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| Barbar Maniacs throw suprise party for Richardson - |
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victims cry
 Posted:
Sun Sep 10, 2006 9:54 am |
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Barbar Maniacs throw suprise party for Richardson
Barbaro’s superfans
SARA L. HUDSON, Special to the Local News
09/10/2006
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KENNETT SQUARE -- A recent birthday served as a culmination between the efforts of the Kennett Florist and a group called the Barbaro Maniacs.
Not just any birthday -- Dr. Dean Richardson’s, Barbaro’s main doctor and surgeon.
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Using the Tim Woolley racing site, www.timwoolleyracing.com, a group of people have gathered together in order to support the horse they lovingly call "Bobby," ending their posts with the mantra "We Believe in Barbaro, We Believe in Miracles."
They are the Barbaro Maniacs.
So far, Ali Berstler, owner of Kennett Florist, located on State Street in Kennett Square, has received more than 250 e-mails from the Barbaro Maniacs alone.
"Every state except Hawaii has been well-represented," Berstler said during an interview, as she opened a package from Canada containing money for Barbaro.
Berstler said she hopes to put together a book of all the correspondence, newspaper clippings and order forms in connection with the Kentucky Derby winner.
They were watching the Preakness on TV, Berstler said, when Barbaro injured his leg. "As soon as it happened I said, ‘He’s coming home.’"
Since that day, Kennett Florist has sent over 700 pounds of carrots, over 1,600 apples and 140-plus pounds of grapes to Barbaro from the Maniacs and others inspired by the Kentucky Derby winner.
"His spirit just connects with people," Berstler said. "He was meant for more than just a Triple Crown."
Occasionally, the mail gets confused.
"Sometimes we get mail for Richardson, or for New Bolton Center, but with our mailing address."
The chaos continued to excess the week before Aug. 25, the day of the party, as the Maniacs pulled together to plan a birthday celebration for the man in charge of "Bobby."
The Kennett floral team arrived at New Bolton around noon to set up and decorate the main area of New Bolton Center in the name of Maniacs everywhere.
"We’ve become honorary Maniacs," florist Rachel Berstler said.
One Maniac arranged to have a carrot cake sent to Richardson "from" Barbaro. Others sent cash donations to be made in Richardson’s name toward the Barbaro Fund, which as of Aug. 25 was close to $4,000.
Richardson also received gift certificates to two restaurants, theater tickets, golf cart tickets for the course he belongs to, and much more.
On the day of the party, Dr. Corrine Sweeny, a veterinarian at New Bolton, summoned Richardson to a "meeting" so that Kennett Florist could set up.
"The whole community has shared in the pride of Dr. Richardson’s work," Sweeny said, "This was an opportunity for us at New Bolton to have a fun and jovial time (and) take pleasure in how properly he was being recognized."
According to Berstler, Richardson was "very surprised and, I think, a little embarrassed and overwhelmed."
While the party was going on, Maniacs were busy posting on the Tim Woolley site.
"This is so exciting -- I’m blessedly alone in my office today and plan to sing a rousing chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’ to the good doc. ... When have there ever been so many people from all over who have never met coordinate a surprise party for someone they’ve never met?"
To which Richardson responded with his own post.
"To all of you who gave to the Barbaro Fund, and to me personally, I am deeply grateful. ... It is profoundly humbling and intimidating to be responsible for a patient that has this much love going his way. As you all know, he is a very special horse."
For more information on the Barbaro Maniacs, visit [url]www.timwoolleyracing.com. [/url]
©Daily Local News 2006
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| SavannahStar
Posted:
Sun Sep 10, 2006 11:31 am |
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Wow, that is SOOOOOOOOO cool!!!!!!!!!! 
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**SuperStar**
Joined: 24 Mar 2006
Posts: 21298
Location: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
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| victims cry
Posted:
Sun Sep 10, 2006 11:53 am |
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| SavannahStar wrote: | | Wow, that is SOOOOOOOOO cool!!!!!!!!!! |
Why do i think you are going to join the barbaro maniacs 
im glad they put the website on the story!
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| SavannahStar
Posted:
Sun Sep 10, 2006 12:33 pm |
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| victims cry wrote: | | SavannahStar wrote: | | Wow, that is SOOOOOOOOO cool!!!!!!!!!! |
Why do i think you are going to join the barbaro maniacs
im glad they put the website on the story! |
Oh I have been a Barbaro maniac, since the accident happened. And I'm not even a "horse person" per se. Or that interested in horse racing, either! The story just touched my heart, in such an unimaginable way.
I felt that way, as well, with the missing whippet in NYC...Vivi......I still follow that case. She is STILL missing.  But there have been many "sightings".
I get really attached.
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**SuperStar**
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