A Special thank you  goes out to all those who supported the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center Sunday during the annual Harley for Horses Benefit Motorcycle Run.

Cloudy skies, strong winds and rising water levels from surrounding lakes cut down on the participation, but those bikers who came (approximately 80) helped raise $9,000 for the Center, a nonprofit located in LaPlace that provides fun and therapeutic experiences for individuals with physical, emotional and learning disabilities.

Through the goodwill of those in attendance, another $200 was raised at Baba’s on Main Street for the families of deputies Brandon Nielsen and Jeremy Triche, killed in the line of duty in August 2012, and two other deputies — Jason Triche and Michael “Scott” Boyington — wounded at the same time.

Strong winds pushed water over U.S. 51 so the beginning of Sunday’s route was changed to Interstate 55.

“The group was smaller, by about half, probably due to the gloomy clouds, though there was not a drop of rain the whole day,” Executive Director Anita Hefler said. “Tangipahoa, Livingston, Ascension, St. James and St. John Parish Sheriff’s Offices all worked very hard to keep the group together. They were successful, and the entire group was safely delivered to Baba’s with music by Faith Becnel and door prizes and a raffle.”

Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center personnel always appreciate volunteers and donors, and those interested in helping can email anita@gnotrc.com or call 985-651-5239 to learn how to get involved.

“So many people don’t know that we are right here in LaPlace, where we are very quietly doing big things for those with disabilities,” Hefler said. “We always need more volunteers to be side walkers and horse leaders for our classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 9 and 10 a.m. We have volunteer opportunities right here for those who need hours for school, church or other commitments.”