OCALA, FL / August 7, 2025 / Aviation News – On Thursday, July 3rd, the Sheltair team proudly presented a check to the Horse Protection Association of Florida (HPAF) during a heartfelt ceremony in Ocala. The donation, totaling $5,116.02, was made possible through the generous contributions of sponsors and participants in this year’s Run on the Runway 5k event.
The Horse Protection Association of Florida is dedicated to equine rescue, rehabilitation, education, and adoption services. They work closely with law enforcement and animal agencies to support cruelty investigations and provide care for horses in need. HPAF also offers a sanctuary for horses whose owners are unable to care for them due to illness or other circumstances.
The donation will significantly impact the lives of the 60 horses currently under HPAF’s care by covering two weeks’ worth of high-quality hay and supplemental grain. With annual operating expenses of approximately $450,000, which include feed, veterinary care, land lease, and essential equine services, every contribution plays a vital role in sustaining their mission.
“Supporting the Horse Protection Association of Florida through our 5K On The Runway is not just about fundraising; it’s about inspiring the community to explore the airport—an opportunity many rarely encounter,” states Tim Cripe, General Manager at Sheltair OCF. “Each step in this race is a step toward giving these horses a second chance at a safe and healthy life. We take pride in supporting a cause that embodies compassion, care, and community.”
The ongoing support from the community is crucial, whether through financial donations or services such as veterinary care, training assistance, and foster homes. Many horses require lifelong care at the facility, highlighting the importance of sustained community involvement.
Sheltair is proud to contribute to the life-changing work of the Horse Protection Association of Florida and looks forward to building on this partnership in the future.
“Horse Protection is incredibly grateful to receive such a generous donation from Sheltair to support the Horse Protection horses,” said Christine Massinger, Executive Director of HPAF. “This donation allows us to say, ‘YES!’ to a horse in need. Just the day after Sheltair’s generous check donation, we received an urgent call regarding a beautiful Saddlebred horse named Clover, whose owners could not afford the medical care that Clover needed. The owners wanted to surrender Clover to Horse Protection so that we could provide the necessary medical care. We were able to take Clover to Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala, and now Clover is fully recovered and is thriving! Thank you so much, Sheltair, for saving Clover and helping the other Horse Protection horses through your generosity.”
For more information about the Horse Protection Association of Florida and how to support its mission, please visit the organization’s website. The 2026 Sheltair OCF 5K Run On The Runway will be held on March 21st.
About Sheltair
Sheltair is a family-owned company that enjoys a national reputation for its superior customer focus and service-driven corporate culture. Founded in 1963 by Jerry Holland, father of current Sheltair President Lisa Holland, it is the nation’s largest privately-owned aviation network, proudly operating 15 award-winning FBOs and a portfolio of over 4.6 million square feet of aviation-related properties under the mission of Family First. Fuel. Build. Serve.
ABOUT AVFUEL CORPORATION
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