WEF 2020 Great Charity Challenge, Presented By Fidelity Investments, Returns Feb. 1
Community Partners The Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, will be returning to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center for the 11th year on Saturday, Feb. 1. Founded in 2010 by Mark and Paige Bellissimo, the event has distributed $13.5 million to more than 240 Palm Beach County charities to date. The exciting event hinges on the generous support of the equestrian community and local business partners. Donations and sponsorships from local families, foundations, businesses, vendors, exhibitors and spectators, ranging from $50 to $50,000, are what make the event reach its fundraising goal of more than $1 million every year. Over the last five years, the relay-style 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. “We look forward to kick-starting this new decade of the GCC, along with the start of our 12-week season, in the company of such outstanding and diverse organizations,” said Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions and co-founder of the Great Charity Challenge.“This year’s applicant list is a true reflection of the amazing work they do to make Palm Beach County a better
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place.We are very grateful for them and for the continued support of the event sponsors.We hope that the GCC will become the legacy of our partnership and this facility.” A total of 69 Palm Beach Countybased organizations benefited from the 2019 GCC event. Based on a community-needs assessment with partnering agencies, the team and its board have established that a minimum of two agencies will represent the following seven categories during its upcoming 11th annual event: access to education, access to work and economic growth, child welfare, ending poverty, fighting hunger, good health and well-being, and partnerships for community development. With more than 350 applications received for a chance to participate, organizations were selected in a lotterystyle drawing in early December. “The encouragements and true camaraderie witnessed on social media between nonprofits during the selection process was heartwarming and inspiring,” Paige Bellissimo said. “We look
The Children’s Home Society The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County Dress for Success of the Palm Beaches The Equestrian Aid Foundation Feed the Hungry Pantry of Palm Beach County Hacer Ministry The Hanley Foundation Help Our Wounded Foundation JARC Florida Little Smiles Morningday Community Solutions Quantum House The Spirit of Giving Network The Step by Step Foundation Vita Nova Wellington Cares Wellington Public Schools PTA/PTO/PTSA The Young Singers of the Palm Beaches Additional charities will be selected in the weeks leading up to the event and on the day of the event. wellington the magazine | february 2020
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