Tag Archives: charity

Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Events, Fundraisers, Show Jumping

2011 FTI Great Charity Challenge Presented by Fidelity Investments Is Huge Success and Awards More Than $1 Million to 32 Palm Beach County Charities

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The Kessler family competed for Resource Depot. Photos © Anne Gittins Photography, Sportfot, and ManciniPhotos

Wellington, FL – February 20, 2011 – The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida transformed into a field of dreams for 32 Palm Beach charities in the second annual FTI Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments where over a million dollars was raised in an exciting Pro-Am show jumping event on February 19. A signature event of the 12 week FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, the event featured 32 teams of three riders ranging in age from 11 to 70 where amateurs competed side by side with their professional heroes. Each team was randomly assigned to a charity to compete for $1,020,000 in prize money with the winning charity receiving $150,000 with a sliding scale to 32nd place of $10,000. A crowd of 6,000 came out to enjoy the family fun as part of the Saturday Night Lights series which continues through April 2nd.

Every team was generously sponsored by an equestrian family with additional monies coming from corporate and individual donors as well as all proceeds from ticket and VIP table sales for the evening’s event produced by Equestrian Sport Productions, which donates its staff and venue for the event.

The winning team, competing for Wheels for Kids, set a blazing fast time of 91.376 seconds. The riders were Olympian Pablo Barrios, 18-year-old Luis Fernando Larrazabal, and 14-year-old Emmanuel Andrade. All three riders are from Venezuela and competed for team sponsors, Gustavo and Carolina Mirabal of G&C Farm. The Mirabals, Barrios, and Larrazabal live in Wellington, FL.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13288

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Phelps Media Group

Pinata Ponies to Help the Horses of Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue

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February 18, 2011 — Wellington, FL — Each week a special Pinata Pony will be around the show grounds in Wellington. Tickets are sold for the Pinata Pony; the proceeds will benefit the horses of Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue. You can participate by contacting or visiting the vendor who has the pony and is supplying the major gift in the pony. The pony is filled with goodies and a special item.

This week the pony is at Michelle Farmer’s store at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.  Michelle has donated one of her unique necklaces, the “Kathryn” shown here with 14kt gold, rust leather and white baroque pearls, valued at $400.

Participation tickets are $10 each. For more information on Michelle Farmer’s designs you can visit www.michellefarmer.com. For directions to Michelle’s store, where tickets can be purchased please contact 516 769 3365 or email michelle@michellefarmer.com.

Each week the location of the new Pinata Pony will be listed on the website of Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue at www.PTHR.org. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the rescue. This week you have the opportunity to not only help the horses but also receive a beautiful one of a kind necklace, along with a pony full of goodies… that is if you can bear to break open the pretty little pony. Michelle has picked out a beautiful pony this week.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Equine Assisted Therapy, Events, Fundraisers, JRPR

Pat Parelli Joins Star-Studded Line-Up of Judges for Vinceremos “Buck Off” Mechanical Bull Riding Contest

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Pat Parelli will put his rodeo knowledge to work for a great cause when he joins Robert Dover, Margie Engle, and other judges during VTRC’s Mechanical Bull Riding Contest. (Photo by Hubbell Photography)

Wellington, FL (February 16, 2011) – There’s no bull about it that Pat Parelli, the founder of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, understands the relationship between a horse and rider. As a former rodeo bareback bronc rider, Parelli will put his rodeo knowledge to work for a great cause when he joins Robert Dover, Margie Engle, and an esteemed panel of judges during the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s Mechanical Bull Riding Contest.

Parelli, who won the Bareback Rookie of the Year title in 1972, will help judge the “Final Buck Off” during the Vinceremos Dinner and Auction at the International Polo Club on February 18th. The “Buck Off” competition will take place during a Vinceremos benefit and auction entitled “My First Pony”.

Vinceremos, located in Loxahatchee near the famed grounds of the Winter Equestrian Festival, uses horses and therapy to enhance the lives of special needs people in Palm Beach County.

Continue reading Pat Parelli Joins Star-Studded Line-Up of Judges for Vinceremos “Buck Off” Mechanical Bull Riding Contest →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, EQUUS Foundation, Events, Phelps Media Group

Robert Orthwein Named 2011 Equestrian Idol Winner

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Catherine Herman, Robert Orthwein, Patricia Keenan, and Rebecca Brewer Photo Credit: Alyson Sanderford/PMG.

