Keeping your young reader engaged and excited about reading during the summer months can be challenging. In an effort to help help young readers build confidence, improve fluency, and foster a love of reading, Renew will once again be partnering with the Herrick District Library to offer an exciting and unique opportunity called Reading Wranglers.

Reading Wranglers is designed for children ages 6-12 who can sit and read independently. This weekly program offers children a unique one-on-one reading experience with a horse, and a story time or a story walk around the scenic 20-acre farm. There will be other various opportunities for readers to bond with their equine companion during this experience as well.

If you would like to register your child(ren), head to herrickdl.org/events. Space is limited to 12 participants each week and spots fill up very quickly.

“It has been so fun to see the Reading Wranglers program grow over the past couple of summers,” Kennedy Sall, Program Manager, explained. “From reading one-on-one to the horses, to walking the property on a story walk, it has been a blessing to be able to share the herd and property with the community. Seeing the horse’s responses to the kids reading to them is just heartwarming. They are intentionally listening to the reader and take the time to glance at the pictures when shown, too. Reading Wranglers has helped the shyest of readers feel heard and confident, thanks to our equine friends. We are grateful for our partnership with the Herrick District Library as they have played a large part in helping Reading Wranglers be a success!”

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Ways to Partner Virtually and In-Person

Funds raised during all of the Denim & Diamonds at the Derby fun are essential to supporting the mission at Renew. There are many ways to partner in the mission, whether you attend the event or not. Either way, you can get in on the fun and donate to support the many life-changing programs that help people in our community live a more abundant life.

Partner virtually –> If you are unable to attend, you can still support the mission through donating to the Jockey Race, making a donation, and buying Bid to Win tickets to try and win some amazing auction packages (no need to be present to win).

The jockeys will enter the starting gates March 31 and the Bid to Win tickets will go on sale in early April. Donations can be made at any time. All the event information and ways to partner in the mission can be found on the Denim & Diamonds at the Derby event website below.

Please email Cassie at communications@renewtrc.org with any questions.

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Sponsorship Opportunities for 2025

Renew would love to add more event sponsors this year. Do you own or work for a company that would like to partner in the mission through an event sponsorship? Renew’s events are a great way to reach people all across West Michigan!

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