The 2015 GCC theme of superheroes was a hit with riders and spectators alike. Photo by Lois Spatz.
This year’s Great Charity Challenge returns to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, turning wishes into a reality for 40 Palm Beach County charities
Wellington, FL – February 3, 2016 – For the seventh year in a row, the Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) returns to Wellington during the 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) circuit on Saturday, February 6, 2016. Adding to the $7.5 million the event has distributed to date, this year’s fairy tale theme will showcase Olympic and amateur riders dressed as Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland or even Princess Elsa and will distribute $1.6 million to over 40 Palm Beach County charities.
Founded in 2010 by Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo and his daughter Paige, the Great Charity Challenge has seen the equestrian community take charitable giving to a new level through its love of equestrian sport. The GCC event has impacted thousands of lives with 100% of its proceeds being donated directly to local organizations.
“Our family and Wellington Equestrian Partners would like to invite individuals and families to this true community celebration where we honor local non-profit organizations, their staff, and volunteers, along with the generous philanthropists that make this event possible every year,” commented Mark Bellissimo.
Brand new this year, a Prince and Princess costume contest will give children the chance to dress to impress. A mobile judging panel will determine the lucky winners who will receive a custom gift basket, including a Breyer model horse and WEF Boutique products, a ride around the International Ring in Cinderella’s very own horse-drawn carriage, as well as the chance to choose a lucky charity to receive a $1,000 donation, which will also be matched to their school.
Presentation of the winner is scheduled to take place during the midway point of the event, on the main stage, around 7:45 PM.
Last year’s super hero-themed event brought thousands to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) to celebrate the heroes of the community.
To date, the GCC has made incredible contributions to the Palm Beach County community and everyone at Equestrian Sport Productions looks forward to Saturday night. The competition will offer Free General Admission with gates opening at 6 PM. The first team competing in this unique costume class is scheduled to enter the competition arena under the lights at 6:30 PM. Entertainment include on-site dining, live band, a Venetian hand painted carousel, petting zoo, face painters as well as shopping experiences with local vendors.
Off-site parking with shuttle service is offered free of charge at 13500 South Shore Blvd. There is a $20 charge per carload for on-site parking. For more information, including a list of the participating charities and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com.
Wellington, FL – February 4, 2015 – Superheroes are taking front stage at the 2015 Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (GCC). On Saturday, February 7, 2015, during the spectacular pro-am relay show jumping competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, 34 lucky charities will be competing for a share of $1.5 million dollars.
The public is in for a treat as this year’s participating riders will be wearing “masks and capes” to help Palm Beach County charities!
The GCC, founded in 2010 by Mark and Katherine Bellissimo of Equestrian Sport Productions and their daughter, Paige, has distributed more than $6.2 million from the equestrian community to over 100 nonprofits in Palm Beach County over the last five years. This year, more than 400 local charities applied for a chance to be one of the 34 lucky participants in the running for the top prize of $150,000 with a sliding scale of prize money to the minimum $15,000 amount that every participating charity will win.
Mark Bellissimo commented, “Our theme this year is SuperHeroes, which is directed at the riders who donate their time and their horses, equestrian families and businesses who contribute funds, our staff who donate their time, and most importantly the executive directors and volunteers of these charities whose passion and commitment to their causes elevates and enhances the community.”
Paige Bellissimo added, “The GCC is a unique event that allows us to raise awareness of the diverse charitable organizations throughout the community. One hundred percent of the funds are distributed to charities and put to work immediately. The event gives a ‘leg up’ to the many heroes that lead these deserving nonprofits. We are very grateful for our rider teams, sponsors and partners who support the effort.”
This year’s event features a family-friendly evening on February 7 which includes many dining options, shopping, a petting zoo, magicians, street performers, face painters, carousel rides, children’s fair, and more. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION AND FREE OFFSITE PARKING (shuttles to the main grounds provided): 13421 Southshore Blvd. Wellington, FL 33414
For a full list of participating charities, sponsors and additional event information, please visit: www.greatcharitychallenge.com.
For more information on Equestrian Sport Productions or the Winter Equestrian Festival, please visit www.pbiec.com. For ticket inquiries, please contact concert@equestriansport.com.
Wellington, FL – December 12, 2014 – Celebration was in the air at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Saturday night, December 6, 2014. Families enjoyed the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s Winterfest featuring musical performances by Vanilla Ice and The Voice’s Michaela Paige, exciting show jumping, and a great night of philanthropy where over 400 Palm Beach County charities applied for the chance to participate in the 2015 Great Charity Challenge (GCC) presented by Fidelity Investments®. To date, the event has distributed over $6.2 million to more than 100 Palm Beach County Charities.
