Auction fundraiser will help those in the equine industry

Dolores Miller teaches Scarlett Kiser, Jazlyn Juardo and Marelyn Hernandez in a classroom at the Ocala Farm Ministry in Ocala, Fla. on Oct. 30, 2023. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman]

The Ocala Farm Ministry’s motto is: “We are the people who take care of the people who take care of the horses.” The annual fundraiser auction to benefit programs of the nonprofit will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 13, at Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company at 1701 SW 60th Ave., Ocala.

Horse related gifts and more will be auctioned. A recent auction at OBS included items such as National Rodeo tickets, Jack Russell terrier puppies and a diamond necklace. The nonprofit relies on the fundraiser and private donations throughout the year.

In 2004, a group of local horse farm owners founded the ministry, which is run by Chaplain Bob Miller and his wife Dolores. The nonprofit has a community center, with two classrooms and an area for church services, Boy Scout meetings, consulate services, health clinics and other programs. A donation in 2018 allowed the ministry to construct a concrete building that houses the after-school program. Outreaches include soccer for 4- to 14-year-olds. There is an after-school program for kindergarten to high school students three afternoons a week, a scholarship program for students wanting to go to college, assistance connecting to medical care and language translation help with school, work or immigration documents.

To learn more, go to ocalafarmministry.org or find them on Facebook.