Tag Archives: Bruce Springsteen

Take Me to Tokyo Gala Raises $1.5M to Publicly Launch “Raising the Bar” Campaign

Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen. Photo by Jump Media.

Wellington, FL – The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation publicly launched its $40 million “Raising the Bar” campaign on Friday, January 17, at the organization’s Take Me to Tokyo gala at Deeridge Farm in Wellington, FL.

With more than 500 guests in attendance, the gala event, featuring chairs Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa and hosted by honorary chairmen Lou and Joan Jacobs, raised more than $1.5 million to support U.S. equestrian athletes and the U.S. Equestrian Teams headed to the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Those funds help put the USET Foundation one step closer to the non-profit’s $40 million “Raising the Bar” campaign goal, and, thanks to the generous support of committed donors, it was announced on Friday night that that goal is now less than $9 million away.

Since 2017, the “Raising the Bar” campaign has privately raised more than $31 million that will allow the USET Foundation to ensure that U.S. equestrian athletes and teams have the financial resources needed to be competitive around the world.

“The USET is the not-for-profit entity that funds our teams in all international disciplines – the engine that enables our teams to represent us around the world,” said USET Foundation President James McNerney in Friday evening’s opening remarks. “The funds support our High Performance programs, including our senior teams – for their travel, logistics, coaches, veterinarians.

“We also support developing teams and our emerging level athletes – the [USEF] Talent Search, for example, and the North American Youth Championships,” continued McNerney. “As you can imagine, this is an ambitious agenda, and it requires hard work and significant funding. It takes a committed community to keep us at the top of the sport and ensure we have a pipeline of talent to stay there.”

Each and every campaign donor is critical to the campaign’s success. Included among the lead donors, whose gifts have and will continue to make a lasting impact, are:

  • Abigail Wexner who funded the Wexner Olympic Endowment
  • Fritz and Claudine Kundrun who funded the Development Dressage Program
  • Jane Forbes Clark for the establishment of the Clark Endowment Fund
  • Jacqueline B. Mars for the establishment of the Giltedge Endowment
  • Paul and Wendy Raether for the Raether Show Jumping Endowment

Springsteen and Scialfa were also among those instrumental in making a lasting impact in the success of the Take Me to Tokyo gala, thanks to their live auction donations of a Springsteen-signed Harley Davidson motorcycle and a signed FENDER guitar. Springsteen took the stage to help auction off the items, and, with Springsteen inciting higher bids by offering to start singing if the value reached a certain point, the two items raised more than $300,000 – enough for Springsteen to take over the stage and bring the full-house crowd to its feet and onto the dance floor.

Now, following the event and the “Raising the Bar” campaign’s public kick-off, the USET Foundation looks to others to help reach the final fundraising goal.

“In this public phase, we will need everyone’s help to reach our $40 million goal this year,” said McNerney. “We have a big year ahead with the [FEI] World Cup Finals in [the United States], and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo. The money raised through this campaign will help fund development through senior programs, not only this year, but also into the next quadrennial.”

The USET Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel, and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation. To learn more and to support the Raising the Bar campaign, please visit www.uset.org.

Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa Named Chairs of USET Foundation Take Me to Tokyo Gala

Photo courtesy of the USET Foundation.

Wellington, FL – Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa will join honorary chairmen Lou and Joan Jacobs as chairs of the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation’s Take Me to Tokyo gala, to be held on Friday, January 17, in Wellington, FL.

The gala, hosted by the Jacobs at their Deeridge Farm beginning at 6 p.m., will raise critical funds to support the U.S. Equestrian Teams headed to the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games.

“Helping this country’s equestrian athletes and supporting the U.S. Equestrian Teams has become a family affair for us,” said Scialfa, whose daughter, Jessica Springsteen, is successfully competing at the highest levels of equestrian sport and who has represented the U.S. on Nations Cup teams internationally.

The Springsteens were an integral part of the success of the USET Foundation’s 2016 Rockin’ Rio gala, which raised in excess of a $1 million, and the family hopes to help set new records again this year.

“Patti and I have been involved with the horse world for more than 20 years since Jess started riding when she was five years old,” said Bruce Springsteen. “Our lives have been deeply enriched by our involvement in the riding world. I’ve gotten to watch my daughter grow up into a young woman of character and excellence. I’ve gotten to watch the best in the world compete year after year, and I know what that takes.”

The gala evening will commence at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour and a super silent auction, generously sponsored by NetJets, and dinner beginning at 7 p.m. followed by a live auction sure to be the most exciting one ever! The Boss will be auctioning off a signed Harley Davidson motorcycle and a signed Fender guitar to benefit the Team.

If you are interested in joining the Springsteens and the Jacobs in supporting the USET Foundation and the country’s equestrian athletes, please don’t wait as it is almost sold out. Tickets and tables may be purchased for Take Me to Tokyo here.

