Equestrian Season Preview Imagination Leads The Way For Local Charities At 2017 GREAT CHARITY CHALLENGE What if you didn’t have to remain a child to dream of miracles? Once again, the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, will aim to raise more than $1.5 million, which will bring its fundraising total to more than $10 million raised over the last eight years. Heading into its eighth annual event, the Great Charity Challenge returns to Wellington during the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. With fun and creative themes from super heroes to fairy tales, the event has brought thousands of people to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center to celebrate those who have dared to imagine a better community: the GCC sponsors, the riders donating their time and all those involved with the charitable organizations. To date, the event has distributed more than $9.2 million to hundreds of nonprofits in Palm Beach County. 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. The event has impacted thousands of lives through its unique equestrian competition, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated directly to Palm Beach County charities. While many organizations are supported and funded via the community, the GCC fills a true need to cover operating expenses; expenses that donors often shy away from supporting. A homeless shelter needs new windows. A food pantry needs a vehicle to reach hundreds of clients every week. An organization needs operating costs to help foster children. These are a few examples of the ways that the event enables Palm Beach County charities to better serve the community. “As always, my daughter Paige and I, along with the many generous families and companies that contribute to this
PHOTO BY MEG BANKS
charitable evening, look forward to this great event each year,” Bellissimo said. “This eighth year marks a milestone; as of Feb. 4, 2017, we will have officially surpassed the $10 million donation mark. Our theme of ‘animated characters’ is a perfect fit to acknowledge those who imagine a better community. This event is truly the legacy of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the sponsors involved.” Friends of Foster Children, an organization that provides services to foster and adoptive children in Palm Beach County, was one of the recipients from last year’s GCC. “The winnings from the GCC will be
Last year’s Great Charity Challenge winning team of riders Lindsay Tomeu, Kaely Tomeu and Shane Sweetnam, along with representatives from the George Snow Scholarship Fund, celebrate with local officials after their big win. PHOTO BY LOIS SPATZ
wellington wellingtonthe themagazine magazine| |november november2016 2016 55 55