Annual Derby Ball raises more than $50,000 as director retires

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When Kweli Reed first encountered Narrow Gate Horse Ranch, he was a shy young man, hampered by a speech impediment. He often was the target of ridicule among his peers, and living in a poverty-stricken family hampered his hopes and dreams.

But he prayed. And so did the team at Narrow Gate. He prayed for the ability to talk like everyone else, to be accepted.

Nine years later, Reed has a successful career in the U.S. military, and the reservations he once had about speaking – especially in public – are long gone. At Narrow Gate’s fourth annual Derby Ball fundraiser on May 3, he told his story and how Narrow Gate helped change his life.

“We had a lot of struggles growing up,” said Reed. “We had a single mom who didn't graduate school or have a GED or even a license. Every day, she would walk to work just to make enough money for the bills.

“We wore the same clothes every week. I had a hard time making friends in school because when I was younger, my ears were too big for my head. I used to be called names like ‘Dumbo’ and ‘Ears.’ I also had one speech problem. I could never pronounce the letter Ssssss.

“The horse ranch was a blessing given to me with all these struggles. Narrow Gate Horse Ranch was almost like therapy. It was something to keep us out of trouble and gave us kids a chance to do something we may have never dreamed of doing due to these struggles.”

Between Narrow Gate, Kokomo Urban Outreach, and Agape, Reed explained that the community lifted him up and helped him realize a life he thought would never be his. He took a moment to explain to the more than 100 people in attendance at the Derby Ball that the work done by Narrow Gate makes a real difference.

The horse ranch has been in business for nine years, initiated by Susan Zody, who served as its first executive director. The mission of Narrow Gate is to “transform hearts and minds by the power of the Holy Spirit using Equine Assisted Learning (EAL).”

The EAL concept is centered around the interaction between at-risk youth and horses. The animals, Zody explained, are very empathetic and can sense negativity and pain within people. They also provide opportunities to connect and to work through personal struggles just through caring four and spending time with the horses.

“We use Equine Assisted Learning in our sessions to facilitate lessons,” said Zody. “This type of learning uses analogies to create experiential opportunities where students discover solutions to their issues with the help of the horses.

“We don't have the answers to every problem that these children bring to the ranch, but we know a God who does. He hears their cries, and He cares. Everything and every child at the ranch is covered in prayer. Then, we wait and we watch Him answer in His way and in His time, because there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven.”

The Derby Ball acts as the primary fundraiser for Narrow Gate, and the goal for 2025 was to raise $50,000 for the organization. Before the evening’s event began, however, the donations had already amounted to $47,115. It ended up to be a simple matter for the crowd to push the fundraiser over the top.

And they did it in style. Because the Derby Ball is a celebration of the Kentucky Derby, those in attendance dressed as if they were at the race. Dapper suits and outrageous hats were in fashion for the day, and the man and woman sporting the best chapeaus were awarded prizes.

A live auction of a various items was held following dinner, catered by Rozzi’s. The auction was conducted by Tim Miller of Miller and Miller Auctions, much to the delight of the crowd.

There also was a “Battle of the Baskets” – a silent auction of gift baskets overflowing with valuable items and dressed up almost as extravagantly as the ladies in attendance.

But the centerpiece activity of the evening, following dinner, was the race itself. Donors went onto the Narrow Gate Horse Ranch website and placed bids on the 20 horses that ran for the roses in Kentucky. The highest bidder won the right to be represented by the horse they chose.

And when their horse won the derby, the highest bidder received a trophy, a large bouquet of roses, and the gratitude of the organization.

Zody gave thanks to the patrons who pushed the fundraiser well over its goal.

“It really does take a village to fill in the gaps for children struggling with life,” said Zody. “We thank those who give financially, as well as those who give of their time and talents. Narrow Gate’s role is leading the children to faith in a God who can help them as they learn new life skills.”

Zody also announced her retirement from Narrow Gate which was effective on Feb. 1. She introduced Tricia Harlow as interim director. A teacher at Western Elementary School for the past 15 years, and Harlow will begin serving in June.

See additional photos from the Narrow Gate Horse Ranch Derby Ball here at www.kokomolantern.com as well as on the Lantern's Facebook page and group.