Family and Education Center.
“We could not be more grateful,” says Shea Center Board Chair Susie Roof PT. “At one point, Jenny [Klein] was going to quietly slip this generous gift into my hand, but realized that perhaps she and her husband could help inspire others to support the Center through their giving and they were more than right!” Significant donations to match the Klein Family Challenge were made by Monica and Tom Parr, George and Eden O’Connell, Derek and Nancy Lewis, Jon and Penny Fosheim, Rhoads and Debbie Martin and Dennis and Gina Gage.
Guests were treated to rider demonstrations, silent and live auctions, barrel races by Shea Center riders, kids’ activities and a variety of live country western entertainment. The evening highlight was the Celebrating Our Riders parade which featured over 60 Shea Center clients who paraded through the arena to a standing ovation.
The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse-related programs. The privately funded Shea Center currently serves over 400 clients annually utilizing over 200 volunteers. Clients range in age from 2 to 75 and represent a wide range of disabilities. 
For more information about the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center visit www.sheacenter.org or call 949-240-8441.