The excitement level was high as 28 lucky charities were randomly drawn throughout the evening’s festivities. Event Founders, Mark Bellissimo along with his wife Katherine and daughter Paige, were assisted by Vanilla Ice, The Voice’s Michaela Paige, David Sacks (from Fidelity’s Palm Beach investor center), Mayor and Mrs. Margolis, Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, Michela Pirello-Green (Executive Director of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce), Dr. Randy Laurich (The Wellness Experience) and Rick and Sarah Mershad (Team Sponsors).
Mark Bellissimo, who founded the GCC with his daughter Paige, commented, “The GCC has truly become the signature event of our 12 week season. It is rare that you get the opportunity to touch so many lives in such a unique way. We hope that the event will become the legacy of our partnership and this facility.”
The GCC is an exciting pro-am show jumping event that brings together over 34 equestrian families and companies that each sponsors a team for $25,000 and $10,000 respectively. Each team is randomly assigned to compete for one of the 34 randomly selected charities and offers amateur riders the chance to compete side by side with their Olympic and world-class professional equestrian heroes and role models. With additional donations from local families, businesses, sponsors, vendors, exhibitors and spectators, the GCC is on track to exceed its $1.5 million fundraising goal. Prize money for these lucky charities will range from $150,000 to $15,000, to ensure that every charity is a winner.
PBIEC is also home to the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) which runs from January 7 to March 29, 2015, one of the largest and longest running horse show in the world. The PBIEC operating organization, Equestrian Sport Productions, donates the venue, its staff and infrastructure for this charitable event.
Mark your calendars for the 2015 GCC which will be held on Saturday February 7, 2015 at the PBIEC during WEF’s “Saturday Night Lights” series.
Paige Bellissimo, co-founder of the GCC, commented, “Our goal was to do something that was different and that involved horses and equal opportunity. We are excited for the 2015 GCC and look forward to introducing the sponsors and riders to their charities.”
The theme for this year’s event: Superheroes! After all, the true heroes in the community are the charities. The superheroes (the sponsors and riders) will fight to help their randomly assigned charity in accomplishing their missions.
Future charity drawings will be held at the $125,000 Trump Invitational, presented by Rolex show jumping event at The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach on January 4, 2015, and two wild card teams will be drawn the night of the GCC on February 7, 2015.
The 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) has 12 weeks of world-class competition running from January 7 through March 29. WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. All 12 weeks are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, with more than $8 million in prize money awarded.
About Fidelity Investments®
Fidelity’s goal is to make financial expertise broadly accessible and effective in helping people live the lives they want. With assets under administration of $5.0 trillion, including managed assets of $2.0 trillion as of October 31, 2014, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers: helping 23 million people investing their own life savings, 20,000 businesses to manage their employee benefit programs, as well as providing 10,000 advisors and brokers with technology solutions to invest their own clients’ money. Privately held for nearly 70 years, Fidelity employs 41,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit www.fidelity.com.
Two Paws Up for Danny & Ron’s Rescue! Lyle Lovett Teams Up with Danny & Ron’s Rescue. Vote Today!
Many nationwide equestrians know Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta as founders of Danny & Ron’s Rescue, a non-profit dog rescue they established in 2005 as a result of traveling to New Orleans to rescue stranded animals after Hurricane Katrina. Through their tireless efforts, Danny & Ron have rescued and re-homed over 7,500 stray dogs in just 8 years!
We are asking our friends, fellow equestrians, and dog lovers to help give a leg up to Danny & Ron’s Rescue, and help them support the 2014 USA World Equestrian Games Reining team! We just need your vote! It’s so simple! No forms to fill out, no names or emails to provide!
It’s easy to help by simply clicking here to vote for Danny & Ron’s Rescue — your vote will help them win a piece of the $50,000 FTI Great Charity Challenge bonus in support of team USA!
Danny & Ron’s Rescue is one of 32 charities participating in the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge on February 1, 2014 at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Fans can compete for their favorite charity by voting for them online in the $50,000 FTI Charity Challenge. The top three fan favorite charities will win a portion of $50,000. Fan Favorite: $25,000; Second Runner Up: $12,500; Third Runner Up: $12,500.
It’s easy peasy! Simply click & vote! You may vote repeatedly – one vote per IP address every 24 hours. Voting will close at the end of the FTI GCC competition on Saturday, February 1st. Voting is restricted to U.S. participants only.
Please save this link and vote for us once a day between now and Feb 1st!
Please share this link on your Facebook page, on your Twitter feed and with your friends, family, casual acquaintances and cousins by the dozens!
