On Saturday evening, February 17, 2007, one of the most unique auction items will be the opportunity for one guest to join judges George Morris, Susie “Paula Abdul” Schoellkopf, Gene “Randy Jackson” Mische, and Mason “Simon Cowell” Phelps to select the top two finalists in the EQUUS Equestrian Idol competition.

The celebrity lineup also features Robert “Ryan Seacrest” Dover, who will be the emcee and promises entertaining banter with the judges. The guests will ultimately be called upon to select the one and only Equestrian Idol, but for anyone who has ever competed in an equestrian event and wondered how judges narrow down the competitors, the opportunity may be yours if you are the highest bidder.

Seven performers—Taylor Blauweiss, Heather Caristo, Patricia Griffith, Leslie Howard, Brian Lookabill, Frank Madden, and Ki-Juan Minors—will be exhibiting their musical talents at the Equestrian Idol Talent Show to benefit The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. The event will be held in the Special Events Pavilion at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Guests will be greeted with cocktails hosted by Skyy Spirits, the balloon magic of Irina Patterson, and music by Tradewinds Music while perusing the many silent auction items. Skyy will feature its award-winning portfolio of luxury brands such as The Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch, Martin Miller’s Gin, Gran Centenario Tequila, Matusalem Rum, and its well-known Skyy Vodka.

Many of the vendors at the Winter Equestrian Festival have donated auction items, including B & B Saddlery, Beval Saddlery Ltd., BLUE, Café Cheval, The Coffee Connection, The Cotton Patch, CWD, Fox Den Interiors & Gifts, HighEnd Designs, LLC, Hunt Ltd., Kocher Tack Shop, Manolo Blahnik Paddock Boots & Equestrian Chic, The Mixed Bag, The Romantic Room, The Royal Boutique, Turner & Co., and Windsor Manor. The EQUUS Foundation extends its appreciation to these vendors and encourages its guests to patronize them as they justly deserve.

Aaron’s Catering of Wellington will cater the event, opening with a lavishly presented antipasto appetizer bar, followed by a delectable array of dinner selections and closing with gourmet petit fours served tableside.

In order to raise funds, The EQUUS Foundation is seeking individuals and businesses throughout the equestrian and Palm Beach communities to assist with their gracious generosity, either through cash donations, in-kind donations, auction donations and sponsorships. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

For additional information, or to make reservations for the event, contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at (203) 259-1550, or e-mail [email protected].


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