Children sit atop horses, engaged in therapeutic riding sessions, as sheep bleat and roosters crow, responding to dedicated workers who help take care of the grounds. “We have about 150 animals total here, 52 of which are horses and donkeys, many of them rescues,” says Bonnie Buongiorne, founder and president of Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam, a vibrant spot featuring a petting zoo, pony rides and birthday parties for kids, where adults can board horses or volunteer. “This place offers people a different way to connect with life in a positive way.” But, it has been a dark time for Ray of Light, and now Buongiorne is asking for the public’s support, as the farm moves forward in a new way.
“We’ve actually had a very hard four years,” says Buongiorne, who leased the farm from a family that decided to sell it, leaving the non-profit with an uncertain future. “I had many nights when I worried about which direction we would go and then I’d end with, ‘Something will happen.'” Months of dedicated fundraising efforts yielded an exciting development: enough money for a down payment. “The USDA has decided we’re qualified to receive a mortgage,” says Buongiorne, noting this is good news but challenges remain. “Now we have that 40-year commitment of keeping up the payments.” She is appealing to the public for help with this daunting prospect: “Our goal is to be of service to the community….and every indication is that we are.”
So, fun opportunities to support Ray of Light are on the horizon, such as the Columbus Day fundraiser at Salem Valley Farms Ice Cream. “Seven years ago, I came up with the idea that it’s a great way to use up the end-of-season ice cream…and give them the funds,” says ice cream shop owner Jane Scacciaferro who boards a horse at Ray of Light, a place that means a lot to her. “When my son was 2, I found their Tiny Trotters program and just fell in love with it.” Everyone who buys a homemade ice cream on Oct. 13 between noon and 5 p.m., will receive a horse-drawn wagon ride. Ray of Light is also gearing up for it’s annual “Not-So-Scary Halloween Hayrides” in late October, appropriate for small children.
Countless families have enjoyed this bucolic spot, whether through therapy sessions or time spent with the resident tortoise, alpaca or unique zdonk, a zebra-donkey mix. “We stress the care of the animal, mutual respect, how to make a connection with animals and it kind of helps people in their own lives, too,” says Buongiorne, thankful to those who have given even a dollar to support her mission. “It is a Ray of Light.”
To learn more about Ray of Light Farm’s upcoming events, log onto rayoflightfarm.org watch Monday’s Fox CT Morning News.
