My name is Jennifer, and I am raising funds in honor of our aunt, Mary Elizabeth Stack, who passed away on Christmas Eve.

She dedicated her life to rescuing and caring for four horses—Cinnamon Stick, Cisco, Buttercup, and Isabel—who had previously been abused Joanie Benson and the Horse Protection Society stepped up in our time of need to keep our horses cared for and safe

We are Jennifer and John Stack and we are raising funds in honor of our Aunt Mary Elizabeth Stack, who passed away on Christmas Eve 2025.

She dedicated her life to rescuing and caring for four horses—Cinnamon Stick, Cisco, Buttercup, and Isabel—who had previously been abused.

These horses weren’t just animals to her—they were her babies.

Mary gave them safety, love, and a second chance at life.

After her passing, my husband and I were determined to honor her by finding a safe and loving place for them. What followed was an incredibly stressful and emotional journey, including one very difficult experience where we feared we might not be able to keep them together or safe.

Then we found Horse Protection, run by the incredible Joanie Benson.

In the middle of a brutal snowstorm, three of the four horses—Cinnamon Stick, Cisco, and Buttercup—were safely transported to their new home. But Isabel was too frightened to be loaded into the trailer. We had no choice but to leave her behind temporarily.

For weeks, Isabel was separated from her family.

But Horse Protection didn’t give up.

Through freezing temperatures and difficult conditions, with the help of three very special volunteers—Grace, Bobby, and Sue—they made the decision to go back for Isabel… and they brought her home.

When Isabel was finally reunited with Cinnamon Stick, Cisco, and Buttercup, what we witnessed was nothing short of extraordinary. They recognized each other instantly. They ran together, embraced, and wrapped their necks around one another like family reunited.

It was emotional, powerful, and something we will never forget.

Horse Protection is located in China Grove, North Carolina, and is run by dedicated volunteers who provide a safe haven for over 50 rescued horses, many of whom come from abuse or neglect.

We were beyond blessed that they agreed to take in Cinnamon Stick, Cisco, Buttercup, and Isabel and give them a safe, loving forever home.

Now, we want to give back in honor of Mary Elizabeth Stack.

Your donation will help support feed, daily care, veterinary needs, shelter, maintenance, and continued rescue efforts for horses in need.

If you prefer to donate directly, contributions can be mailed to:

Horse Protection Society of North Carolina

2135 Miller Road

China Grove, NC 28023

Please include a note:

“For the Stack horses”

All funds raised through this GoFundMe will also be donated directly to support the care of these horses.

Donating is not just helping horses—it’s honoring a woman who dedicated her life to saving them.

Mary’s love lives on through Cinnamon Stick, Cisco, Buttercup, and Isabel, now safe and together again.

And through your generosity, that love can continue to grow.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for helping us turn loss into hope.

With heartfelt thanks,

Jennifer, John, and the Stack family