Bill Santoro

Bill Santoro could be Santa Clause.  At the very least, he is to his grandson who he sponsors each session to ride at Dream Catchers weekly for the past two years.  Soon after his grandson began participating in our program through his class at school as a result of a generous grant from the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation during the spring of 2008, Bill decided to become a regular volunteer with the school groups. 

He has always been active in the community with his involvement with the YMCA, Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce and the Brooklyn Economic Board, but helping out a Dream Catchers was something new and different for Bill.  He had a dream of being a part of the miracle that happens through therapeutic riding to help others, just as he has seen his own grandson benefit from riding.

Bill is one of the special class of retired volunteers that faithfully work in providing our school groups this valuable experience at Dream Catchers.  At least two mornings a week, Bill is at the entrance to the barn to greet the children as they descend the steps of their school bus. He makes sure that each rider has their assigned helmet and assists each child to put their helmet on before entering the riding area.  Bill is a thoughtful side walker who actively involves the rider to participate in their riding lesson or group ground lesson.  Most volunteers come because they are drawn to our horses, but Bill comes for the children and can be seen thoughtfully holding the hands of one of the students or pushing them in their wheelchair ever-so-carefully across the grounds.

The kids know him as “Mr. Bill.”  The staff are thrilled when they see him walking in because they know he genuinely cares for our students and will do everything possible to keep them safe and to make sure they get the most out of their experience here.  The teachers trust his grandfatherly manners and the kids warm up to him quickly as they recognize and respond when someone truly cares.

We just can’t thank you enough, Bill, for all you do to help our riders be successful at Dream Catchers.