Connect How did your love story begin?

Our love story began when we were 9 years old. I was on the phone with Nick’s neighbor when he stepped away, and Nick picked up instead. We hit it off instantly & exchanged numbers. That one unexpected call turned into three years of phone friendship—talking constantly, learning everything about each other before ever meeting. We finally met at a Halloween festival where I was volunteering, & from that moment, we were inseparable best friends that eventually grew into love and deeper connection.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

One of our favorite memories as a couple was visiting a dude ranch in Montana. We spent days riding horses, fishing, & exploring the outdoors & unexpectedly discovered a shared passion for it all. Our daughter, just under 2 at the time, fell in love with an old horse there named Tuxedo, which made it even more special. That trip sparked a love for horses we now share as a family, deepening our connection & creating a lasting part of our life together.

What would you do with $20,000?

With $20,000, we will continue our commitment to rescuing animals, which began when Nick saved Rajah, an old horse in need. We housed Rajah in a neighbor’s barn, & cared & loved him until the end. Months later, we helped Poseidon, another horse at risk, & he got to move into the shelter we started for Raj. Our daughter has lovingly helped him thrive, gaining weight & trust, alongside his new goat companions. We’re passionate about using our acreage to build more shelters for animals in need.