Santa Clarita Valley residents Mike and Ann-Marie Bjorkman came to the rescue just before Carousel Ranch August 24’s “Heart of the West” fundraiser by donating a box truck to the therapy program – not to use for the event, but to keep forever.

With only a month before their biggest event of the year, staff at the SCV nonprofit organization Ranch found out that the truck they owned was beyond repair.

Jeanna Crawford, “Heart of the West” founder, advisory board member and Carousel Ranch parent, reached out to Mike Bjorkman.

“When I inquired about his truck, I was floored but not surprised when he offered to donate it to us,” Crawford said. “Mike and Ann-Marie have always been generous donors to Carousel Ranch and it really was just like them to fill such a big need for us.”

The Bjorkmans are longtime supporters of Carousel Ranch who have always prioritized giving back to the community.

When asked why they decided to donate the truck, Mike explained, “We’ve been supporters of Carousel Ranch for as long as we can remember. Year after year, they used the truck and always appreciated it so much. It seemed only natural to give it to them. You can always sell something, but making a difference for the kids means so much more.”

Ann-Marie and Mike Bjorkman at Carousel Ranch, signing over the pink slip to the box truck they donated to Carousel Ranch.

The Bjorkmans came out the Ranch prior to event week, bringing the truck and spending some time with the ranch’s students and staff. Even BB, the ranch’s biggest therapy horse, got involved in the transfer.

“We simply can’t do what we do without a box truck,” Crawford said. “The sheer size and magnitude of ‘Heart of the West’ not to mention the needs of daily tasks at Carousel Ranch require women to move mountains. We can get a lot of ‘mountains’ in this truck.
I’m absolutely overjoyed to add Team Bjorkman’s horsepower to Carousel Ranch.”

About Carousel Ranch
Carousel Ranch is dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults with special needs. Through both our equestrian therapy and vocational training programs, we strive to create an atmosphere where every student can and will succeed…a place where therapy is disguised as fun.