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Wellington, FL – January 28, 2020 – This coming Saturday evening, the Palm Beach County community will once again unite during the annual Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments® (GCC). Held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), the GCC has become a highlight of the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and has distributed over $13.5 million to more than 240 local organizations in ten years.
Determined to feature the power of united communities, the GCC is an exciting show jumping event that blends equestrian sports and philanthropy, bringing hope to over 40 Palm Beach County charities every year. Founded by father/daughter team Mark and Paige Bellissimo, the 11th annual event will distribute an additional $1+ million to Palm Beach County non-profits. The event redistributes 100% of donations received, making all contributions fully tax deductible thanks to Equestrian Sport Productions’ generosity of covering all costs associated with holding the GCC.
“I think a really important aspect of this event is that it brings key players together to support the local community,” comments event co-founder Mark Bellissimo. “Year after year, we are inspired by seeing change in our own backyard. There are countless charities within Palm Beach County that work tirelessly to do just that; we are grateful to our amazing donors who give them access to additional funding, empowering them to do what they do best.”
With riders dressed up in costumes and horses adorned to match them, this year’s theme of “Broadway Musicals” will pay recognition to the wisdom commonly found in these plays. From “You can change the world if you change your mind” (Kinky Boots), “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise!” (Les Misérables), and “If you stand for nothing Burr, what will you fall for?” (Hamilton), all who attend the event will leave inspired to foster the change they wish to see in their own backyards.
With February 1, 2020 marking National Freedom Day, PBIEC and the GCC will also be joining forces with all 12 Wellington public schools. The proposed initiative was made available for students in first through 12th grades, being given a 48”x60” blank canvas and asked to demonstrate what opportunities freedom offers while incorporating recycled materials, encouraging them to turn everyday trash into creative treasures. The “Art Gallery” will be open to the public and each school’s art department is guaranteed a minimum of a $1,000 donation for participating.
The GCC competition will offer free general admission and will be held Saturday evening, February 1, 2020, at 6:00 PM at the PBIEC, during WEF’s “Saturday Night Lights.” Free parking will be located at 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414, home to the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival show grounds.
For the latest event information, application process, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com.