BERNARDSTON — A third annual fundraising dinner on Saturday, July 12, will raise money for a therapeutic riding program’s scholarship fund.

Since 2019, Courageous Strides has provided equine-assisted activities to military veterans and individuals recovering from emotional and physical trauma. The program’s season began on June 9 at its new location at Meadowcrest Stables in Greenfield.

Deb Gordon, president and instructor at Courageous Strides, hopes the fundraiser can help make the program cheaper for students while also paying its lease to Meadowcrest and the owners of two horses that are new to the program, Delia and Drifter.

“We rely on donations,” Gordon said of the nonprofit. “Fundraisers are a big part of that.”

For $25, guests can expect a meat or meatless lasagna dinner with salad, garlic bread, a beverage and dessert at the Greenfield Republican Lodge, 215 Munson St., from 5 to 7 p.m. In addition, attendees can participate in a 50/50 raffle.

Anyone who is interested in $25 gift certificates from locations like Green Fields Market, Ice Cream Alley or The Cheshire Horse, a tack shop in Swanzey, New Hampshire, can partake in the auction. Other prizes include a three-month membership to the YMCA, a $50 gift certificate or a $100 gift certificate to Greenfield Games, and a BJs Wholesale Club $50 gift certificate.

Courageous Strides merchandise will also be made available to buy.

For this year, Gordon said the program will start off by offering 100% scholarships for veteran members and 50% scholarships for non-veteran students. This is thanks to fundraisers and donations made during the 2024 season, including during last year’s spaghetti supper, raffle and Bernardston’s Scarecrow in the Park, which helped raise $4,505.

“It’s always been our goal to have every student have 100%,” Gordon said. But this may be difficult since the nonprofit has relocated, leading to additional costs, insurance and more.

“We took a couple of months of really not doing any marketing, nothing,” she noted. “But we would love to see monthly sponsors or donors.”

People can purchase tickets for the July 12 lasagna supper by calling at 970-402-5063, by emailing courageousstrides@gmail.com or online at courageous-strides.org/events.