Did you know that animal and environmental charities receive only 3% of the total of all charitable giving in the Unites States?* Yet worldwide, working horses, donkeys, and mules never get a rest. They work in extreme climates and carry heavy loads usually without access to enough water or medical care. 

As a member of the Brooke USA community, you understand that these loyal and steadfast animals provide livelihoods and a means to afford education to their owner’s families.  

That’s why we need our community of equine lovers to show your commitment to these unsung heroes by signing up for a regular donation. Regular donations cost us less to process and allow us to plan as efficiently as possible. 

Animal charities just aren’t as important to the average American as they are to you. You, more than anyone, know equines are intelligent and sentient animals. Brooke USA works in areas where the need is greatest, where the road is less traveled, where there is no one else to help.

We are $31,043.64 short of reaching our goal of raising $1.5 million dollars for our ambitious donkey project (https://www.brookeusa.org/the-donkey-project).  Can we count on you to make a donation today to change a life forever?

 *(Nonprofitsource 2023- The Ultimate List of Charitable Giving Statistics for 2023) 

The diesel-powered engine which used to power this trough broke long ago. Brooke USA was able to rehabilitate the trough, and now Cynthia Tanui and her donkeys can quench their thirst at the newly rehabilitated trough.  

AS DROUGHT CONDITIONS WORSEN IN EAST AFRICA, PEOPLE AND ANIMALS HAVE TO TRAVEL FURTHER AND FURTHER FOR CLEAN WATER.

“We used to travel more than 3 miles to obtain water; now, the journey is less than one mile. We thank all those who made this possible for us as water is now available to all. We, and the donkeys, are in better health since they don’t have to travel far.”  Cynthia Tanui, Marigat Rift Valley, Kenya. 

Brooke USA Bestows 2023 Crystal Award:

~Honoring Vicky & Eric Busch of Louisiana, and Amal Murgian of California~

Pictured on Left: Eric and Vicky Busch. Pictured on Right: Amal Murgian with Melissa Klaerner.

Brooke USA is pleased to announce that longtime mission supporters and animal advocates, Vicky and Eric Bush of Folsom, LA, and Amal Murgian of San Francisco, CA were recently honored with the organization’s Crystal Award.

The Crystal Award is Brooke USA’s most prestigious accolade. It recognizes outstanding champions of the organization who have gone above and beyond in support of its mission to significantly improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys, mules, and the people they serve in the developing world. The individuals honored demonstrate a deep love and commitment to Brooke USA.

“The Crystal Award allows us to pay tribute to those individuals who have made an enormous difference in advancing our mission. Vicky and Eric, and Amal have been instrumental to our organizational growth, especially these last few years when the fundraising landscape is so difficult and complicated for animal welfare organizations,” said Brooke USA Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Jim Hamilton.

Vicky is the owner of Busch Sporthorses, where she trains, teaches, and breeds for dressage. A FEI/Grand Prix/Gold Medal Rider, trainer and competitor, Vicky has a passion for education and a desire to share that knowledge with her students. A Board-Certified Anesthesiologist with Ochsner Health in New Orleans, Eric helps his wife whenever his busy schedule permits. Together, they are the proud parents of Assassin, AKA Slate, Brooke USA’s very own mule ambassador who with his charm and natural charisma helps bring awareness for the plight of millions working equines.

Amal is no stranger to Brooke USA’s work having been educated in the United Kingdom where Brooke, Brooke USA’s sister organization, has a strong “hoofprint” and the charity’s work is highly recognized. Moreover, Amal is a native of Kenya where Brooke and Brooke USA invest significant funds to improve the welfare of working equines and the livelihoods of people.

Amal has made a career in management consulting and finance and has a longstanding involvement with philanthropic work in the United States and Africa. With her family, Amal supports numerous organizations seeking to ensure economic sustainability for people in Africa, especially women and girls, and most recently, Amal was named Chair of the Africa Board of Ripple Effect, an organization that fights poverty and builds sustainable livelihoods in eastern Africa.

Vicky and Eric Busch and Amal Murgian join Margaret Hamilton Duprey, Katherine Kaneb, and Claudine and Fritz Kundrun who received the award in 2019; Antonia Axön Johnson, Richard Schechter, and Hazel and Richard Schultz who received the award in 2020, Melissa and Gerrit Klaerner who received the award in 2021, and Talmadge and Ian Silversides who received the award in 2022. The efforts of all these outstanding people help make a true difference by alleviating the suffering of some of the 100 million equines working in the developing world that support the livelihoods of 600 million people.

Brooke USA Contributes $20,000 to Aid Texas Wildfire Victims

Brooke USA Foundation announced that it raised $20,000 to help humans and animals affected by the Texas Panhandle Wildfires. Thanks to a challenge grant from The Isabella Moss Dattel Fund, created by a caring donor in memory of her beloved donkey, Brooke USA exceeded its initial commitment of $10,000 and has now granted funds to both the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and the Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA).

Forty-seven Brooke USA contributors rose to the occasion and raised the additional $10,000 needed to satisfy the challenge and help both humans and animals. The founder of The Isabella Moss Dattel Fund stated that “cattle ranchers are hardworking families, many of whom have been operating their business for generations. Isabella and I are proud to help and support working equines and their families. They are instrumental to an industry that has represented our country for centuries.” The Isabella Moss  Dattel Fund pays tribute to the invaluable contributions made by working horses, donkeys, and mules everywhere.

