Sometimes, good things happen to good people, and the same can be said for organizations. But other times.

That's how I feel about Carousel Ranch. The nonprofit equestrian therapy program provides much-needed assistance to over 80 local families. There are kids in this town, sick kids, disabled kids, that can walk and talk because of the skills learned on the back of a Carousel Ranch horse. As a board member, I see the tireless dedication that executive directors Denise Tomey and Becky Graham invest in the program, but more importantly, I see the energy - emotional and physical - that the entire Carousel Ranch staff puts into the children.

Earlier this year, the Santa Clarita City Council concluded that the Ranch's temporary use permit should expire this October. What became a scramble for property seemed to end happily when land developer Synergy offered to provide Carousel Ranch with a new location off of San Francisquito Canyon. That plan, contingent on Synergy's ability to build homes in close proximity to the Ranch, fell through. Now, in late July, with October's deadline looming ever closer, Carousel is facing a homeless future.

But alas, hope is not lost. When the going gets rough, good people have a tendency to persevere. Board President Rick Delia states, "We will find a home. It's not an option. We have an obligation to the children and families we serve, and we aren't going to let them down."

On August 27, the community has the opportunity to help make Delia's goal a reality. It's no news flash that Santa Clarita property is expensive, but owning their own home is the only way Carousel Ranch can ensure that their ability to provide the best in therapy is never put into question again. The organization's annual dinner, demonstration, auction and casino night, "Heart of the West," has always been Carousel's primary fundraiser, and there's a lot riding on the success of this year's event.

"We help kids with autism, cancer, fetal alcohol syndrome... We serve kids that are missing limbs, kids that were never given a fighting chance... The kids, the families, they love it [at Carousel Ranch]. They can thrive here. We change lives here. 'Heart of the West' is an amazing opportunity to see what we do at the Ranch, and it also gives our community a chance to help us continue to give these kids hope," says Jeanna Crawford, chair of the event. She adds that a child is never turned away because of the family's inability to pay for the top-notch therapy Carousel Ranch provides.

"Heart of the West" features a demonstration by Carousel Ranch children (they love showing off their horsemanship skills!), a live and silent auction, a casino, dancing and more. Held at the Blomgren estate on Sierra Highway, the event wouldn't be possible without the generous donations of Sean Cooney of Cooney Foods, Vincent Hill Station, RSVP Catering, Mission Linens, Inside SCV Magazine, Starpower, Flourish Fine Flowers, Andy Gump, Cloud Nine Music, Encore Staffing, Chris and Jeannie Carpenter, AAdvantage Airwaves, Lexus of Valencia, Audio Tech, Pam and Steve Ingram, The Signal, The Living, the Blomgren Family, and the dozens of volunteers that make an event of this size possible.

It's not too late to buy tickets to this very special event. General admission tickets are $75 and include a gourmet buffet. VIP tickets are $150 and include a gourmet served meal and VIP gift. For tickets, to donate to the auction, volunteer at the event, or for sponsorship information, please call 252-7333 or check out www.carouselranch.org.