Connected Horse sets 4th annual Lassos with Love fundraiser for Sept. 27

Connected Horse will host its 4th annual Lassos with Love fundraiser on Sept. 27 in Pleasanton, California, to support free equine-guided programs for families affected by dementia. The nonprofit says the event helps fund research-based services that reduce isolation and strengthen caregiver support. Why it matters: - Dementia and caregiving strain are growing needs, with close to 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. - Nearly 1 in 3 caregivers report feeling socially isolated. - Connected Horse uses free equine-guided programs to help reduce stress, strengthen relationships and restore connection for people living with cognitive changes and their care partners. - The fundraiser helps sustain no-cost workshops, sensory engagement programs and facilitator training. What happened: - Connected Horse announced its 4th annual Lassos with Love fundraiser. - The event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - The fundraiser will take place at Five Star Equestrian in Pleasanton, California. - The nonprofit is framing this year’s event around the Year of the Fire Horse and its theme of connection, care and community. The details: - Guests will be welcomed with a horse greeting reception. - The program includes an al fresco afternoon reception. - Silent and live auctions will feature luxury travel, exclusive experiences and one-of-a-kind items. - Kansas Carradine will lead a HeartMath® meditation among the horses. - HeartMath® uses science-based techniques and biofeedback designed to reduce stress, manage emotions and build resilience. - The afternoon will include a live art performance by Amy Burkman. - Burkman has spent more than a decade performing live painting around the world. - Chris Carter will serve as master of ceremonies and auctioneer. - Carter has more than 33 years of auctioneering experience and became a veterinarian in 1999. - Carter owns Whiskers Animal Dentistry & Oral Surgery in Petaluma, California. - Connected Horse will present its Annual Impact Award to Shirley Kaminsky. - Kaminsky is a longtime volunteer, horsewoman, retired nurse, caregiver and advocate for caregiver support. - Connected Horse says Kaminsky has been integral to the annual Lassos with Love fundraiser and equine-guided workshops. - Tickets and event information are available at Connected Horse’s event page . Between the lines: - The fundraiser is also a case study in how nonprofits are blending social events with mission-driven philanthropy to support programs that are free to participants. - The event leans on personal stories and horse-centered experiences to make the issue of dementia care feel more immediate and communal. - Connected Horse co-founder Paula Hertel said support for Lassos with Love helps bring joy, hope and connection to families navigating cognitive changes and dementia. - Hertel said the organization’s equine-guided programs are backed by research from Stanford University and UC Davis. - The nonprofit says its 2025 programs reached close to 600 people. - Those programs included 36 no-charge workshops in Pleasanton and Calistoga for 72 people with dementia and their care partners. - Sensory Engagement programs reached 525 people living with dementia in adult day programs, senior living communities or at home. - Connected Horse also trained 24 new facilitators at partner barns across the U.S., including sites in Minden, Nevada, and Martinsburg, Virginia. What’s next: - Connected Horse will use funds from Lassos with Love to support ongoing workshops, sensory engagement kits and facilitator training. - The September event will give the nonprofit another opportunity to expand awareness of equine-assisted support for dementia families. - The organization is positioning the fundraiser as part celebration, part revenue driver for future free programming. The bottom line: - Connected Horse is turning a fall fundraiser into support for a growing network of free, research-based programs for dementia families.