The truth about Chapman’s College of Educational Studies PhD program is that it draws from a diverse group of professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others. Over the course of my studies, I have learned from my fellow PhD students, and Elizabeth Zarkos is one of them. Hanaeleh is a non-profit horse rescue in Orange County, run by Elizabeth Zarkos, currently a Ph.D. student in Education at Chapman.  She started Hanaeleh in 2004 when she noticed an overwhelming need to help rescue equines throughout Southern California. Besides rescuing and rehabilitating horses who are in desperate need, their goals include educating the public about equine issues as well as ending the practice of horse slaughter in the United States. Hanaeleh is currently located in Trabuco Canyon, CA, and houses approximately 12-15 horses, a few chickens, three sheep, and four feral cats.

Those interested in helping rescue horses as well as save the lives of dogs and cats across Orange County are encouraged to sign up for the Race for the Rescues!  The first annual Orange County’s Race for the Rescues will take place on Sunday, November 10th at the Great Park in Irvine, CA. The race features a 1K, 5K and 10K, as well as a doggie costume contest.  There will be several dogs and cats available for adoption from animal rescues throughout Orange County as well as from the local animal shelters.  Registration opens at 7am, and the 5K/10K will begin at 8:30am. There will be celebrity guests featured at the event, including Harrison Forbes (Celebrity Pet Expert), Brenda Martinez (USA Track and Field), Katrina Parker (Singer), Laura Nativo (Dog Trainer), and the Anaheim Ducks Ice Crew.

Besides dogs and cats, this fundraiser will also benefit horses who have been abused or abandoned.  One of the local horses rescues, Hanaeleh, will benefit directly from those people who sign up at their team page:

http://www.hanaeleh.org/rftr/

Individuals can sign up as a team and raise money for the rescue. There are prizes for those who raise over $300 for the team. Those who sign up on Hanaeleh’s team page will not only help rescue horses, but will also help dogs and cats as well: 15% of all of the funds raised for Hanaeleh will also go to help dogs and cats in shelters that would otherwise be euthanized.