CHAPS receives truck from Fremont Toyota

CHAPS Executive Director Kristen Marcus accepted the keys to a 2017 Ford X250 truck Thursday, courtesy of Fremont Toyota and a grant from a foundation in Cody.

In an interview with Sheridan Media, Marcus explained how the grant came about.

The result, after a summer spent answering additional questions from the foundation, was a grant of $25,000 – double the amount that Marcus originally asked for. Plus, Marcus said, Fremont Toyota dropped their price on the truck by a little over $4,000 to make the new vehicle even more affordable.

She said the 2017 truck has fewer miles than the one CHAPS traded in, and Fremont has included a hitch, which the old truck didn’t have.

Marcus said she sought the grant from the Paul Stock Foundation because they specifically support capital investments for programs for children and youth under 18.

CHAPS, an acronym for Children, Horses and Adults in PartnerShip, provides equine-assisted therapy for children from pre-kindergarten through age 18.

Marcus said this was the first grant she’s written to the foundation, and their support has been amazing.

CHAPS has been in operation since August 2004. In addition to children and youth, Marcus said CHAPS works with adults, including those in their 80s. In fact, she said, the organization’s oldest rider is 84.

She said CHAPS’ mission is to work with children, youth, adults and veterans with physical, mental, social and/or psychological disabilities.