Brooke USA Foundation has agreed to fund its first multi-year project to support more than 300 newly identified Indian brick kilns over the next five years, promoting animal welfare-friendly attitudes and environments. Brooke USA will be working in communities which have never been in contact with Brooke India, the field partner on this project, allowing Brooke USA to measure impact and change over time – from initial program deployment to planned exit strategies years later.

There are approximately 100,000 active brick kilns across India, serving as the second largest producer of clay fired bricks in the world, accounting for more than 10 percent of production. Ten million people and 380,000 animals work in the brick kilns (ICIMOD’s, Burnt Clay Brick Sector in India, 2019). Brick kilns take a heavy toll on the animal and human workforce as well as damage and pollute the environment.

Donkeys, horses and mules work in brick kilns, a largely hidden industry, often unorganized and unregulated, where animals and humans endure the harshest working conditions with limited, if any, legal protection and rights. Labor abuses are commonplace, including low wages, child labor and bonded labor. Brick kilns pollute the air and water, causing infection and respiratory diseases in animals and humans.

In these brick kilns, the animals transport tons of handmade bricks every day. These animals suffer from poor nutrition and other serious health and welfare issues as well as extreme working environments, and poor husbandry. Acute heat, no shade, water or rest, as well as overloading, all of which lead to disease and injuries.

Emily Marquez-Dulin, Chief Executive Officer of Brooke USA said: “This five-year commitment to Brooke India is historical for Brooke USA. We will follow each community through their journey to improved animal welfare and better human livelihoods by consistently measuring change against specific indicators. Moreover, we will be able to report progress and impact to our donors while positioning ourselves to reach larger contributions and thus, help more people and animals across the globe.”

Brooke USA has committed $1,250,000 to deliver change and thus improve the lives of working equines and the people they serve in the brick kilns. Brooke USA’s India project kicks-off in October 2024 and will be funded through October 2029. This new project will take place in villages near Kaimur, Gonda, Samba, Rothak and Surat in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Hariyana and Gujarat, respectively.  The goal is to reach 4,500 working horses, donkeys and mules and 9,700 people who depend on them.  

The program has been designed to provide a 360° intervention approach that measures specific outcomes against pre-set indicators and benchmarks. The overarching themes to be continually assessed and evaluated are changes in human behavior toward working equines such as proactive husbandry and preventive healthcare, increased family income generated from new sources of revenue such as small business development and community collaborations, improved animal health and body condition, and environmental enhancements like access to water, delivery of feed and provision of shelter.

Jyothi Dharmadheeran, Country Director of Brooke India, said “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners in the USA for their generosity and compassion in creating a life worth living for horses, donkeys, and mules. This pledge will help support Brooke India's efforts to improve the health and welfare of both equines and equine-owning families, empowering women and building economic resilience.”

August typically signifies the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year —a shift from vacation mode to a sense of obligation. August is also National Make-a-Will Month, a month-long celebration encouraging every American to plan for their future by creating a will.

While every American needs a will, nearly 70% confirm that they do not have an updated legal will, despite it being an essential tool to protect the people and causes they love most. National Make-A-Will Month is an opportunity to help dispel myths and explain the importance of creating a will.

Having a will is important for every family, regardless of how much money they have or make. Every adult – regardless of age – should take the time to create a will to ensure that any final wishes are executed in the way desired. Creating a will in August can offer peace of mind and present an opportunity to plan or make a difference for the people and causes one loves most.

Brooke USA Foundation proudly announces Morgan Measey as the Volunteer of the Year for 2024. Morgan has been an integral part of Brooke USA's mission, bringing her love for horses, event planning, and philanthropy together to make a significant impact in the equestrian community. Due to her hard work, attention to detail and passion for the organization, Brooke USA is proud to name Morgan as the 2024 recipient.

Morgan is based year-round in Wellington, Fla., where she 

seamlessly blends her love for horses with her dedication to philanthropic endeavors. Her journey with Brooke USA began in 2016 when she attended one of the organization's events and felt an immediate connection. Recognizing the importance of involving young adults in the equine welfare sector, Morgan has contributed her time and expertise to Brooke USA ever since, even founding the Brooke USA Young Professionals Committee in Wellington alongside fellow Brooke USA Advocate Ash Atkinson.

"I am incredibly honored to be named Volunteer of the Year by Brooke USA," said Morgan. "Being part of this organization has been a rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to combine my passion for horses with my desire to make a difference in the world."

As the founding chair of the Young Professionals Committee, Morgan aims to engage and inspire young adults to participate in philanthropic activities within the equestrian community. Under her leadership, the committee is working towards expanding Brooke USA's Young Professionals events nationwide, fostering a new generation of advocates for equine welfare. To date, Morgan has planned two successful events in Wellington to kick-start the Young Professionals, ushering in more than 250 attendees to the National Polo Center in both 2023 and 2024 for the Sunset Watering Hole, complete with a silent auction, live entertainment, and carefully curated sponsors.

Morgan Measey pictured at the 2024 Brooke USA's Sunset Watering Hole with fellow committee members.

Pictured left to right: Co-Chair Robert Reyers, Zara Boyd, Allie Britt Titus, Morgan Measey and Brooke USA Polo Ambassador Agustin Arellano.

With a lifelong commitment to horses and philanthropy, Morgan's contributions to Brooke USA have been invaluable. Her involvement in the Duke Nonprofit Management Program and her extensive experience in event planning have further enriched her ability to drive positive change within the organization.

"We are thrilled to recognize Morgan as our Volunteer of the Year for 2024," said Kendall Bierer, Donor Relations Officer at Brooke USA Foundation. "Her passion, dedication, and leadership exemplify the values that define our organization. We are grateful for her continued support and look forward to the impact she will continue to make in the years to come."

Volunteers are needed in every part of Brooke USA work – from helping at fundraising events and working booths to raising awareness and inputting names in our database and conducting online research. Brooke USA is grateful to its many volunteers and the organization is only able to continue its mission due to the dedication of its many supporters.

To learn more about Brooke USA and how to get involved, visit www.brookeusa.org. For more information about Brooke USA’s Young Professionals and how you can get involved, please visit www.brookeusa.org/young-professionals-committee.  

Brooke USA is thrilled to congratulate our CEO, Emily Marquez-Dulin on her nomination 2024 Latina Pioneer of the Year by the Hispanic Women of Distinction. Emily will be awarded during a cultural celebration of 14 Latinas from South Florida at the 23rd annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity luncheon to be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The event is already sold out, paying tribute to Latina professionals who are strengthening the social fabric of this country and making inroads in the leadership pipeline for a growing diverse America.

What these women have in common is the combination of their American entrepreneurship intertwined with their Latina cultural traditions and values. Their commitment to home, family and heritage is what makes each of them so very special, and this luncheon so unique.

Presented by Latina Style Magazine, the nation's leader in Hispanic women business in partnership with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Latin Business Today and co-sponsored by Nicklaus Children's Hospital and Visit Lauderdale as well as a host of other corporate and media partners, the Hispanic Women of Distinction celebration has become one of the nation's largest celebrations of Latinas.

Learn more about Emily and the 2024 Honorees at www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.com.

Picnic & Polo
September 1, 2024
Lexington, KY 

Ponies & Pearls
October 20, 2024
Aiken, SC

Divertimentos & Dressage
October 24, 2024
Tryon, NC