Equestrian Aid Foundation needs your votes to continue our mission of assisting members of our community suffering from serious injury or illness.
It’s that easy… It’s that important.
About the Equestrian Aid Foundation: In 1996 the Equestrian AIDS Foundation was established to assist those with HIV/AIDS. Recognizing a broader need, the organization changed its name to the Equestrian Aid Foundation and revised its mission. Its mission is to assist anyone in the equestrian world suffering from life threatening illnesses and catastrophic injuries by providing financial assistance for their medical or other basic needs. It is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that provides grant recipients funding for medical, healthcare, rehabilitation and essential expenses, such as housing and food, throughout their time of need. Learn more at www.equestrianaidfoundation.org, www.facebook.com/EAF.Ride4Hope or @ride4hope.
The $125,000 FEI Grand Prix Show Jumping Event will raise money toward the 2014 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments fundraising goal of $1.75 million
Wellington, FL – December 4, 2013 – Donald Trump and Mark Bellissimo announced today that they will host the second annual Trump Invitational on Sunday, January 5, 2014, at the beautiful Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, FL. The $125,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix presented by Rolex will showcase 35 of the world’s top riders in an FEI world ranking competition. Once again, the Trump Invitational will benefit the 2014 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments (FTI GCC), which has raised more than $4.2 million dollars over the last four years for over 90 Palm Beach County charities. It will also serve as the kick-off party for the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, the 12-week circuit that runs at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on January 8 – March 30, 2014.
The Trump Invitational is the only equestrian event ever to be held on Palm Beach Island and is hosted at The Mar-a-Lago Club, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate built in 1924 and purchased and restored by Donald Trump in 1985. It is one of the most magnificent mansions in the world, is in the national register of historic places, and is a designated U.S. National Landmark.
“Last year’s Trump Invitational was a spectacular, one-of-a-kind event. In addition to showcasing equestrian sport’s top athletes in a FEI world ranking class, the event was instrumental in achieving our record-breaking fundraising for the FTI GCC,” said ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo.
This year, the event will set a new standard with one-of-a-kind auction items, exciting musical guests, and improved footing. Bellissimo noted, “Donald was extremely generous in providing both a $100,000 FTI GCC donation as well as donating his time in two golf outing auction items that raised an additional $68,000 towards last year’s record FTI GCC fundraising of $1.5 million.”
Mr. Trump added, “It is vital during these difficult financial times to support the efforts of the unsung heroes that operate these great charitable organizations within Palm Beach County. I am honored to be a part of this effort.”
Mr. Trump’s daughter Ivanka will join Paige Bellissimo and Georgina Bloomberg as event chairs.
Spectacular New Footing to Provide Unparalleled Show Jumping Competition
Last spring, based on feedback from the riders, Trump spared no expense by engaging the team from Equestrian Services International (ESI) led by Brett Raflowitz to replace the footing on the lawn of The Mar-a-Lago Club utilizing ESI’s “Turf Blend Footing,” a top soil mix with fiber and three different blends of sand that now provides the base for approximately 98,000 square feet of new Celebration turf. Mr. Trump commented, “A world-class event requires world-class footing.”
In addition to show jumping alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, there will be cocktails and a red carpet welcome at the pool and a VIP experience bordering the ring. Equestrian Sport Productions expects that many of the top riders in the world, including Olympians, international competitors, and up-and-coming stars, will return to the Trump Invitational to compete.
If you would like to attend this historic show jumping event, or are interested in competing, please call Anne Caroline Valtin at 561.784.1133 or send an email to annecaroline@equestriansport.com.
About Rolex
Oyster watches are symbols of excellence, performance, and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch since 1905, the brand is at the origin of several landmark innovations in watchmaking, including the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, and the perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, exploration, sports, and the environment through sponsoring and philanthropic programs. Rolex has been present in equestrian sports since 1957. For more information, visit www.rolex.com.
About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) has 12 weeks of world class competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. All 12 weeks are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, with more close to $8 million in prize money awarded. Please visit www.equestriansport.com for more information.
About the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments (FTI GCC)
Founded in 2010 by Mark Bellissimo and his daughter Paige, the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments raises and distributes money to Palm Beach County based charities. This unique show jumping event aligns 34 show jumping teams with 34 randomly selected charities that serve the county. Please visit www.ftigreatcharitychallenge.com for more information.
Wellington, Florida – December 3, 2013 – This holiday season, 400 Palm Beach County charities were hoping for a miracle. Under the “Saturday Night Lights” at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), the charitable community came out to Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s WinterFest and Equestrian Sport Productions’ (ESP) Holiday & Horses Show on November 30 for the chance to be picked as one of the 34 charities that will benefit from the 2014 FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge Presented by Fidelity Investments (FTI GCC).
