TROT volunteer Mary Ann Elwood sometimes works with Rio Grande, a Shetland-mini cross therapy horse paired frequently with young and wheelchair-bound children at Therapeutic Riding of Tucson.

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Among the life lessons she's learned during her 70 years, Mary Ann Elwood has discovered that volunteerism is the great equalizer — for those who give as well as for those who receive.

She finds that particularly true at Therapeutic Riding of Tucson, where she dedicates time weekly engaging in duties ranging from a "side walker" who accompanies children alongside therapy horses to organizing the silent auction for the group's annual fundraiser.

"It is special out here; it is a magical place," Elwood said. "In terms of when children or (military) veterans are here, everyone is a team working together, and people are nice to each other.

"One veteran said, 'When I come to TROT, no one thinks of my injury. It is gone, and that is not part of what we talk about. No one judges me. I am accepted for who I am.' "

The retired teacher said she believes acceptance comes to people who actually log volunteer manpower as opposed to simply donating money to a charity.

"I think it helps you to understand yourself better and keeps you from being self-centered," she said.

"It makes you take a look at what is out in the world and how many needs there are in this world, and you realize that if you can give a little of your time, it may make a big change in the future."

Changing the future through therapeutic equine programs that enrich the lives of those with special needs is TROT's mission. The non-profit organization, founded in 1974, serves about 250 people a year.

TROT's diverse programs serve children and adults ranging in age from 3 to 80-plus. The clients suffer from a wide range of physical, mental and emotional disabilities including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury and hearing or vision impairment.

TROT also offers the He Rose on Horses Veterans Program for veterans experiencing physical and emotional challenges, and Under Western Skies for children of servicemen and women deployed from Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

The "cowboy training" program provides children 4 to 14 with instruction in care and grooming of horses as well as barrel racing, pole bending, roping and other horse-related activities and crafts followed by a celebratory barbecue.

"Although these kids tend to be able-bodied, their special need is that they are sad and scared because their moms or dads — or both — are away from home," said Leslie Esselburn, executive director of TROT.

"Under our mission, we want to create something helpful and meaningful and fun so they don't have to be scared every minute about a parent being away."

These programs are among those that will benefit from the Heroes, Hearts & Horses gala tonight at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort.

Organizers seek to raise at least $115,000 — a third of TROT's annual operating costs — through proceeds from the event and a silent auction.

Esselburn and Elwood said local businesses and individuals have been generous despite the slowing economy.

"Our donors have come through, and though we have had some people tell us they are not able to do as much as they would like and to keep them on the list for next year, we have the same amount of donations as we have had in the past. From that standpoint we are extremely grateful," Esselburn said.