WELLINGTON, FL – February 7, 2011 – Equestrians from all disciplines gathered on Friday, February 4, 2011, to enjoy the Equestrian Idol Musical Talent Show presented by Tiffany & Co. Palm Beach Gardens where the top prize of the evening was awarded to Robert Orthwein. Six talented performers vied for the crown, but Orthwein’s unique and incredible performance won over the judges to earn him the 2011 title. Equestrian Idol, co-chaired by Catherine Herman and Patricia Keenan, was the first event to be held in the “new” Grande Pavilion at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy cutting edge culinary catering trends and the latest in food styling by the newly formed International Polo Club Catering Company.

The EQUUS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that seeks to educate the public on the significant impact of horses in our everyday lives and award grants to charities that use the horse for the benefit of the public, promote horse welfare, and advance the equestrian sport.  The Foundation has awarded over $1.5 million in grants, thanks almost entirely to events like Equestrian Idol.

Mason Phelps, Jr. emceed the 5th year of the event, kicking things off by thanking everyone for attending and acknowledging the many wonderful sponsors. In addition to title sponsor Tiffany & Co. Palm Beach Gardens, other generous sponsors include Buick and GMC, the Official Vehicle Sponsor of The EQUUS Foundation. Gold Medal sponsors include: Mr. & Mrs. Michael Carpenter, the Ann T. D’Addario Family Foundation, Equestrian Sport Productions, Britta Lippert and Caroline Moran. Silver Medal sponsors include: Jennifer Burger & Meredith Lipke, and Visse Wedell. Bronze Medal sponsors include: the Adikes-Hill Family Foundation, Patricia Adikes-Hill & Rosalind Schaefer, Bobbie & Derek Braun & Split Rock Farm, Jane Forbes Clark, Louisburg Farm, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Orthwein, Chris & Jessica Pasmore, Quiet Corner Farm, the Steeple Chase Farm Foundation, and Jenny Wren Sutton.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13230

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Disciplines, Dressage, Equestrian Aid Found., Equestrian Assistance, Events, Fundraisers, Polo, Show Jumping, Western/Reining

EAF Tetrathlon Raises More Than $100,000 for Equestrians in Need

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Winning Team FarmVet: Christian Currey, Ashley Holzer, Candice King, Whistle Uys. All photos (c) Phelps Photos

WELLINGTON, Fla. – Presenting sponsor FarmVet edged out Team MeadowView to win the 2011 Sidelines Tetrathlon Presented by FarmVet on Jan. 30, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Fla. More than 500 people came together for an evening of friendly competition, great food and exceptional auction items, to raise more than $100,000 to benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF). The EAF helps equestrians, horsemen and equine professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries during their time of need. The event was managed by Sean O’Keefe Events, which specializes in developing signature events for nonprofit organizations.

“It’s been more than three years since the last Sidelines Triathlon and we’ve successfully brought it back to a higher level of competition by adding the all-American sport of reining,” said R. Scot Evans, president of the EAF. “With the overwhelming support from the community for the vision of Sean O’Keefe of Sean O’Keefe Events, we were given the resources to create a fun-filled evening that also successfully raised necessary funds for those in the horse world who need our help.”

Tetrathlon Competition

Master of Ceremonies Brian Lookabill added commentary to the competition, which included dressage, show jumping, polo, and reining. Riders showed world-class talent as they performed in disciplines not their own.

Continue reading EAF Tetrathlon Raises More Than $100,000 for Equestrians in Need →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, Fundraisers, Phelps Media Group, Polo

Polo Patrons Join the Fight against Breast Cancer at the 10th Annual Challenge of the Americas

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Team International from the 2010 Challenge of the Americas Photo Credit: Susan Stickle

Wellington, FL – February 1, 2011 – Featuring more exciting equestrian performances than ever before, the Tenth Annual Challenge of the Americas will return to Wellington, FL, on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at the beautiful International Polo Club Palm Beach. The evening will get underway at 5:00 p.m. and feature musical dressage team quadrilles and a new and exciting four on four polo challenge.  Presented by International Polo Club Palm Beach the event will benefit Play for P.I.N.K (PFP), a partner of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Play for P.I.N.K, which stands for Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, and Knowledge, is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer.  PFP does this by creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events including men’s and women’s golf tournaments, tennis, swimming, card games, equestrian events, shopping benefits, spa days and wine tastings.  PFPs commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to their partner The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Since 1996, PFP has donated $18,750,000 to BCRF.  Play for P.I.N.K and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation are proud to share the same vision: Find prevention and a cure in our lifetime.