The exciting pro-am show jumping event which will be held on February 1, 2014, at the PBIEC has raised $4.2 million for over 90 Palm Beach County charities over the past four years, becoming the largest single-day net charitable event in the state of Florida. Every dollar raised is distributed to the charities. This year’s fundraising target is $1.75 million, and with prizes ranging from $150,000 to $10,000, it ensures every charity is a winner.
This unparalleled event brings together over 34 equestrian families that each sponsors a team for $25,000. Each team is randomly assigned to compete for one of the 34 randomly selected charities. With additional donations from local families, businesses, sponsors, vendors, exhibitors and spectators (through ticket sales for the evening), the FTI GCC is on track to exceed last year’s $1.5 million fundraising.
PBIEC, home of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), one of the largest and longest running horse shows in the world, donates the venue, its staff and infrastructure for this charitable event.
Each team also offers amateur riders the chance to compete side by side with their Olympic and world-class professional idols.
Cheers of excitement could be heard on Saturday night as ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo and his wife Katherine, along with community leaders, drew 24 charity names out of a hopper in front of a crowd of 4,000 spectators.
Mark Bellissimo, who started the FTI GCC with his daughter Paige, commented, “The FTI GCC is the signature event of our 12-week season. We measure the success not in dollars raised, but in the number of lives touched.”
Dennis Shaughnessy, Chairman of the Board of FTI Consulting, commented, “This is the best thing FTI does anywhere in the world. It not only sponsors a great horse event, but it helps thousands of people locally. We are delighted to be able to do it and delighted to see a turnout like this.”
“It is wonderful that a variety of charities which serve so many different groups can make a difference right here in our backyard. The event truly exemplifies the impact a group of dedicated philanthropic individuals can have in a community,” said FTI GCC Executive Director Anne Caroline Valtin.
Many sponsor representatives were on hand to help randomly draw this year’s charities.
Jodi Goldberg, President and Founder of Autism Blooms, was overjoyed when chosen. “I am beside myself right now,” she said, “We raise money for families to purchase private therapy. It means so much because families are desperately trying to save their child and bring them out of the dark. We believe every child can bloom with the proper therapies.” Candi Spitz, Vice President of Autism Blooms, noted, “We’re based in Wellington, so this money goes directly into the community.”
Danny Robertshaw of Danny and Ron’s Rescue commented, “This is such a wonderful event. To us it’s so meaningful because we’re approaching our 7,000th adoption. This helps us to be able to save more dogs. Last year we adopted 530 dogs here during the horse show circuit. We save dogs from animal shelters and save them from euthanasia. It’s a good paws up. We’re very honored.”
Team Sponsor Robert and Lisa Lourie of Spy Coast Farm were on hand for the festivities. Lisa Lourie commented, “We have the added benefit of our professional rider [Shane Sweetnam] being a member of the community so it’s extra special for us.” Robert Lourie stated of their support, “It connects to the community in a good way. They see that it’s not just about us and the horses, but it’s about us and the community we are a part of.”
Dr. Sandy Munoz, CEO of Children’s Healing Institute, stated, “We are over the moon. We serve 4,000 families each year and this is huge for us. To raise money in this economy has been difficult. When the economy suffers, we suffer. This is a blessing.”
Jim Brown of Wounded Warriors of South Florida said, “This is a thrill! We don’t need the lotto — we just hit it. We are humbled at the opportunity. We provide immediate financial support for disabled veterans. We provide support whether it is putting food on the table, furniture in the house or auto repair. In the last couple years it’s grown so fast we can’t keep up with it. Without us, these veterans would be in a sinking ship. Because of all the trauma, we have 15 to 20 service members every day commit suicide. Our efforts here when they come home are helping them out a lot.”
Wellington Chamber of Commerce President Victor Connor was touched by the spirit of the evening. “For me, I’m speechless and I’m never speechless,” he said. “Mark Bellissimo has done an unbelievable job of reaching out to the community. It’s a pleasure to have him here. He goes out to the schools, and he’s brought in the community like no one else. What was an exclusive club is now open to the public to enjoy.”
Future charity drawings will be held at the $125,000 Trump Invitational show jumping event at The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach on January 5, 2014, and two wild card teams will be drawn the night of the FTI GCC on February 1, 2014. With the outpouring of support from the equestrian community, additional grants will also be made.
All the charity representatives and community families were treated to an evening of exciting show jumping as well as entertainment from The Voice‘s Michaela Paige and Vanilla Ice. There was even a little magical snow, renewing hope in the Village of Wellington that miracles do happen.
