Each year I look forward to seeing philanthropic actor William Shatner and his wife Elizabeth at their Hollywood Charity Horse Show gifting ceremony with Priceline.com and Wells Fargo Bank. Each year they raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for over 25 children’s charities.

The first Hollywood Charity Horse Show started in March 1990 to help grass root charities. Every year it is held at the Equestrian Center in Griffith Park with a world-class horse show, dinner, a live and silent auction, and A-list musical guest.

Shatner along with David DiCristofaro, Wells Fargo Lead Regional President in the Greater Los Angeles attended the gifting ceremony and breakfast to distribute grants to the charities supported by Shatner’s annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show sponsored by Wells Fargo and Priceline.com. DiCristofaro oversees 275 Wells Fargo branches.

This year at The Six Chow House in Studio City, The Gay Mens Choir Los Angeles (GMCLA) opened the gifting event by singing “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper. Shatner and his wife are fans of the GMCLA, having seen the holiday show. We learned that Jonathan Weedman, formerly Senior Vice President Wells Fargo Foundation is now the Executive Director at GMCLA.

Afterwards, Shatner shared how they need help for this year’s event scheduled June 3.

1. They are looking for volunteers to help before and during the event.

2. For charities wanting to receive a gift, purchase three tables or more. Those who do this, the philanthropy will double the donation gift to that charity.

3. They need people to help sell ads for the program.

4. Donate items to auction the day of the event by May 1, 2017. Go to: https://www.facebook.com/HollywoodCharityHorseShow/

Shatner is turning 87 year old this year. He continues to work hard for Hollywood Charity Horse Show, to help children and those in need. All the money raised goes straight to the charities, with no administration fees.

Shatner shared with guests a true story of the appreciation one mother has for AHEAD With Horses’. As a mother of two daughters on the autism spectrum, horse therapy has helped her daughters overcome many sensory issues. Her 11 year old daughter can now run and jump without falling or crashing into things, due to her new sense of balance from riding a horse. Both daughters have benefited tremendously by the therapy. AHEAD With Horses – (Accelerated Habilitation Education And Development) has over 48 years of history of providing unique, highly motivating and effective therapy, education and recreation through horses and related experiences to disabled/disadvantaged/at-risk/special-needs children and has earned recognition educationally, medically and scientifically.

Hollenbeck Police Activities League builds a bond between cops and kids. Hollenbeck PAL was founded in 1992 through the efforts of Hollenbeck Division of the Los Angeles Police Department and community residents to implement sports activities to high-risk youths in response to the juvenile crime increase in the area. The ultimate goal is a community without crime, where children have equal access to opportunity, and where peace officers help drive the community’s vitality. PAL’s mission is to nurture young people to become responsible, productive, and law-abiding citizens by offering character-building, educational, sports, and life-enhancing programs. American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund received a check too. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

Saddles for Soldiers is designed specifically by Shadow Hills Riding Club to assist United States Veterans and their families cope with the traumas and stressors returning from combat, long-term depression, re-establishing life skills and readjustment into civilian life by the use of horses.

Painted Turtle Gang Camp Foundation – There is no billing department – children with serious medical conditions and their families attend camp free of charge. Through innovative, camp-based programs that offer a great big dose of fun and support, children with more than 30 medical conditions visit The Painted Turtle each year, reclaiming the joys of childhood. A member of Paul Newman’s renowned Serious-Fun Camps (formerly the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps), The Painted Turtle has offered thousands of children and their families hope and encouragement through its Summer and Family Weekend camps since it opened its gates in 2004.

Pasadena Playhouse is committed to premiere theatrical experience in Southern California showcasing the most exciting theatrical entertainment in the state and being an amazing forum for launching new work onto the national stage. The Pasadena Playhouse hosts over 3000 young people (primarily 18 and under). Theatre has the power to transform lives and create new possibilities for those engaged with it.

Queen of Hearts Theraputic Riding Center is a nonprofit facility that offers programs supporting the development of disabled children and adults living in Southern California’s Inland Empire and surrounding areas.

REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program is a non-profit located in Fallbrook, CA. REINS provides physical, mental, and emotional therapy to a wide range of disabled children and adults through the use of carefully supervised horseback riding. The benefits of this therapy are both mental and physical and include normalization of muscle tone, increased balance & coordination, developments of speech & language, and improvements in body awareness & self-esteem.

Dream Catcher of LA is a Therapeutic Riding Center’s is a Certified Center Member of PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) offering Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies. Joan Blank and the center improves the lives of children, adults, and veterans with cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities, while serving the therapeutic riding profession through training and education. Learning a riding skill will also have a positive effect on a rider’s self-confidence. The center environment, the companionship and bonding with animals, and the development of new skills are all components in a successful experience. The relationships that develop between riders, volunteers, horses and staff are all integral to a positive emotional experience.