FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14th 2021
Horizon Structures LLC, Atglen, PA
Media Contact: NAS@NikkiAlvinSmithStudio.com
Tel: 607-434-4470
https://www.HorizonStructures.com
By Nikki Alvin-Smith
It was not easy to narrow down a shortlist of finalists for the $18200 Barnfest 2020 grand prize of the Horizon Structures 12’ x 20’ 2- stall horse barn with storage and overhang plus $200 of Purina horse feed coupons. Somehow the host of the competition EQUUS/The Equine Network, managed to get it done after reviewing over 6000 essay entries!
Horizon Structures L.L.C. founder/owner Dave Zook, broadcast news of the final winning 501(c)3 registered horse rescue and their nominator via Facebook video from the company’s headquarters in Atglen, PA as scheduled on January 11th, 2021.
Starfish Equine Rescue, Cape May, NJ, was announced as the lucky recipient of the grand prize. Founder and operator of the organization Abby Revoir Sykes was over the moon to receive the news that came over her phone via text messages.
“I was busy bringing horses in and taking care of feeding time when my phone blew up with messages from friends saying I had won. I asked ‘won what?’ as I wasn’t up on when the announcement for the Barnfest 2020 Contest would be made. I was in total shock when I heard it was Starfish!,” said an excited Abby Sykes.
“I figured the quickest way to reply to everyone that had called and texted me was to share a video message to the Starfish Facebook page. My phone battery was low so I hopped in my truck and plugged it in and just took a quick self-video. Sorry for the ugly tears, I just couldn’t believe it! I have worked on my own so much to get Starfish started, and the Covid restrictions have meant that recently I have been doing much of the daily work alone too. I am so grateful to everyone that nominated us. It means the world.”
The video recording is heartfelt and sincerely moving to watch. Viewing it will definitely brighten anyone’s day.
There were several nominators for Starfish Equine Rescue but the winning recipient of the package prize was Erin Shoemaker, also of Cape May, NJ.
“Thank you to Horizon Structures, EQUUS, and Purina for sponsoring Barnfest 2020. This has been an amazing outpouring of support for our equine family. Every rescue in this contest was so very deserving and there are simply no words to accurately express our sincere gratitude and honor to have won. Starfish Equine Rescue will continue to make a difference by saving one horse at a time thanks to you {Horizon Structures} and to all who make rescue of these wonderful animals possible,” stated an emotional Shoemaker.
The nominator prize, provided by Purina Animal Nutrition, Farnam®, Lami-Cell® and EQUUS includes an array of useful equestrian and equine products. Shoemaker plans to donate this package prize to Starfish Equine Rescue.
As a recent first time Mom, Shoemaker and her husband Christopher, are busy with their son Patrick and have their hands full managing a menagerie of 20 critters at their farmette, that includes rabbits, chickens, goats and a steer.
“I’m happy to donate the prize where it is needed most,” said Shoemaker, who plans to adopt a miniature horse in the future when things settle down with her latest family member.
“Our team here at Horizon Structures would like to thank everyone that participated in the Barnfest 2020 Contest. This is our 3rd consecutive year offering a free horse building in a contest. The fact that so many folks took time out to nominate their favorite rescue and spread news of their good works was wonderful. Our commiserations to those that didn’t win this time around, but please stay posted because there are plenty more special offers, auctions and contests likely in the future. I’d also like to thank everyone that collaborated to make this contest happen, our colleagues at Purina, Farnam and Lami-Cell and of course, the contest host, EQUUS, ” said Zook.