About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $8 million in prize money will be awarded.
About FTI Consulting, Inc.
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.
About Fidelity Investments Fidelity Investments is one of the world’s largest providers of financial services, with assets under administration of $4.5 trillion, including managed assets of $1.9 trillion, as of October 31, 2013. Founded in 1946, the firm is a leading provider of investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing and many other financial products and services to more than 20 million individuals and institutions, as well as through 5,000 financial intermediary firms. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit www.fidelity.com.
Sets Fundraising Goal in Excess of $1.75 Million to Benefit over 30 Randomly Selected Palm Beach County Charities
In its first 4 years, the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments (FTI GCC) founded by Mark Bellissimo and his daughter Paige has raised and distributed over $4.2 million dollars, benefitting over 93 Palm Beach County Charities. This exciting Pro-Amateur show jumping event will be held on Saturday evening February 1st at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, in Wellington, Florida. The family oriented event is targeted to distribute over $1.75 million dollars to 34 lucky Palm Beach County Charities. Any qualified Palm Beach County charity who signs up on the ESP website (www.equestriansport.com) by November 20th has an equal chance to be selected. The FTI GCC has become a signature event of the twelve week FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, showcasing top International and Olympic riders of the sport.
The main drawing to select this year’s participating charities will take place on Saturday November 30, 2013 during the Holiday and Horses CSI 2* horse show. Partnering with Wellington Chamber’s Winterfest event, thousands of members of the community are expected to attend the event again this year, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Palm Beach County charities who register will be randomly selected from the Lottery Drum to participate in the event. The number of applying charities has grown from 60 in the first year to over 250 last year, the fourth year of the event. Over 300 charities are expected to apply this year.
Following such a unique multi-charity approach with random drawings of qualified charities has allowed us to assemble a diverse portfolio of charities covering animal rescue, children’s causes, family care, public health, senior care, medical support, equestrian, education, the arts, and the environment among others.
ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE PROCEEDS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE CHARITIES. The pool of funds translates into $150,000 for the winning charity with a sliding scale to 34th place which takes home $10,000. EVERY PARTICIPATING CHARITY is a winner!
This unparalleled event brings together over 34 equestrian families that each sponsors a team for $25,000. Each team is randomly assigned to compete for one of the 34 randomly selected charities. With additional donations from local families, businesses, sponsors, vendors, exhibitors and spectators (through ticket sales for the evening), we are on track to exceed last years $1.5 fundraising.
Equestrian Sport Productions, home of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF), one of the largest and longest running horse show in the world, donates the venue, its staff and infrastructure for this charitable event.
If you would like to participate in this event, please contact Anne Caroline Valtin via email: annecaroline@equestriansport.com.
About FTI Consulting, Inc.
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,000 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com.
About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has 12 weeks of top competition running from January 8 through March 30. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. All 12 shows are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, and more than $7 million in prize money will be awarded.
Peter Wylde and Wannahave Win $25,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic; Way Cool and Victoria Colvin Continue Reign over Antares Large Junior Hunters 15 and Under
Wellington, FL – January 26, 2013 – Riders Darragh Kenny, Catherine Pasmore, and Meg O’Mara were the winning team of the fourth annual FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments (FTI GCC) on behalf of their charity JDRF (the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) on Saturday evening at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Sponsored by Jessie Pasmore and Martha Jolicoeur and corporate sponsor Stone Hill Farm, the three riders made up the top team of the night over 33 other pro-am teams representing Palm Beach County charities.
A signature event of the twelve-week FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, this year’s FTI GCC will distribute approximately $1.5 million to the 34 lucky Palm Beach County charities that were chosen at random to be represented in the pro-am team relay competition. Each team was made up of junior and amateur riders competing side by side with top professionals.
Wellington, FL – January 23, 2013 – Be a part of Olympic Gold Medalist Nick Skelton’s newly added team for the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments (FTI GCC) on Saturday, January 26, 2013. This is a chance to ride in an historic event with the highest purse in show jumping. Two amateurs or juniors have the opportunity to join in the spirit of giving and compete on behalf of one of 34 Palm Beach County charities to win part of $1.5 million dollars. Two spots are open on Nick Skelton’s team – one rider to compete at the 1.10m level and a second rider to compete at the 1.20m level in a relay race on Saturday evening.
For a tax deductible donation of $10,000 to the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, the new team member will have the thrilling opportunity to ride side by side with one of show jumping’s greatest riders while contributing to a worthy cause in one of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival’s proudest moments.
Riders will have this chance on a first come, first served basis at each level of 1.10m and 1.20m. Please contact Anne Caroline Valtin at 561-784-1133 to sign up for this team!