More than 1 million acres of land have been affected by the fires, destroying crops, and injuring or killing livestock, among them working equines. When feed, hay and veterinary supplies were desperately needed, Brooke USA helped defray the costs incurred by AAEP with a grant to said organization.

Today, while the fires are contained or extinguished, ranchers continue to require assistance, and will continue to do so for weeks and months to follow. Recovery is a long process as people have lost everything they own, their financial well-being has been threatened, and they are looking for help to care for their animals.

Brooke USA has been working with TEVA to ensure that veterinary care continues for those animals already injured, and that feed and hay is delivered in a timely manner.  Recently, Brooke USA was alerted that, due to the fires, many ranchers have lost their seasonal hay and feed deliveries; and now require replacement provisions.

“What we are facing is heartbreaking and although the fires have been contained, the need for assistance has only just begun. The disaster recovery process is paramount to restoring, redeveloping, and revitalizing those people and animals impacted," noted Emily Dulin, CEO of Brooke USA.  

In the past, Brooke USA has partnered with organizations working on the ground to support the needs of equines and their owners – whether it was during the floods in Pakistan, the earthquake in Morocco, Hurricane Ian in Florida, or the wildfires in California.

Brooke USA Raises $225,000 to Improve the Plight of Working Equines

Divertimentos & Dressage, Ponies & Pearls, and Sunset Watering Hole event trifecta ‘Paint Wellington Orange’ during the Winter Equestrian Season

Photos by Morgan Measey.

Brooke USA Foundation (Brooke USA) returned to the winter equestrian capital of the world with its signature event trifecta in Wellington, Florida. Part of its seventh annual Paint Wellington Orange event series developed to help improve the plight of working equines, Brooke USA’s signature events drew record crowds among established and up-and coming equestrians attending Divertimentos & Dressage, Ponies & Pearls, and the Sunset Watering Hole. The non-profit organization surpassed its fundraising goal with $225,000 raised for a variety of projects supporting working horses, donkeys and mules, and the people they serve across the globe, including the U.S.

Emily Dulin, CEO of Brooke USA, shares, “Thank you to the Wellington community and those that visit from abroad for embracing Brooke USA and the work we do right here in the U.S. and across the globe. Every single event guest has made an unimaginable impact on the welfare of working equines, and the families that rely on horses, donkeys, and mules for their daily survival. These beloved animals play a critical role as a resource in providing food, clean water, and shelter in underprivileged communities and together we can improve outcomes.”

Photo by Joanna Jodko.

Crowning Brooke USA’s ‘Paint Wellington Orange’ event trifecta was the 2nd annual spectacular showcase, Divertimentos & Dressage Presented by Lugano Diamonds held on March 21st at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. The dressage musical freestyle to a live orchestra performed by the Palm Beach Symphony welcomed back dressage riders JJ Tate, Allison Kavey, and Sahar Daniel Hirosh. Also joining the extraordinary performances by grand prix horses and their riders was new presenter, Cynthia Screnci, as well as a special Pas de Deux performed by Kerensa and Klendy Muller.

Conceptualized by flutist, equestrian, and Brooke USA Board Member Sally Frick, Jennifer Burger and Candace Platz led the way as co-chairs along with inaugural chair Selma Garber for the inimitable event which included a cocktail reception, silent and travel auctions, a live auction featuring an Albion dressage saddle, along with Palm Beach Symphony musicians, including musical director and conductor Kyle Elgarten.

Combined with the success of the 2nd Annual Ponies & Pearls in Wellington, Florida, as well as the Sunset Watering Hole, led by the Young Professionals Committee, Brooke USA is thrilled to have raised $225,000 to help even more working horses, donkeys and mules.

To learn more about the events, please visit www.brookeusaevents.org. 

Video by Khanna House Studios.

Brooke USA Foundation Earns Candid’s Gold Seal

Gold Seal is only given to the top non-profits for transparency and accountability

For the fourth consecutive year, Brooke USA Foundation has been awarded the GuideStar Gold Seal by Candid, ranking it among the country's best non-profit organizations for transparency and accountability. The Gold Seal recognizes non-profit organizations for sharing information about their finances, leadership, demographics, programs, organization, and mission. Less than two percent of the 1.8 million non-profits included in Candid have earned a Gold Seal.

It's that time of year again - tax season! While some of us may dread it, it's also a great opportunity to make a positive impact and secure your legacy while taking advantage of some sweet tax benefits.

As one of our valued supporters at Brooke USA Foundation, we wanted to remind you that by leaving a planned gift, you can protect the things you care about most and receive significant tax benefits. You can decrease your estate taxes and capital gains taxes, and also receive a charitable deduction on your income taxes.

Plus, you'll get the satisfaction of knowing that you're leaving a legacy that will make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve, while also receiving tax benefits that keep more money in your pocket. It's a win-win!

So why not take a break from crunching numbers and create your will today?

Thanks again for being an incredible supporter of Brooke USA and for making a difference in our community.

We need your support more than ever.

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