Carousel Ranch Hosts Annual Open House and Pancake Breakfast

The nonprofit organization's 'Hearts for Heroes' event celebrates volunteers and first responders.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Carousel Ranch, a nonprofit that provides equestrian therapy and vocational training for children and young adults with special needs, held its annual Open House and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday. The event, themed 'Hearts for Heroes', invited guests to enjoy pancakes made by students, take photos with a therapy horse, and learn about the organization's programs, including its 'Ready to Work!' vocational training. The event was part of Carousel Ranch's monthlong fundraising campaign, which has raised $105,000 of its $120,000 goal so far.

Why it matters

Carousel Ranch's programs provide crucial support and opportunities for individuals with special needs, helping them develop important life and job skills. The annual open house event celebrates the volunteers and first responders who make the organization's work possible, while also raising funds to sustain these valuable services.

The details

The Open House and Pancake Breakfast featured fresh flapjacks made by students in the 'Ready to Work!' vocational training program. Guests were also able to take photos with Fiona the therapy horse and learn more about Carousel Ranch's equestrian and vocational programs. Executive Director Taylor Adachi welcomed attendees and thanked the over 60 volunteers who help run the organization. As of the event, Carousel Ranch had raised $105,000 of its $120,000 fundraising goal for the month, and extended the campaign by an additional week to try to reach the target.

  • The annual Open House and Pancake Breakfast was held on Saturday, March 4, 2026.
  • Carousel Ranch's monthlong fundraising campaign, of which the event was a part, was extended by one additional week.

The players

Carousel Ranch

A nonprofit organization that provides equestrian therapy and vocational training programs for children and young adults with special needs.

Taylor Adachi

The Executive Director of Carousel Ranch.

Sherri Davidson

The mother of Kayla, a long-time participant in Carousel Ranch's equestrian program.

Kayla

A 33-year-old who has been participating in Carousel Ranch's equestrian program since she was 7 years old, and has found the program to be an important part of her life.

Denny Twigg

A Carousel Ranch board member whose son, Dom, has participated in the organization's 'Ready to Work!' vocational training program.

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What they’re saying

“We've really collaborated to kind of celebrate our heroes and share their love. Even our volunteer heroes, people who have come and partnered with us this month long to help us raise money for our students.”

— Taylor Adachi, Executive Director (signalscv.com)

“She's grown here. Socializing is really important to her. It's the best therapy for her but they don't know it's therapy — it's something for her to be proud of.”

— Sherri Davidson, Kayla's mother (signalscv.com)

“A lot of families don't know where to go.”

— Denny Twigg, Carousel Ranch board member (signalscv.com)

“One instance was of her friend's son, who never reacted to things but once he got on a horse, 'you would see him smile. He wouldn't do that any place else but put him on the back of a horse … it's very therapeutic.'”

— Pam Ingram, Carousel Ranch board member (signalscv.com)

What’s next

Carousel Ranch has extended its monthlong fundraising campaign by one additional week in an effort to reach its $120,000 goal.

The takeaway

Carousel Ranch's annual open house event showcases the profound impact its equestrian therapy and vocational training programs have on individuals with special needs, while also highlighting the crucial role of volunteers and first responders in sustaining these life-changing services.