Adequan® Global Dressage Festival 2014: The FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments®

Adequan® Global Dressage Festival 2014
The FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments®

Dressage Community, Led By Boyer, Juliano, and Rizvi, Help FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® to Raise Record $2.25 Million Dollars for Nearly 50 Palm Beach County Charities

Wellington, FL – February 5, 2014 – The FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (FTI GCC) was a huge success this past weekend and raised a record $2.25 million that was distributed to 47 charities in Palm Beach County. Held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, the pro-am show jumping competition brought together equestrian sport and philanthropy. Thanks to the donations of a group of dressage owners and sponsors, the FTI GCC was able to meet and surpass this year’s fundraising goal.

Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo reached out to the dressage community to have them participate in the FTI GCC. While the FTI GCC is based around show jumping, the love of equestrian sport is not bound to one particular discipline. As leaders in the dressage world, 10 families stepped up to join the fundraising effort and help the FTI GCC this year.

Leading the effort from the dressage world were Kim Boyer of the Van Kampen Foundation, Betsy Juliano of Havensafe Farm, and Suhail and PJ Rizvi. They were soon joined by Tim and Susie Dutta, Dave and Tuny Page, Rose Peslar, Carol Cohen, Terri and Devon Kane, Mike Davis, and Michael and Roz Collins.

The Musicares team with dressage sponsors, Hunter Hayes, and riders Paige Bellissimo, Alex Crown, and Alvaro de Miranda. Photo © Sportfot.

In total, these leaders in the dressage community contributed over $265,000 to FTI GCC fundraising and brought together both disciplines of equine enthusiasts into one joint effort of philanthropy for the local community.

Bellissimo said, „I greatly appreciate Kim, Betsy, Suhail, and PJ for leading the way in this effort. We are all fortunate to enjoy this lifestyle and this was a great way to take a moment and give back. The energy and philanthropy of the dressage community was immediately evident, and I thank all those that participated. I am confident it will immediately impact thousands of lives in this community during very difficult financial times for many charities.“

For dressage sponsor Betsy Juliano, her first time at the FTI GCC left her with a favorable impression. „It was well organized and not only did it accomplish its goal of raising funds for these programs, but it also provided a fantastic evening for those who attended. I think that what I appreciate about it is that it has direct and meaningful impact on charities in our area. For those of us who are privileged to be here for the winter, I feel it’s our obligation to also support our community. This provides that opportunity.“

She continued, „I felt that it was a very good idea because the dressage community is also invested in this community as a whole. All of us in the equestrian world need to come together to support these charities and this environment. My impression of the event was extremely favorable, and I anticipate that I will be a part of it in the future.“

The dressage owners were the Team Sponsor of the Musicares -Hunter Hayes team, which placed third in the competition. The team riders were Brazilian Olympian Alvaro de Miranda, Paige Bellissimo, and Alexandra Crown. They won $112,500 for Musicares in Friday night’s competition.

Those who would like to participate next year should speak with Anne Caroline Valtin

Winning the event was the Speak Up for Kids team, led by Team Sponsor Lothlorien, corporate sponsors Bass/Bolfo/Newlands/Rowland, and team riders Canadian Olympian Ian Millar, Kelly Soleau, and Emily Kinch. Speak Up for Kids doubled their yearly operating budget by winning $150,000.

The Wellington PTO/PTA/PTSA won $125,000 thanks to team riders Ken Berkley and Cloe and Lilli Hymowitz, Team Sponsor EnTrust Capital/Rose Hill Farm, and corporate sponsors Rosenbaum Mollengarden PLLC.

For more information on the FTI GCC, please visit www.ftigreatcharitychallenge.com or www.equestriansport.com.

Quelle: Pressemitteilung