The event will also include the presentation of the USET Foundation’s most prestigious annual awards, including the R. Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award; the Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy, given to a young rider who exemplifies both horsemanship and sportsmanship; and the Whitney Stone Cup, awarded to an active competitor who displays consistent excellence in competition and high standards of sportsmanlike conduct.

For more information on the USET Foundation and Take Me to Tokyo, please visit www.uset.org.

Springsteens Rock Rio Raising Record $1.5 Million Dollars for USET Foundation

Bruce Springsteen.

Wellington, Fla – Jan. 24, 2016 – On Friday, Jan. 22, the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games benefit, Rockin’ Rio, at Louisburg Farm in Wellington, Florida. With more than 600 guests in attendance, Rockin’ Rio featured honorary chairs Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen. The celebratory evening included award presentations, an elegant dinner, a surprise performance by Springsteen and a lively auction, which helped raise more than $1.5 million dollars for the USET Foundation.

Rockin’ Rio captured all of the elements of an amazing evening. The tent was transformed into a festive Brazilian wonderland by designer Reed McIlvaine (Renny and Reed) and included an exquisite dinner by Ken Rose catering. USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins and Committee Chairmen Kimberly Boyer, Gloria Callen, Margaret H. Duprey, Elizabeth Johnson, Elizabeth B. Juliano, Jacqueline B. Mars, Robin Parsky, Rebecca Reno, Jeannie Tisbo and Akiko Yamazaki all helped organize the highly successful event.

Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil kicked off the festivities, welcoming the American delegation to his country this summer for the upcoming 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. USET Foundation Treasurer Philip Richter then welcomed honorary chairmen Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen, who recognized the guests for their dedication to the sport and the Olympic movement, as the USET Foundation prepares for the 2016 Olympic Games.

“Patti and I have been involved with the horse world for 20 plus years since Jess started riding when she was 5 years old,” Springsteen said. “Needless to say retirement is nowhere in sight for me. I literally play for horse feed night after night.”

Springsteen continued, “Patti and my life have been deeply enriched by our involvement in the riding world. I’ve gotten to watch my daughter grow up into a young woman of character and excellence. I’ve gotten to watch a lot of you grow up with her. I’ve gotten to watch the best in the world compete year after year, and I know what that takes. We’re here tonight to honor your focus, your hard work and your dedication. I know it’s not always an easy life, and we want to show you that we are 100 percent behind you.”

Later in the evening, the awards ceremony began with 16-year-old Lucy Deslauriers of New York, New York being named the recipient of this year’s Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy, which is presented to a young rider in one of the Olympic disciplines who exemplifies both sportsmanship and horsemanship. In 2015, Deslauriers had a breakout year by definition: she won the Individual Gold and Team Silver at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, Individual and Team Gold at the Neue Schule/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships and Individual Gold at the USEF U25 National Championships.

The next award was presented to Phillip Dutton of West Grove, Pennsylvania, the recipient of the Whitney Stone Cup. The award is presented annually to an active competitor who displays consistent excellence in international competition and high standards of sportsmanlike conduct while serving as an ambassador for the United States and equestrian sport. Five-time Olympian Phillip Dutton was the pathfinder for the U.S. Eventing team and led them to victory at the 2015 Pan American Games, where an Olympic qualification was at stake.

The final award, the Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award, was presented to Brownlee O. Currey, Jr., created in recognition of Duchossois’ leadership, generosity and outstanding character. The award is presented annually to a USET Foundation Trustee who exemplifies exceptional leadership, philanthropy and character. For over 30 years Brownlee O. Currey, Jr. has lent his wisdom, passion and philanthropy to the United States Equestrian Team and the USET Foundation. He is the Chairman of the Board of the Foundation and, over his 30 years as a Trustee, he has served as Vice President, Chairman of the Development and Nominating Committees, and been an important member and advisor on the Investment and Finance Committees.

Following dinner, the auctioneer took control of the microphone and revved up the crowd to begin the live auction, which raised money for the U.S. Equestrian Team. Auction items included a four-piece equine collection by artist Sharon Lynn Campbell, tickets to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, and Championships with a stay at the Relais & Chateaux Castle Hill and the painting “Precision” by Andre Pater, donated by Misdee and James Miller. The Duchossois family, Steve Wilson, Jeannie and Tom Tisbo donated a once in a lifetime trip for four to the Kentucky Derby, and Sharon Lynn Campbell also donated a custom oil portrait. A generous bidder claimed the prime summer week at Thistle House in the Village of Edgartown at Martha’s Vineyard donated by Mr. and Mrs. William H. Weeks, and guests also had the opportunity to bid on an amazing trip to California on a private jet with a stay at Montage Resort in Laguna Beach as well as an 11.63 carat yellow sapphire put in a setting of their choice, donated by Moti Ferder and Lugano Diamonds.

