michelle akers sundance horse rescue & outreach, inc

Michelle needs to relocate her horse rescue and sanctuary. The cost to do that is around 500k. We are hoping to raise half that amount 250k with your help. 

Here is her story in her own words...


My name is Michelle Akers. I played for the USWNT for 15 years and was on the first ever USWNT team, scored the first goal, and retired in 2000 a 2x World Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, and FIFA Player of The Century with over 30 surgeries on one knee, five more on my shoulder, and my share of concussions and stitches. I am a warrior with a big heart called to action by circumstances and because I care deeply about others. And this is in part, is what this GoFundMe is about… 


In 2007 I started a 501c3 public charity Michelle Akers Horse Rescue & Outreach and for the past 14 years… I have spent every day caring for abused and abandoned animals ever since. The horses and animals I take in are broken, starved, traumatized, sick, and scared… sometimes it takes months (years) for them to heal and eventually become who they are meant to be again… and sometimes the best thing I can do is love them until they leave this world for a better place. It is the hardest work I have every done… but as we go through their process of healing, the connection built impacts me as much as it does them. The bond is deep and forever. They count on me. Trust me. We have swam through floods together, endured hurricanes, backed down coyotes and bobcats, assisted others in their own personal journeys, and shared breath and space on early mornings, evenings for over 14 years. They are my heart, and I am their protector and they are mine. And there are more out there to help and save.


I have funded my rescue work over the years through appearances, donations, memorabilia auctions etc… and as many know, it hasn’t been without challenges, but the hard times served only to highlight and deepen my purpose even more. And then the pandemic hit. As the world shut down, I soon realized the the rescued horses and animals who I had saved from various (unthinkable) circumstances… who were now safe and thriving in my care would soon be in jeopardy if I didn’t do something drastic. I sold our home and farm, but with few proceeds left over, I am now asking for your support in ensuring the safety of these rescued horses, and also allowing me to continue giving sanctuary to horses and animals to be healthy and happy body and soul. 

This GoFundMe has so far helped me fund transport for the animals to Orlando, FL where I am now living (coaching at the Orlando Pride) and a new farm location which has kept my vulnerable oldsters and fragile rescues safe, loved, cared for, and together with their bonded pairs/herd. But I still need your help in making our new home into a functional sanctuary for my rescues. If you can donate… thank you. Our current need is to raise 100k to build 3 more (hurricane safe) stalls with added shelter, fencing, grading, and to purchase farm equipment and hay. It's such important work, especially now when the world is in such turmoil and the fragile ones are the first to experience the brunt of it. And every dollar counts ❤️

 

Thank you for listening and considering us. And please look at my website michelleakers.org to learn more.

 

 

Michelle Akers Horse Rescue Inc

EIN #42-1754654

501c3 public charity—all donations are IRS tax-deductible