Sitting on 146 acres just outside Denver, sits a treasured retreat for both horse and human alike called Zuma’s Rescue Ranch. An equestrian center providing top-notch compassionate equine education programs through a herd of 67 horses rescued from neglect, abusive situations, and homelessness. Once recovered, the horses take on roles as educators in the riding programs and act as therapy partners in the mental health program. Saving more than lives, Zuma’s Rescue Ranch provides their community with a multitude of programs healing both horse and human.

To kick off the new year, Lignetics Group took the opportunity to support this amazing organization by donating 1.5 tons of its Green Supreme brand heating pellets as well as some Catalyst Pet litter. “Lignetics’ wood fuel pellets are our primary source for heating the building that hosts therapy and education services. This donation is saving us money that we can now use for therapy sessions for at-risk youth and veterans as well as feed for the rescue horses,” says Jodi Messenich, founder of Zuma’s Rescue Ranch. “This donation will make such a positive impact on our organization, especially with heating bills being exceptionally high this winter.”

Since 2004, the Messenich family has dedicated their facility to saving the lives of thousands of horses and farm animals. After witnessing mistreatment of show horses during and after their prime years, Jodi and her team created an Experiential Learning Program that cultivates volunteerism and inspires a commitment to the welfare of horses. Volunteers are trained as mentors to guide people of all ages through experiences with the horses where the animals and humans meet in an equal partnership to heal the mind, body, and spirit. “One of our goals is to make whole people out of the pieces of people who come to us,” shared Jodi. Through compassion-based education and animal rescue, they are changing the perception of how horses are trained and animals are treated while providing a place for families, at-risk youth, and veterans to enjoy time outdoors with these amazing animals.

“For all the amazing good they do for animals and people alike, it gives us great joy to be able to support Zuma’s Rescue Ranch,” says Frank Kvietok, Senior Director of Innovation from Lignetics Group.

To learn more about the many available programs and volunteer opportunities at Zuma’s Rescue Ranch, please visit www.zumarescueranch.com.

To recognize and show gratitude toward heroes in communities across the country, Harman and Woodpellets.com (of the Lignetics Group) teamed up to supply a Harman Hero recipient with a Harman Accentra52i-TC pellet insert, one ton of Cleanfire Superior heating pellets and one ton of animal bedding. This year’s Harman Hero recipient was social worker and therapist Rachel Novak of Hanson, Massachusetts.

The pellet insert was installed at the Novak home by The Chimney Chaps who donated their time and expertise to professionally install the insert. The pellets were delivered by WoodPellets.com and all of the venting was donated by Duravent. The Novak family, who lives on a small farm aptly named Second Chance Farm, will use the new insert as their primary source of heat. The one ton of heating pellets will last at least two months taking them through the coldest month, and the bedding for their four horses will last 6-10 weeks.

The Harman Hero Giveaway honors those who have served the front lines of our country and communities: military, first responders, police, fire, healthcare, and school workers. For the past three years, Harman and Lignetics have partnered together to award a pellet stove and one ton of heating pellets to a deserving person nominated by a fellow community member.

“At Harman, we have always been anchored to the steadfast pride of our American Heroes and we want to pay tribute to those who sacrifice for the betterment of others.” said Karen Smeltz of Harman. Additionally, Lignetics donated one ton of animal bedding to this year’s winner for their horses. “Nothing gives us greater pleasure than being able to help this deserving family on multiple levels,” says Jonah Levine, Director of Heating for Lignetics Group. “With her can-do attitude, hard work, compassion and dedication to her family and community, Rachel is a wonderful example of the type of human we all aspire to be.”

Rachel, nominated by her husband, is a mother of two and a social worker working with teens. “She meets with these kids seven days a week and is always there to answer calls when they need her,” her husband, Nathaniel, stated in his nomination letter. “We also have our own two teens. Our daughter is very ill and sees around 12 specialists at Children’s Hospital Boston. She receives infusions every three weeks to stay alive. My wife manages her care and takes her to every appointment.”

“I am speechless when it comes to finding the right words to say thank you to the entire Harman and Lignetics families and, trust me, that is not easy as I am a therapist and talk for a living.” says Rachel Novak. While selecting a winner from many deserving nominations is difficult, Rachel stood out for her dedication to the youth in her community. “Her unwavering commitment to each teen is second to none. Even during the stove install, she received hundreds of texts from teens on her day off,” continues Smeltz.

The Harman Hero giveaway was first held in 2014. Each year, it receives countless honorable nominations. “We were flooded with amazing stories of heroes all over the country, of wonderful people making the world a better place with their kindness and hard work. From the bottom of our hearts at Harman, we thank all those who serve our country and communities.”