Continue reading Polo Patrons Join the Fight against Breast Cancer at the 10th Annual Challenge of the Americas →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Jennifer Ward, Products/Services

Beval Saddlery Partners with JustWorld International as Official Retailer

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JustWorld signature products are available for purchase at Beval Saddlery.

January 31, 2011 – Wellington, Florida – Beval Saddlery has partnered with JustWorld International to carry the non-profit’s line of signature products.  JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping impoverished children.

Beval will carry JustWorld signature products at its three permanent retail locations in Gladstone, NJ, New Canaan, CT, and North Salem, NY, as well as on-line at www.beval.com.  In addition, all merchandise is available in Beval’s 2,000 square foot retail boutique on-site at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds in Wellington, FL.

“JustWorld has a wide variety of merchandise, and it made sense to consolidate and have it easily available for purchase in a retail location,” said Mark Walter, Owner and President of Beval Saddlery.  “I admire what Jessica has done with the organization, and the Newman family have been long time customers, so it was a natural fit.  We are thrilled to be involved with JustWorld and to try to help out.”

Continue reading Beval Saddlery Partners with JustWorld International as Official Retailer →

Art/Photography, Awards, Breeds, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Events, Products/Services, Publications/Media

Secretariat “Voice of the People” Award to Zenyatta, by Jane Heart

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Personal Appearance, Saturday, February 5, 2011, Santa Anita Park, California

Mrs. Penny Chenery has established the Vox Populi award for the “voice of the fans to honor the horses they love”. The first award will be presented to the Zenyatta team this coming Saturday.

Mrs. Chenery will participate in a special poster signing to commemorate this historic occasion. Scheduled to join in the festivities are Zenyatta’s owners Ann and Jerry Moss, trainer John Shirreffs, and jockey Mike Smith. Kate Chenery Tweedy will also be in attendance signing copies of her newly released book “Secretariat’s Meadow.” Join Penny Chenery as she presents the inaugural Secretariat Vox Populi Award to the Zenyatta team on February 5th at Santa Anita Park.

I am delighted to be a part of this inaugural event as well as displaying my jewelry for Secretariat and Barbaro. Visit with me on Saturday and Sunday February 5 and 6 from 10:30 to 5:00 at the Champions! Santa Anita Gift Shop entrance. It will be a very special day indeed.

Continue reading Secretariat “Voice of the People” Award to Zenyatta, by Jane Heart →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Events

Great Charity Challenge Ticket Sales Update: Danny and Ron’s rescue wins 2011 bye! Caridad wins 2012 bye!

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Wellington, FL – January 23, 2010 – With 512 tickets sold, Danny and Ron’s Rescue became the 30th selection of the 2011 Great Charity Challenge (GCC).  Caridad, with 535 tickets sold, received a bye for the 2012 GCC. Yesterday, over 2,600 tickets and $55,000 dollars were raised for the event.

A summary of the 2011 Bye Candidates and the count of sales is below:

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13030

Contributors/Press, Rescue/Protection Sources

Background Info on Diamonds in the Rough Horse Rescue

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By Diane Walsh

I volunteer at a non-profit 501C horse rescue/rehab/retirement facility down here in St. Augustine, FL.  We are the only such organization in our region and are currently home to 13 horses at different levels of rehabilitation. We are also home to a very famous mare, Awaiting Justice, who is the great grand-daughter of the Triple Crown Winner, Secretariat!  Why is she so famous? As a filly, she was owned by Garrett Redmond of Kentucky, who legally sought the right to name her Sally Hemmings after Thomas Jefferson’s famous slave and reputed lover. Redmond made international headlines when he sued The Jockey Club for that right but lost the suit. Awaiting Justice went on to race at Churchill Downs, but was eventually sold by Mr. Redmond, sold again and then again until she ended up at a horse boarding facility in St. Augustine area. A boarder at the facility did not want to go to the trouble of shipping her (Awaiting Justice) back home, so the mare was sold to the students for about $1.00, left at the boarding facility.

Last year, Marie Matte, the founder of Diamonds in the Rough, received an urgent call from the mother of one of the students who had purchased the mare that she (the mare) was in an advanced state of starvation at the nearby boarding facility. Marie brought the mare back to the farm and provided her with the necessary medical attention, food, shelter and love she so richly deserved. Today, Serafina, as we’ve renamed her, is a happy, healthy and vibrant personality here at the farm. Another member of our farm is a descendant of War Admiral and Man o’ War! Celebrity lineage doesn’t get better than this in the world of horse rescue!

Diane Walsh

Advertising/Admin Assist

The Record

One News Place

St. Augustine, FL 32086

diane.walsh@staugustine.com