One of the final steps to becoming an eagle scout is to complete your eagle project. Noah Holt's eagle project was to build a three-stall run in shed for Golden Dreams Therapeutic Riding Center, Middleburg, VA a non-profit organization founded to help children and adults with disabilities to gain positive mental and physical experiences through equine-assisted activities. Lisa Vella, co-founder of Golden dreams couldn't have been happier. "We are a community based non profit, and to have a local gentleman such as Noah approach us with this project was an absolute gift. He and his family and friends hit the ground running and our horses could not be happier and either could we," said Vella.

This project was quite the undertaking as it took several weeks and hundreds of manhours to complete and at times in very harsh weather. Every one knows that the success of a project is only as good as its volunteers. In this case, the volunteers came out in full force. Noah had the younger scouts from Troop 163 in Purcellville paint the wooden boards green and white while the older scouts and adults handled the more challenging tasks of measuring, sawing and using the nail gun. Since Noah was a relative newcomer to the troop a few of his friends and troop leader traveled from Vienna to assist with the project.

Many donations were made to help with the costs as well. Loudoun Lumber was a important donor with their discounts and donations and the project cost was lowered. Purcellville Paint and the Home Depot contributed with their discounts and ECS, LLC, (Engineering Consulting Services) gave Golden Dreams a generous donation. While these donations were appreciated, Noah is still in need of funding for the project. The total cost was $3500.00. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help this worthy cause please send a check payable to Golden Dreams Therapeutic Riding, c/o Noah Holt Eagle Project, 21250 St. Louis Rd., Middleburg, VA 20117 or online at www.goldendreamsriding.org and mention Noah Holt.