Tablescapes Successful for Horizons Unlimited

Horizons Unlimited once again hosted a successful theme table fundraiser on Thursday, April 26th.   The Emmetsburg non-profit organization provides opportunities to adults with disabilities.

Tablescapes Theme Table Dinner, held at the Smith Wellness Center Gym on the Emmetsburg campus of Iowa Lakes Community College, highlighted the creative talents of table decorators, with colorful and meaningful tables.  Many of the 220 attendees were again impressed with the table decorations and the variety of tables at the theme table dinner.

This year’s event featured several firsts for the fundraiser.  The Best Theme Table Award was given out for the first time this year, with voting open to all theme table viewers by a monetary donation in a jar on their favorite theme table.  This year’s best theme table honor went to “Pretty in Pink”, sponsored by Slash Point Sales and Curves, and decorated by Denise Haack.

A silent auction was also a first for the theme table event, and many attendees frequented their bidding sheets to make sure they were the top bidder during the evening.  Another first is that Horizons Unlimited opened the theme tables for public viewing in the afternoon.  For a freewill donation, participants could vote for any favorite theme table of their choice.

Horizons Unlimited thanks everyone who supported the Tablescapes Theme Table Dinner, especially the table sponsors, silent auction donors, and business contributors.  Horizons appreciates all the community support that helps to provide opportunities for the Horizons’ family to develop their full potential in a positive atmosphere.

The 2013 Tablescapes fundraiser is slated for Thursday, April 25, 2013.  Again, Horizons Unlimited is planning for more fun and exciting changes for Tablescapes in 2013. Click here to see a slide show of the theme tables.

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Horizons Unlimited Earns Three Grant Awards

Horizons Unlimited received three grant awards on Saturday night, March 3rd during the Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation's Grant Awards Celebration at the Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Emmetsburg.

Horizons Unlimited received $26,366.52 for new van transportation, $14,922.75 for new telephone system, and $2,534.33 for workshop wall partitions in the shredding area.  Employees from Horizons Unlimited that attended the Grant Awards Celebration were honored with the Spirit Award from Wild Rose General Manager Amy Rubel, and a free lunch with Amy.

"We are thrilled about receiving these grants for projects that are greatly needed at Horizons, and surprised to also get the Spirit Award, too," commented Jennifer Meyer, Development Coordinator and grant writer for Horizons Unlimited.  "I am grateful for all those who support Horizons Unlimited, and especially during this time of budget cuts, we need all we can get.  A big thank you to Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation and their board for selecting to fund our grants, and for their time and work to read and score all the grants they receive.  It is greatly appreciated."  Almost 20 people from Horizons Unlimited were at the celebration to support and cheer on the Horizons projects that received grant funding.

The Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation awarded $1,912,651.20 to fund projects for organizations and cities in Palo Alto County.  The money comes from a percentage of the annual gaming profit of Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Emmetsburg, and is distributed by the Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation, who holds the casino gaming license for Wild Rose.

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Horizons Unlimited has been helping individuals who have disabilities become the best they can be for more than 40 YEARS! Horizons’ mission is: “Providing opportunities for our Horizons’ family to develop their full potential in a positive atmosphere.”

Incorporated in 1969, Horizons Unlimited of Palo Alto County, Inc. has expanded over the years to become the second largest non-profit organization and one of the larger employers in the County. Horizons serves about 9 individuals and employs around 75 part-time and full-time staff.

Horizons Unlimited provides a unique variety of programs for our special individuals where we focus on the ABILITIES in people with disabilities. We offer residential services, vocational services and two day habilitation programs. Work opportunities offered, and in turn, services provided to the public include:

• Confidential Shredding Services
  
• Bottle & Can Redemption Center
  
• Recycling Center
  
• Community Employment
• Second Hand Thrift Store