Rocky Top Therapy Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in Keller, is kicking off preparations for its annual “Great Trail Drive” event, including the “Denim & Pearls Dinner Dance” that evening at the River Ranch.  Both the trail drive and the dinner dance will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6 in the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Starting off early in the morning, the trail drive will head out down the Trinity River, along the historic Chisholm Trail, to downtown and back.  The “Honorary Trail Boss” for the drive is Fort Worth Mayor Besty Price!  Rocky Top is excited and honored to have Betsy lead the longhorns down the old trail.   Following the trail drive is an authentic chuck wagon BBQ put on by a great bunch, Cross Timbers, from Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch in Amarillo.

That evening, the “Denim & Pearls Dinner Dance” doors open at 6:30 p.m. for an evening of great food, great entertainment and great auctions!  Mike Snyder, former TV anchorman, will again emcee the event, along with Bill Vaughn, Southlake businessman, as the Auctioneer.  Dan Roberts, country western singer/songwriter is returning for another great performance.  Rocky Top will again honor the men and women who so bravely fought for our freedom.

Presently, Rocky Top Therapy Center addresses the needs of more than 400 mentally, physically and emotionally challenged individuals each week, utilizing upwards of 45 therapy horses.  Staff members consist of physical and occupational therapists, degreed mental health professionals and licensed social workers/counselors.  PATH certified riding instructors and EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified instructors as well as Challenge Course/Team Building facilitators.  To provide its services, it requires a staff of 18 employees and 250+ volunteers. 

Proceeds from the “Great Trail Drive” event will benefit the center’s therapeutic riding and hippotherapy programs, as well as its educational and counseling program for at-risk youth, and the “Horses for Heroes” program for returning military heroes and their families (at no cost thanks to a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission), and other individuals on a picturesque, yet authentic ranch located in the heart of Keller.

For more information about “The Great Trail Drive”, the “Denim & Pearls Dinner Dance”, or any of Rocky Top’s programs, visit www.rockytoptherapy.org or call the Center at 817-379-5717.