The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation has announced that "Hong Kong by Night," a benefit held on February 8, 2008, at the International Polo Club in Wellington, FL, raised $500,000. Generous supporters contributed to the effort by purchasing tables for the dinner and by bidding on three once-in-a-lifetime trip packages in a live auction. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the U.S. equestrian teams competing in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

A sold-out event, Hong Kong by Night drew 430 guests comprised of equestrian athletes, supporters and friends. As equestrian competition at the 29th Olympiad will be held in Hong Kong, themes of the host city pervaded the party. Guests were invited to dress in 'Festive Oriental Attire' and extraordinary Hong Kong-themed decor created by Renny & Reed of New York City transformed the venue into a showcase of Hong Kong highlights, including an impressive entry lined in towering live bamboo and a dining room replete with 'starlit' drapery and a spectacular backlit skyline mural of the city of Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong by Night program included a cocktail hour, welcome remarks and presentations led by USET Foundation President Jane Forbes Clark, a three-course dinner by Ken-Rose Catering, a live auction and dancing to the Michael Carney Orchestra.

President Clark opened the evening by first thanking the Hong Kong by Night committee members and Honorary Chairwoman Abigail Wexner. Contributors to the evening's gift bags were also acknowledged, including the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Jacquie Mars and Ethel M Chocolates, Jaylaan Ahmad-Llewellyn and bluhammock, and Dr. Frederic Brandt Skin Care Products. Clark thanked Murray Kessler for donating the evening's fine wines from UST's Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

President Clark segued to the evening's celebration of the USET Foundation's long-time supporters, saying, "Over the past 50 years, our equestrian Olympians have created a legacy of competitive excellence for the United States at the Olympic Games. At this time, I'd like to recognize some of the USET Foundation's most loyal and generous supporters—the members of our Gold Medal Club. You are an essential source of our support, and we offer our heartfelt thanks." Gold Medal Club members in attendance who joined Clark on stage to receive their gifts of appreciation were Schuyler Riley on behalf of her parents, Tom and Nephele Domencich, and Ellen Van Dyke Holtgers, celebrating 10-year anniversaries; Louise Otten, and Joe and Kathy Patton, celebrating 15-year anniversaries; and Carlene C. Blunt, celebrating a 25-year anniversary.

Highlighting the evening were the presentations of two of the USET Foundation's most prestigious annual awards—the Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Award and the Whitney Stone Cup. Joining Clark to present the Hermes Award were George H. Morris, U.S. Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe, and Bill Whitehead, the Equestrian Sales Manager for Hermes. The recipient of the Hermes Award was 19-year-old show jumper Hillary Dobbs, who capped a successful debut year in grand prix by notching double-clear rounds in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to secure a Nations Cup win in her first international competition. Dobbs made an eloquent acceptance speech thanking her parents and trainers. Joining Clark to present the Whitney Stone Cup was Brownlee O. Currey, Jr., Senior Vice President of the USET Foundation. The recipient of the Whitney Stone Cup was driver Miranda Cadwell, an Individual Gold and Team Bronze medalist at the 2007 Pony World Championships. Cadwell thanked her coaches and family for years of support and encouragement.

Clark concluded with two Special Recognition notations. Clark first thanked Richard Malloch, the President of Hearst Business Media, who provided the USET Foundation with the opportunity to participate in a fundraising initiative in the February issue of Town & Country magazine.