Equestrian Season Preview 2020 Great Charity Challenge, Presented By Fidelity Investments, Focuses On Partnerships Feb. 1
With a growing national and global sense that partnerships are at the core of progress and impact, the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, will once again sharpen the focus on the power of united communities when it returns on Feb. 1, 2020 to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Having distributed $13.5 million to more than 240 Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations to date, the exciting event hinges on the generous support of the equestrian community and local business partners. Through an open application process, the GCC encourages all Palm Beach County-based charities to apply to participate in the event’s 11th edition through Nov. 15. Following a thorough vetting process in partnership with Bank of America, the drawing of the first 24 charities will take place throughout Palm Beach County the first week of December. All selections will be posted live online through the GCC’s social media platforms. The fortunate selectees will meet their randomly paired equestrian teams on Saturday, Feb. 1 to receive a share of the more than $1 million purse. The winning team’s nonprofit will receive $150,000, while all pre-selected participants are guaranteed a minimum grant of $15,000.
Molly Ashe rides at the 2019 Great Charity Challenge. PHOTO BY ESP
Founded in 2010 by Paige Bellissimo and Equestrian Sport Productions, the GCC has maintained its values of professionalism by being “impact-driven.” Transparency guarantees impartiality with its public lottery-style selection
process, while 100 percent of the money raised gets distributed to local nonprofits. Over the last five years, the relaystyle show jumping competition has brought team spirit to a new level by incorporating themes into each yearly celebration. With riders dressed up in costumes and horses adorned to match them, this year’s theme of “Broadway Musicals” will pay recognition to the wisdom commonly found in these plays. From “You can change the world if you change your mind” (Kinky Boots) to “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise!” (Les Misérables) and “If you stand for nothing Burr, what will you fall for?” (Hamilton), all who attend the event will leave inspired to foster the change they wish to see in their own back yards. “With Equestrian Sport Productions’ full support by covering 100 percent of the costs associated with hosting the GCC, to the generous donors who join in our mission to create a positive impact locally, the riders who donate their talents and horses for the evening, and all the way to the amazing nonprofits who work tirelessly to better Palm Beach County, the event is truly a showcase of the power of partnerships,”
(Below) Scenes from the 2019 Great Charity Challenge held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
PHOTO BY ESP
PHOTO BY ESP
PHOTO BY SPORTFOT
PHOTO BY ESP
wellington the magazine | november 2019
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