The benefit really started to rock when the final item was introduced as donated by Scialfa and Springsteen. What started as a signed guitar by “The Boss” quickly escalated to 10 VIP tickets with sound check and backstage meet and greet passes to one of Springsteen and the E Street Band’s River Tour concerts. To encourage the bidders, Springsteen took to the stage and brought the guests to their feet with one of his iconic performances. The hotly contested item eventually sold to two lucky bidders for $300,000 each.

Rockin’ Rio proved to be wildly successful for the USET Foundation, thanks to the generosity of the guests and auction donors, and their goal to help fund the United States Equestrian Team riders as they prepare to compete at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Join Scialfa and Springsteen for USET Foundation Olympic and Paralympic Benefit, Rockin Rio

Wellington, FL – November 16, 2015 – Mark your calendars! Reserve the date! The United States Equestrian Team Foundation presents the party of the season, Rockin Rio, an Olympic and Paralympic Games benefit event on Friday, January 22, 2016 in Wellington, FL.

Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen, honorary chairpersons for the benefit, will make sure it is a fun night, and a generous evening as well. This all supports the USET Foundation’s effort to raise much needed funding to further support the United States Equestrian Team horses and riders as they prepare to compete at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins commented, “It’s going to be an incredible event and we are definitely expecting a sell out! The night will feature a fabulous live auction, a phenomenal band and, of course, Patti and Bruce as our honorary chairs want to make this event a record- setting fundraiser for our United States Equestrian Teams.”

Scialfa, a USET Foundation Trustee, and husband Bruce Springsteen are the parents of Jessica Springsteen, who has successfully competed at the highest levels of show jumping and has represented the United States on Nations Cup teams internationally. The family believes strongly in supporting the athletes and the United States’ goal to bring home medals.

“Helping this country’s equestrian athletes and supporting the United States Equestrian Teams has been a family affair for us,” said the Springsteens. “We recognize the hard work and commitment it takes for riders to reach the pinnacle of the sport, and hope that as Honorary Chairs for the USET Foundation’s Rockin Rio we can help make this benefit a huge success benefiting our riders as they prepare and compete at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio.”

Invitations are in the mail, so make sure to mark your calendars for this wonderful evening. Buy a table or your tickets now. It will sell out! For further information, please contact: Nancy Little, USET Foundation (908) 234-1251, or nlittle@uset.org.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen to Be Honorary Chairs for 2016 Olympic Benefit “Rockin Rio”

Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa. Photo By: Erin Gilmore.

Wellington, FL – June 25, 2015 – The United States Equestrian Team Foundation is pleased to announce that it will be hosting an Olympic Games benefit event on Friday, January 22, 2016 in Wellington, FL. “Rockin Rio,” with honorary chairs Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen, will help raise funds for the USET Foundation to further support the United States Equestrian Team horses and riders as they prepare to compete at the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Scialfa, a USET Foundation Trustee, and husband Bruce Springsteen are the parents of Jessica Springsteen, a young rider who has successfully competed at the highest levels of show jumping and has represented the United States on nations cup teams internationally. The family believes strongly in supporting the athletes and the United States’ goal to bring home medals.

“Helping this country’s equestrian athletes and supporting the United States Equestrian Teams has been a family affair for us. We recognize the hard work and commitment it takes for riders to reach the pinnacle of the sport, and hope that as Honorary Chairs for the USET Foundation’s ‘Rockin Rio’ we can help make this benefit a huge success in support of our riders as they prepare and compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio,” said the Springsteens.

Make your calendars for this wonderful evening as the USET Foundation continues to raise funds for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Invitations will be sent out the beginning of November. For further information, please contact: Trish Millon, USET Foundation (908) 234-1251, or tmillon@uset.org.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

USET Foundation’s “An English Country Evening” Benefit Raises over One Million Dollars

Tom Tisbo, Jeannie Tisbo, Bruce Springsteen, Hunter Julo, Hunter Harrison, Kaitlin Creel, Keith Creel and Ginger Creel. Photos By: Phelps Media Group

Wellington, FL – January 30, 2012 – On Friday, January 27, 2012, the United States Equestrian Team Foundation hosted a benefit event at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. With over 500 guests in attendance, “An English Country Evening” featured honorary chairs NBC Today Show host Matt Lauer and his wife Annette, an avid equestrian. The celebratory evening included award presentations, an elegant dinner, and a lively auction, which helped raise over one million dollars for the USET Foundation.

“An English Country Evening” was held in the Special Events Pavilion at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, which was transformed into a beautiful English country garden by designer Reed McIlvaine (Renny and Reed), and included an exquisite dinner by Ken Rose catering. USET Foundation President Jane Forbes Clark, Board of Trustee Members Robin Parsky and Bruce Duchossois, and Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins all helped organize the very successful event.

Continue reading USET Foundation’s “An English Country Evening” Benefit Raises over One Million Dollars