Beaming into Boca

Published March 23rd, 2008

By Dale M. King
CITY EDITOR

Actor William Shatner’s TV and screen personae exude self-confidence.

From Capt. James T. Kirk, feckless captain of the Starship Enterprise, to police officer T.J. Hooker and now pompous attorney Denny Crane on “Boston Legal,” Shatner is known for his acting – and even overacting.

But away from the sound stage, Shatner has a more noble and selfless cause.  The 77-year-old, Shakespearian-trained actor is an equestrian who devotes much of his free time to promoting therapeutic horseback riding.

He’ll bring that message to Boca Raton April 10 when the veteran actor is scheduled to be guest speaker for the Jewish National Fund’s South Palm Beach County Tree of Life Dinner.  The event will honor Dr. Robert Colton and Jill Viner, and will be held at The Polo Club in Boca Raton at 6 p.m.

National Spokesperson

Jewish, and of Polish descent, Shatner is the spokesperson for the William and Elizabeth Shatner -Jewish National Fund Therapeutic Riding Consortium for Israel.  He took on that rolebecause “JNF and I have mutual ambitions in supporting Israel and her people,” Shatner said. “It’s my homeland.”

"I also want to be able to make a difference internationally,” he said. “I am particularly interested in what JNF is doing with this project as I see it as a way to foster peace between the nations. What better way to create a dialogue than by helping handicapped children from different countries feel good about themselves? Good will is in short supply and we have to build it. And that requires money.”

JNF, which has an office in Boca Raton, says it hopes to raise $10 million to support therapeutic riding programs throughout Israel.

The benefits of riding for those with disabilities have been recognized for more than 3,000 years, Shatner noted. Therapeutic riding has been widely used since the early 1950s as a tool for improving the lives of individuals with physical disabilities.

“Through the JNF endowment, we raise funds for all of the riding centers in Israel, and provide scholarships for children from all walks of life.  The endowment will be overseen by a board of trustees who will evaluate expenditures and provide hands-on guidance for the programs.”

Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in verbalization, flexibility, balance, muscle tone, strength, posture, coordination, motor development and emotional well being, said JNF officials.

Increased Confidence

Also, for individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem.

The William and Elizabeth Shatner - Jewish National Fund Therapeutic Riding Consortium for Israel dovetails with other work the JNF is doing to help the disabled community in Israel as it makes its parks inclusive to all. About 10 percent of Israel’s population of six million are people with disabilities, the JNF said.

“An ambassador for good causes can bring about good results,” said Russell F. Robinson, JNF of America's chief executive officer. “William Shatner is just the person to achieve those results for this consortium. We are proud and honored to have this relationship with him on behalf of the people and the land of Israel.”

In addition to his support of JNF, Shatner has founded the Nerine Shatner Friendly House, a residential home for women recovering from alcohol and substance abuse, and he supports the Hollywood Charity Horse Show.

The Polo Club is located at 5400 Champion Boulevard, Boca Raton, Florida. For reservations to the Tree of Life event, contact Robert Swire at 561-447-9733 or rswire@jnf.org.