Pasco County residents raised more than $9,000 for a New Port Richey ranch as part of a charity drive set up by Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “Kiddy Up Ranch would like to thank our wonderful tax collector’s staff and the people of our community for their fundraising efforts,” said Kiddy Up Ranch founder Tammy Harting. “We are so blessed to serve such a wonderful community.”

The ranch provides “equine therapy,” a program that helps children and veterans with disabilities overcome conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder through providing care to horses.

“There are few organizations that truly touch your heart as does Kiddy Up Ranch,” Fasano said. “To see these dedicated professionals working with children with disabilities and knowing that the dollars our hard-working staff raised will be put to good use, makes this program have special meaning.”

The group was the tax collector office’s charity of the month for February, and donors chipped in $9,302.68 to help the ranch continue its mission.