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OUR CAPITAL
CAMPAIGN
2025-2026
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BUILDING CHICAGO'S FIRST INDOOR EQUESTRIAN CENTER FOR AT-RISK YOUTH
Help us create a warm, safe, year-round facility that provides healing, mentorship, and opportunity for children, young adults, Veterans, seniors, and individuals with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities across Chicago.
OUR CAMPAIGN: A Vision for Year-Round Indoor Facility
Chicago Children’s Equestrian Center is launching a transformational capital campaign to build Chicago’s first indoor equestrian center dedicated to at-risk youth, Veterans, seniors, and individuals with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities.
Since 2021, we have introduced more than 12,000 children, young adults, and Veterans, and seniors to the healing power of horses and to a safe community where they feel valued, supported, and inspired.
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Our mission is to ensure that every child who walks through our gates has a safe, enriching, and stable environment where they can grow emotionally, physically, and socially. To make this possible year-round, we must eliminate the winter shutdown that disrupts our programs for months at a time.
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This campaign will fund the construction of a temperature-controlled indoor facility that will allow us to serve youth throughout every season.
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WHY THIS FACILITY MATTERS
Winters in Chicago often force our outdoor programs to close from December through March, leaving hundreds of youth without a safe place to go during the most vulnerable hours of the day.
For many of the young people we serve, our equestrian center is the one constant source of stability, mentorship, and emotional support in their lives.
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A year-round facility will:
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Provide safe, consistent access to equine education and mentorship
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Prevent winter setbacks that interrupt emotional growth
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Expand our capacity to serve more children
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Offer inclusive programming for youth with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges
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This is more than a building.
It is a lifeline for young people who depend on consistency, connection, and compassionate care.
WHO WE SERVE
Chicago Children Equestrian Center serves youths, young adults, and Veterans (ages 10 through 35), seniors, and individuals with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities from across Chicago, with a strong focus on the North Side and South Side, and surrounding communities. Many of the children we serve face complex hardships that include poverty, instability, trauma, learning challenges, and limited access to safe after school programs.
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We provide:
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Transportation
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Meals and snacks
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A warm and nurturing environment
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Mentoring and emotional support
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Equine-assisted learning and therapeutic activities
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Horsemanship, horse husbandry, and riding instruction
Children do not need to own or lease a horse. They simply need a place where they are seen, supported, and encouraged.
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OUR FOUNDERS
Chicago Children Equestrian Center was founded by Vincent Sherrod, who has more than 20 years of horsemanship experience. Vincent began the program with a vision to give youth a sense of purpose, healing, and confidence that working with horses can offer.
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From the earliest days of the organization, his wife, Kirsten Pierce Sherrod, played an essential role. Vincent and Kirsten are respected community figures and also CEO of the legendary Harold’s Chicken empire. They both have been instrumental in growing the program, investing resources, and championing youth empowerment across Chicago.
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Together, Vincent and Kirsten built one of the most impactful equine youth programs in the region. Their shared commitment has allowed more than 12,000 young people to experience the life-changing bond between children and horses.
CONCEPT IMAGES + RENDERINGS
Below are concept images that illustrate the vision for our future indoor equestrian center. Final designs will be refined as we move through the construction process.
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YOUR GIFT MAKES A DIRECT IMPACT
We have secured the land needed for this expansion. We now seek 2.5 million dollars to build a year-round indoor facility that will serve youth, young adults, Veterans, seniors, and individuals with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities throughout every season.
Your donation helps fund:
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Construction of the indoor riding arena
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A heated, ventilated winter-safe barn
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Accessible classrooms and learning spaces
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Therapy and mentorship rooms
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Safety infrastructure and equipment
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Facility preparation and site development
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Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to opening our doors all year long.
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WAYS TO GIVE
Online Donation
Make a secure gift directly through our website.
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Mail a Check
Make checks payable to:
Chicago Children Equestrian Center
2900 E Water Tower Drive
Crete, IL 60417
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ACH Secure Wire Transfer
For ACH or wire transfers, please contact us directly at vsherrod13@gmail.com or (708) 920-8937.
We are happy to provide secure instructions for your gift.
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Corporate Sponsorships
Download our sponsorship packet or contact us for custom partnership opportunities.
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<Download Sponsorship Packet Here>
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In-Kind Donations
We welcome support from businesses offering construction materials, equipment, or services.
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Monthly Giving
Become a sustaining supporter with a recurring monthly donation.
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Employer Matching Gifts
Double your impact through your employer’s matching gift program.
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NAMING OPPORTUNITIES
Major donors have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through facility naming options.
Available opportunities include:
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Indoor riding arena
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Barn and stables
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Classroom
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Therapy and mentorship room
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Community Hall of Fame wall plaque
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Outdoor practice spaces
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Scholarship programs
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Contact us to discuss naming opportunities.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Chicago Children Equestrian Center invites corporations, foundations, and community partners to invest in a project that will transform youth development in Chicago.
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Sponsorship benefits may include:
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Recognition on our donor wall
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Logo placement in facility spaces
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Naming opportunities
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Community partnership events
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Press and media acknowledgment
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Featured recognition on our website
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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FAQ
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. We are a registered 501(C)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 87-3307786.
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How will the funds be used?
All campaign funds support construction and expansion of the indoor equestrian facility and the programs that operate within it.
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Can I make a large gift or sponsor a space?
Yes. Please contact us directly to discuss major donor and naming opportunities.
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When will construction begin?
Construction will begin once campaign benchmarks are met and design plans are finalized.
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Can I schedule a visit to the property?
Yes. Please reach out to coordinate a visit or tour.
TAX + TRANSPARENCY
​Chicago Children Equestrian Center is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.
EIN: 87-3307786.
All donations are tax-deductible according to IRS guidelines.
DOWNLOAD CAMPAIGN RESOURCES
HELP US BUILD THE INDOOR EQUESTRIAN CENTER CHICAGO'S YOUTH DESERVE
Your support brings us one step closer to completing a facility that will protect our programs from winter shutdowns and give children a safe, stable place to learn year-round. Together, we can build this center from the ground up.