LEE HERSHFIELD
EQ G I V I N G B A C K
BY SARAH LESSLER
THE GREAT CHARITY CHALLENGErooted in ANNE CAROLINE VALTIN leads the Wellington International event that has raised over $19 MILLION for Palm Beach charities.
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mid the succession of competitions at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida, stands a remarkable event, the Great Charity Challenge (GCC), sponsored by Fidelity Investments, where top riders swap their typical attire for extravagant costumes. Sparkling ensembles, inflatable outfits, and wigs adorn riders and horses during the Saturday Night Lights event, adding a whimsical touch to the typically serious sport of show jumping. This remarkable evening transforms the International Ring into a vibrant display of themed team unity and creativity, all supporting Palm Beach
County charities. Anne Caroline Valtin, the executive director of the Great Charity Challenge, stands as an exceptional individual, dedicating her career to enhancing the lives of others. Her influential efforts have significantly impacted the equestrian world, offering a powerful means to make a difference. Anne Caroline, originally from Belgium and France, discovered her passion for horses at age 11 and says, “Once I was in the barn, I never left. It was like an instant connection for me.” She now calls Wellington, Florida, home. Fresh out of college and working in sales for equestrian brands, Anne Caroline attended the inaugural Great Charity Challenge at WEF. Witnessing the event as a spectator, she had an epiphany:
32 | EQ UE S T R I A N L I V IN G | J AN UARY / FEB RUARY | 2024
“This is what I’m meant to be doing. This is where I am meant to be.” Initially founded by the Bellissimo family, the event raised $500,000 in its inaugural year. “I’ve always been passionate about horses and charitable activities,” notes Anne Caroline, “and this was a unique opportunity to actually merge both.” Hired by Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP), she persistently advocated to lead the GCC. At only 24 years old, with no non-profit or management experience, Anne Caroline stepped into the position to direct the GCC with ESP’s confidence and belief in her. “I felt so strongly about the event’s mission and refused to let it fail in any way, shape, or form,” she affirmed.