A good week for Loving Thunder Therapeutic Riding got even better Wednesday.
The nonprofit program offers equine-assisted activities for veterans and special needs individuals. On Jan. 21, Loving Thunder was named 2022 Nonprofit of the Year by the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber. At the Jan. 25 Sandoval County Commission meeting, District 2 Commissioner Jay Block pledged roughly $35,000 to Loving Thunder to fix two roofs at its facility in Corrales.
Wednesday, two representatives from Kirtland Credit Union welcomed the Raupps to a branch in Albuquerque and presented the Loving Thunder co-founders with a donation of $6,510.
Rick Crocker, the senior vice president of marketing for Kirtland Credit Union, and President and CEO Matt Rarden presented Mike and Twuana Raupp with an oversized check Wednesday morning in the lobby of the branch on Gibson. Loving Thunder worked on Kirtland Credit Union’s new commercial and caught the eye of Crocker and Rarden.
“We think their continual work with veterans, foster children and special-needs people is truly wonderful,” KCU said in a release. “That’s why we proudly sponsor them. Plus, they have some pretty amazing horses that we got to meet when we filmed our new brand commercial at the ranch.”
After the check presentation, Twuana Raupp headed north to Santa Fe to ask state lawmakers for $500,000 to fund 75 annual riders at a more affordable price than the current price of $420 for six weeks of riding.
“I dropped off a bunch of information and talked to a bunch of people who are interested in helping out,” Twuana Raupp said. “But until they get all their proposals in front of them and decide exactly what they want to give then you never know.”
The trip to Santa Fe capped a wild start to the new year for the Raupps.
“It’s a whirlwind for 2023, and I’m ready for the rest of it,” Twuana Raupp said.
