Jonathan Wentz at the 2012 London Paralympics cheering his team on. Photo (c) Lindsay Yosay McCall.
Thursday, March 7th
The United States Para-Equestrian Association Presents
“Inspire a Generation” private Benefit Party and Auction
Honoring Jonathan Wentz
Hosted by Rancho Valencia Resort
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
&
Friday, March 8th
1st Annual Wooden Horse Race and Casino Night
Hosted by the 2013 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CDI YJ3*
Del Mar, CA
Del Mar, CA – March 6, 2013 – For two exciting evenings the late Para-Dressage rider and USPEA member Jonathan Wentz will be honored in the Southern California community. On March 7th, the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA) presents “Inspire a Generation” private Benefit Party and Auction Honoring Jonathan Wentz Hosted by Rancho Valencia Resort in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Guests will learn about the newly created Jonathan Wentz Memorial Scholarship Fund before enjoying delectable hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and entertainment by musician Mack Bailey. Patrons of this event will be given the opportunity to bid on the finest of auction items and experiences. Although the party is private any person may bid on the unique auction items.
Please contact Lisa at lblaufuss@dressageevents.com if you are interested in bidding on the auction items virtually or over the phone. The auction will commence at 7:00 p.m. (west coast time). Please view the list of auction items by clicking the link below.
(You may download the list of auction items here)
Thursday, March 7th “Inspire a Generation” Benefit Party Honoring Jonathan Wentz Hosted by Rancho Valencia Resort Rancho Santa Fe, CA
What: “Inspire a Generation” Benefit Party Honoring Jonathan Wentz
When: March 7th
Where: Rancho Valencia Resort Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Cost: Tickets are sold out but the cost to bid on the auction items is free
About the USPEA Jonathan Wentz Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Jonathan Wentz Scholarship Fund was established to continue the dream of Paralympian Jonathan Wentz; to advance High Performance Para Dressage in the USA by supporting and encouraging Para Dressage Young Riders to set the goal of International competition.
At age 13 Jonathan set the goal of riding for the USA in the Paralympics. At age 16 he established a plan and budget to achieve his dream. In 2012, at the age of 21, Jonathan was able to achieve his dream of riding for Team USA in the 2012 London Paralympics earning the highest placing of all U.S. equestrians that competed in London. Another goal of Jonathan’s was to develop a Para Dressage Young Rider program to help grow and improve Para Dressage in the USA. His scholarship fund will be used to offset the cost of International competition for Para Dressage Young Rider’s and to encourage their participation enabling them to excel in their sport.
Scholarship funds will go toward Para Dressage High Performance Young Riders, ages 16-25, within the competition year, who are actively competing in International Para Dressage competitions, 3* and above.
Funds shall be awarded to help offset competition expenses up to $1,000.00 per competition to help cover entry fees including stabling and/or shipping (greater than 500 miles one way) costs for competition.
Guidelines for Application of JW Scholarship fund:
Athlete’s must submit a Jonathan Wentz Scholarship Grant Request form with expenses itemized, along with a copy of completed entry forms, invoices and/or receipts for consideration of scholarship funds, along with a list of their competition highlights, competition goals and competition plan/schedule for the current 2 years. (Example; 2013-2014, 2015-2016) Scholarship funds are intended for direct payment of specific competition expenditures, entry fees, stabling, and/or shipping only. Checks made out to athlete or immediate family for reimbursement will require a completed W-9, and will be subject to the approval.
Scholarship funds may be awarded for a maximum of two CPEDI3* events per competition year with a maximum of $1,000.00 awarded per competition. Grants are subject to the approval of the USPEA board. Funds will be awarded based on “own horse” (according to FEI Para definition), distance to competition, number of competitions athlete is planning to attend in 2-year competition period, and/or number of applicants.
Friday, March 8th
1st Annual Wooden Horse Race and Casino Night
Hosted by the 2013 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CDI YJ3*
Del Mar, CA
The Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CDI YJ3* will be hosting the 1st Annual Wooden Horse Race and Casino Night March 8, 2013. This event will commence after the last class on Friday at the Del Mar Horse Park. The entire evening, featuring horse races, casino games, appetizers, and awards, will help benefit the Jonathan Wentz Scholarship Fund under the United States Para-Equestrian Association (USPEA).
1st Annual Wooden Horse Race and Casino Night
What: Horse Races, Casino Night, & “Around the World” Appetizers
When: Friday March 8th (end of show day)
There will be 12 wooden horses available for purchase at check in. Trainers would make a donation for their horse of $50.00 and can decorate them to make them unique. Supplies will be available and payments collected by your Bookie/Barn Manager Lisa Vidov.
Display your horse in your barn area and solicit clients and friends to join your syndicate for a donation of $5/person. You can choose to make your investment back first or let it ride in the pot. There is no limit to the size of your syndicate. Proceeds will support the United States Para Equestrian Association.
On Friday, at the end of the show day, all horses will collect in the paddock (warm up arena) for display purposes. Then, when the bugle sounds, each trainer will parade their horse to the start gate and the race will occur down the FEI Jog lane. Winner and syndicate will get photo opportunity in the Rancho Valencia Arena with their horse and trophy presented during the Brunch on Sunday.
Prizes:
Best decorated horse
Largest syndicate
Best in show for the horse parade to start gate (great mover? crazy? lazy?)
Huge Engraved Trophy to winning trainer and syndicate
Support the United States Para-Equestrian Association:
Continue on to vendor row for “Around the World” appetizers and drinks sponsored by your vendors and try your hand at BlackJack, Craps or Roulette!!! Make a donation to the USPEA for $20.00 worth of chips/play money to use at Casino Night.
Real Dealers!
Real Casino Tables!
Free drawings for more prizes!
Written by: Lindsay Y McCall & Keenan Productions & Events INC
To view an online version of this press release with more photos, please visit: http://uspea.org/category/recent-uspea-press-news/.
About United States Para-Equestrian Association:
The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation board members, and equestrian enthusiasts. The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the para-equestrian umbrella.
The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport. This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage para-equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.
Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the para-equestrian discipline. From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved. From local horse shows to international Olympic Games, the USPEA will provide para-equestrians the knowledge of what they need to succeed. The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), and USEF which provides Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.
In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
For more information about the USPEA, please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President Hope Hand by e-mail: Wheeler966@aol.com or by phone: (610)356-6481.