Recently at Hunkapi Farms in Scottsdale, an event unfolded that exemplified the power of community and new experiences. The gathering brought together therapy horses, families, and supporters from various walks of life to connect, learn, and enjoy an afternoon full of activities. The event featured a group of eager students and staff from Friendly House’s Academia del Pueblo Charter School, who had the unique opportunity to interact with horses for the first time, alongside Avein Saaty-Tafoya, CEO of Friendly House, and Mark Tarbell, Iron Chef winner and the Valley’s most celebrated chef and restaurateur.

The significance of this event lies in the stories of individuals like Avein, who embodies the transformative impact of community support. Having arrived in the U.S. as a refugee and rising to become a leader in nonprofit management, Avein’s participation highlighted the ongoing mission of Friendly House to empower and educate Arizona’s diverse communities through its century-long service. Her family’s journey from refugees fleeing Kurdistan to her now being a healthcare executive in Arizona encapsulates the transformative power of community support.

The children’s excitement was a focal point of the day; their laughter and eager shouts filled the air as they learned about horse body language, rode bareback to feel a closer connection with the animals, and practiced controlling the horses with voice commands—a simple inhale to move forward and an exhale to stop. This hands-on interaction with our therapy horses wasn’t just fun; it was a profoundly educational experience for the kids.

Adding a touch of culinary celebrity, Mark Tarbell, along with his family, joined us, enriching the event with his passion for community engagement. Mark’s journey from a young culinary enthusiast to a James Beard-nominated chef and restaurateur illustrates another facet of how personal passions can lead to community impact. His daughter, an experienced equestrian herself, showcased her riding skills, adding a special layer to the event with grace and confidence.

As we shared these moments at Hunkapi Farms, it was clear that the day was about much more than just fun and games. It was a celebration of the resilience, growth, and potential within our community. It was about giving back, just as much as it was about receiving joy and newfound knowledge. We hope to continue fostering such meaningful connections and look forward to welcoming Friendly House and all our new friends back to the farm soon.