Ocala, FL (March 24, 2011) – Ocala residents love their native son Chester Weber, the eight-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving Champion, whose home base is Live Oak Stud in Ocala. Weber is known for his involvement in education and the arts in his hometown community and will be donating a carriage ride, pulled by his world-class combined driving team, to the live auction of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Ball, Friday, April 8th at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club.
“Chester’s generosity in donating this carriage ride is sincerely appreciated by the Ocala Orchestra Board of Directors and Membership. The carriage ride will be presented during our Live Auction program segment and is expected to bring some of the highest bidding of the evening,” said Cindy Van Heyde, Vice President of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.
Van Heyde said she expects fierce competition as bidders battle to win the carriage ride with Weber, a local celebrity as well as the United States’ leading combined driver. “Many of the people who will be attending the Symphony Ball are familiar with the annual driving event that Chester hosts at Live Oak Stud every March, and they appreciate the beauty of the farm and the sport of combined driving. I fully expect a very competitive bidding environment,” she said.
Weber is considered a driving force in the world of combined driving, and the highly-successful and decorated combined driver competes each year in the prestigious Live Oak International, a world class qualifying competition that draws top competitors to Ocala. Live Oak International is considered one of the premiere Combined Driving events in North America and takes place this year March 24-27.
“Like many other Ocalans, I am a fan of the annual Live Oak Event and attend every year. Chester is a professional and also a generous host to those who travel to Live Oak to compete in the event,” Van Heyde said. “The chance to win a carriage ride that takes place at Live Oak is really exciting. This gift is an indication of Chester’s commitment to the Ocala community and our local cultural arts.”
The Symphony Ball will kick off the Symphony’s Annual Fundraising Campaign for the 2011-2012 season. “It is wonderful to have an internationally successful equestrian like Chester in our community. The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to have Chester’s support!” Van Heyde said.
Weber, who is preparing for the 2012 World Championships in Riesenbeck and the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France, is pleased to be supporting the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Ball. “I am fully committed to supporting the arts in Ocala and look forward to helping raise money for this event,” Weber said.
For more information on Weber and his combined driving team, visit their website at www.chesterweber.com.
For more information contact:
Chester Weber
1-352-895-1139