Manhattan Rescue Farm Needs New Truck, Trailer And Tractor

MANHATTAN, IL — A Manhattan rescue farm is asking for the public's help in funding the purchase of equipment essential to its operations.

HHH Ranch, a sanctuary dedicated to healing people and animals, announced the launch of a fundraising campaign to buy a new tractor, truck, and trailer, the nonprofit announced last week.

HHH Ranch provides therapeutic programs that connect individuals of all abilities with rescued animals, fostering personal growth and healing. However, much of the ranch's equipment is aging and unreliable, hindering its ability to operate efficiently and care for additional animals.

“Our beloved pick-up truck, affectionately named ‘Betty White,’ has served us well but is holding on by a thread, with more than 309,000 miles on it," said Christine Doran, founder of HHH Ranch. "All 17 rescues we have done this year have been from us borrowing a truck—that is not sustainable when we are called in emergent situations.

"We also rely on shared trailers, which can be challenging in urgent situations like transporting animals to the vet and rescuing horses."

The Bolger Foundation has generously offered to match the first $25,000 raised specifically for purchasing a new tractor, doubling the impact of every donation.

HHH Ranch’s needs include:

• A reliable replacement for their aging pick-up truck.
• A larger trailer for efficient animal transportation and rescue efforts.
• A new tractor, for which the first $25,000 raised will be matched by the Bolger Foundation.

After hours of work to safely secure horses that were on the loose after escaping a paddock near I-57 in April, six are now in HHH Ranch's care. The horses' owner has surrendered 7 of the horses to HHH Ranch, and Doran said they will work to care for them and find all stable, loving homes.

The public is invited to a June 21 Farm Fest at the ranch, 14101 W. Bruns Rd., from 3 to 6 p.m. The event includes pony rides, face painting, carnival games, wagon rides, vendors, and a petting zoo.

Donations will "enable HHH Ranch to ensure the well-being of animals and visitors, maintain facilities, expand programs, and transport animals safely," Doran said.

To donate, visit https://www.hhhranchil.org/ or send a check to:

HHH Ranch
14101 W. Bruns Rd.