About Ray of Light Farm
Ray of Light Farm is more than an animal rescue and therapy center. Here we aspire to be a "healing presence in a wounded world". Every day we hear about violence, crimes of the heart and crimes of conscience. But we still search for something good, something true. Our greatest accomplishment has been bringing people and animals together, offering something good, something true - for our clients and the community at large.
How it all began
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Ray of Light Farm was not created overnight, but grew out of a promise that Bonnie Buongiorne made in 1993 when she was diagnosed with aggressive stage two breast cancer. She made a promise that if she survived, she would do something good with her life. That promise became the birth of Ray of Light Farm.
The first rescue was Sassy, a sick pregnant pony. She was supposed to be a working pony for pony rides, but instead, she became the first of many rescued animals. To date, there have been over 120 rescued horses and donkeys and countless other animals. The numerous species range from a 200 pound tortoise, to chickens, geese, guinea pigs, horses, all the way to our very popular and beloved Zedonk, Fancy Pants.
The animals have a variety of reasons of how they come to the farm. Some are neglected, abused or abandoned. Some are rescued after an emergency phone call from a concerned individual. And some are from regretful owners that can no longer care for a much loved pet.
Many of the horses and foals have been rescued from feed lots, as they are byproducts of the drug Premarin. We have even rescued a small amount of nurse mare foals.
Premarin horses, and foals, are used and discarded for the production of the drug Premarin. The adult horses are kept continually pregnant in order for their urine to be collected. When they can no longer reproduce quickly, they are sent to the slaughterhouse.
A nurse mare foal is a foal, who was born, so that its mother might come into milk. The milk that the nurse mare is producing is used to nourish the foal of another mare, a more “expensive” foal. The original foal then is left without a mother. Most do not survive without help.
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As Bonnie continued to fight cancer, she was working with the horses and credits them for her own recovery. Now, 11 years later, animal rescue is only a part of the farms mission. It is also a place for people of all ages and abilities to come, to learn and have fun. A place to learn leadership skills, self confidence, and gain self esteem. A place for all people to connect with the animals and each other. A place of healing and peace. A place to feel safe.
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Ray of Light Farm, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer