The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has named its 2007 Equestrian of the Year—Mindy Darst. The winner raised over $52,000 to support the society’s mission, and more than $125,000 was raised by the equestrian community in total.

The Equestrian of the Year fundraising program is a multi-discipline campaign benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The equestrian who raises the most amount of money wins the title, a trophy, a $1,000 gift certificate from EuroAmerican Saddlery and their photo on a nationally distributed poster. The runner-up receives a $750 gift certificate from ShoCloths.

Darst, who was honored February 18, suffers from LeioMyoSarcoma. She was the inspiration for USEF judge Sue Ashe’s fundraising campaign, which ultimately raised over $52,000. The two longtime friends have made a huge contribution to the future of curing blood cancers. Runner-up, raising over $20,000, was dressage rider Christine Thompson. As our runner-up last year, Thompson raised close to $30,000 over a two year period. Inspired initially by close friends she has lost to lymphoma, Thompson now battles pancreatic cancer and showed enormous strength and courage raising the majority of the money after being diagnosed with cancer.

Blue Ribbon Sponsor for the event was Bainbridge Farms, LLC, and Richard A. Schechter. The four-month fundraising campaign culminated with cocktails, light dinner and silent auction in the home of CiCi Zahringer, at the Palm Beach Polo Club in Wellington, FL. Through the fundraising efforts of the equestrian community, the 5th Annual Leukemia and Lymphoma Society “Equestrian of the Year” has raised over $125,000 in 2007 to support the society’s mission.

Darby Collins

ENDS~~~For more information, please contact Maria Partlow, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at (859) 225-6941, or via e-mail at [email protected].