SUCCEED® and Wellington Classic Dressage will be hosting an exciting Holiday Gala Fundraiser, December 11-12, 2009, to benefit the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation. The gala will feature some of the biggest names in the equestrian world from a unique combination of disciplines, all coming together for a good cause and a fun holiday celebration.
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation. Many of the USET’s top members compete in Wellington throughout the winter at the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival, and the USET Holiday Gala Fundraiser will be the perfect opportunity to raise money for the USET Foundation and support the future of equestrian sport.
In addition to supporting the USET Foundation, the Holiday Gala will also help families in need during the holiday season by collecting donations for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve charity Toys for Tots. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distributes those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.
Held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, the USET Holiday Gala Fundraiser will be an equestrian event like none other. The gala will feature a combination of clinics, fun demonstrations, team competitions, and many holiday
surprises from some of the top horses and riders in the country. Equestrian journalist, commentator, and radio host Chris Stafford will be the emcee for the event and is excited to see all of the equestrian stars who have signed up to participate.
“I think that this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the talent that we have in this country by bringing riders from all of the different disciplines together to enjoy the festive season as well as raise money for such a worthwhile cause,” Stafford acknowledged. “Many of these riders have been on the team or aspire to be on the team one day, and I think it is going to be a marvelous spectacle to have so many great riders together in one place. It is going to be very exciting and I am really looking forward to being part of it.”
The list of equestrians scheduled to attend includes Steffen Peters, the 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup and CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival Dressage Champion; Dressage Olympian Courtney King-Dye; Pan Am Games Gold Medalist Pierre St. Jacques;
dressage riders and trainers Reese Koffler-Stanfield, Kim Gentry and Stephan Kiesewetter. Also included will be eventing Olympic medalists David and Karen O'Connor; 2008 U.S. Olympic Eventing Silver Medalist Gina Miles; Canadian Eventing
Olympians Hawley Bennett and Samantha St. Jacques; eventer and trainer Cathy Wieschhoff; show jumper Kate Levy; U.S. Four-in-Hand Driving Champion Chester Weber; “The Man Who Listens to Horses” trainer and best-selling author Monty Roberts;
equestrian sports psychologist Jeanne Lambrecht; best-selling author Tami Hoag; and American Quarter Horse Association champion and trainer Lynn Palm. Several other top names are expected to take part and will soon finalize their plans.
"This USET Holiday Fundraising event is what I look forward to as the culmination of my three-month, five-country Willing Partners Tour,” stated world-renowned author, trainer and horse communicator Monty Roberts. “When my friends at SUCCEED®
approached me months ago to participate, they didn't have to say anything more than "it's for the kids and for the horses." I look forward to riding with some of the best horsemen in the world!"
Gina Miles, a rider and trainer well loved in the world of eventing is looking forward to being involved with such a great cause as well. Miles noted, "I am really excited to be participating in what will be a fun event that will promote the sport and entertain the fan base. This event is a chance to help the USET fund Gold-medal winning teams for the 2010 World Equestrian Games, and I hope everyone will join us in Florida to support this."
Along with the exciting equestrian performances, the Holiday Gala will feature a catered VIP dinner and bar along with a fundraising auction featuring many one-of-a-kind high-dollar items. The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center will also host a special shopping village, featuring Wellington’s favorite vendors, which will be perfect for last-minute holiday shopping.
Tickets for the USET Holiday Gala Fundraiser are on sale now. Ticket pricing is $175 for VIP seating per night (if VIP seating is purchased for both nights the price will be $275 for the ticket) and $30 for preferred seating (per night). There will be no discount for purchasing preferred seating for two nights. For further information on the fundraiser or if you are interested in being a vendor at this event, please visit the fundraiser website at www.succeedevent.com for details. To purchase tickets, please contact (561) 227-1525 or [email protected]. Inquiries to this email address should include "USET Fundraiser" in the subject line.
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