TeamSterling Hosts Successful Fundraiser March 16

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Funds Aid Combined Driver Sterling Graburn’s Quest for World Championship Gold

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 21, 2012 – On Friday March 16, TeamSterling hosted a successful fundraiser at Spindletop Hall in Lexington, KY. The event brought together members of the Bluegrass Regions’ equestrian community for an evening of dining, music, and a silent auction.

The event raised nearly $7,000, with proceeds going to the nation’s leading combined driving competitors Sterling Graburn and the Larry Denny-owned Dutch Harness Horse Ulano and their quest for the gold at the FEI World Singles Driving Championships 2012, to be held in Lezirias, Portugal Sept. 12-16.

TeamSterling is currently long listed for a coveted spot on the U.S. Combined Driving team. Graburn, also head trainer at the Gayla Driving Center in Georgetown, KY, is the only Kentucky-based athlete eligible to represent the U. S. at the World Singles Driving Championships this year.

The evening’s esteemed guest included Gayla Driving Center owner Gail Austin, trainer Debbie Banfiled who is also co-Chair of the USEF Carriage Pleasure Driving Committee, Kristin Johnson, owner of the KESMARC equine rehab center, equine Veterinarian Dr. Tom Daugherty, and Darryl and Janeene Leifheit, owners of the American Saddlebred Association’s Combined Driving Horse of the year, Singsation.

Items that drew lively bidding in the silent auction included a box for six at Keenland Racecourse, a Kentucky Oaks and Derby ticket package, a Napa Valley vacation for two, and a breeding fee to a leading Connemara stud.

We couldn’t have been more pleased with the event,” said Graburn. “It would not have come together without the help of everyone at TeamSterling, and I can’t thank them enough for their support.

“It was a wonderful and exciting evening,” added Graburn. “We’re now looking forward to the next selection trial. We’re extremely inspired by this great outpouring from our community.”

Following the USEF Selection Trial in February, TeamSterling is in a strong position having placed first in dressage and third overall. The next selection trial will take place at Live Oak International CDE, in Ocala, FL, March 22-25.

To follow results, visit: drivingnews.us.

To make a donation or for more information including sponsorship opportunities, see www.teamsterlingdriving.com or email info@teamsterlingdriving.com.

For media inquiries contact Cynthia Grisolia at (347) 423-7322, or email cagrisolia@yahoo.com.

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