Washington, D.C. – On April 13, the Eilika Habsburg Foundation inaugurated a new auxiliary building at its horse riding therapy center in the town of Sóskút, Hungary. This expansion of the riding course was made possible through a grant made by the Hungarian American Coalition (Coalition) from generous donations received by Mr. William Benter and Ms. Christina Stacey and the Charles Simonyi Fund for the Arts and Sciences. The total cost of the construction was $35,000.
The building was constructed to provide changing and restroom facilities for handicapped children as well as a waiting area for parents. It is located on the side of the riding course, so parents can watch their children during their hippotherapy sessions.
This is the second grant from the Coalition to the Eilika Habsburg Foundation. The first grant was given in 2004 when the Coalition received a $25,000 grant – also from the Charles Simonyi Fund – to help with the construction of the roof area.
The Eilika Habsburg Foundation is one of the most important rehabilitation centers of its nature in Hungary. Their program works with more than 100 disabled Hungarian children and adults who attend weekly sessions. The Foundation is managed by Eilika Habsburg-Lothringen, a professional therapist who is donating her services and financial resources to help the disabled in Hungary.