The Honorary Chairman and Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe George H. Morris, as well as Co-Chairs Elizabeth Miller and Jamie Dinan and Becky and David Gochman look forward to welcoming guests and riders to Staysail Farm in celebration of the continuation on the Road to Kentucky. "Jamie and I are delighted to co-chair this benefit event at our farm on behalf of the USET Foundation. The Westchester, NY, community is steeped in equestrian sport, including being home to numerous riders who have represented us on U.S Equestrian Teams. This event will bring together the entire equestrian community to support a cause about which we are so passionate, as well as bring together the community in the North Salem area to raise some money and have lots of fun," said Elizabeth Miller.
Located in the heart of horse country, Staysail Farm will host U.S. Equestrian Team athletes of the future just as North Salem has welcomed those of the past. Not only will many of the long-listed riders be in attendance, but also Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe George H. Morris.
"I am so pleased to see the response from the hunter community in turning out to show their support of our U.S. Equestrian Teams, too! This event is bringing together all those who love the sport and want to help. My husband, David, and I are really looking forward to a great evening," said Co-Chair Becky Gochman.
During the cocktail hour there will be a balloon raffle that will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the evening. The Junior Committee, co-chaired by Katie Dinan and Jacqueline Lubrano, put together the raffle, securing donations with values of up to $750 from multiple equestrian and non-equestrian suppliers and supporters. Descriptions of these donations will be placed into balloons that will then be offered for a donation of $100. This novel approach to the traditional raffle will have those in attendance popping balloons to win everything from a Gold Stall at HITS Horse Show for one week, framed, Hermes scarf, bottles of vintage wine, Alessandro Albanese cashmere sweater, Heather Moore jewelry, a Grand Prix Soft Shell riding jacket, Pikeur breeches, Essex Classic Riding Shirts, antique Hermes pin to James Leslie Parker Photography, The Chronicle of the Horse and PhelpsSports.com subscriptions and much, much more.
Following the dinner catered by David Ziff Cooking of New York City, guests will have the opportunity to support the Team's efforts by participating in an extraordinary live auction. Unique and highly desirable live auction items will be auctioned off by renowned auctioneer Leslie Keno, Senior Vice President and Director of American Furniture and Decorative Art at Sotheby's, as well as a popular appraiser on the PBS program "Antiques Roadshow."
A few of the live auction items to date include:
2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Show Jumping Package
• Two "A" level tickets to all show jumping events and closing ceremonies
• One room at the Marriott Griffin Gate Hotel
• Two invitations to the USET Foundation Gold Medal Club cocktail reception
Vintage USET Trunk and Blanket Set
• Vintage Tack Trunk that traveled the world with United States Equestrian Teams in the 1970's
• Vintage coolers worn by numerous legendary Show Jumping Team horses
St. Barts Vacation Villa - Exquisite!
• Spend a week at Sea Cliff, a deluxe compound located in exclusive Pointe Milou area
• A total of four bedrooms in two villas accommodates eight people
• Property boasts infinity pool with magnificent sunset views
North Salem Experience
• Enjoy a lesson and dinner with Olympic Gold medalist McLain Ward
• Meet Sapphire, two-time Olympic Gold medal horse for the USA
• VIP Table for Week II of the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows (May 18-23)
• Barn Tours of a few of Westchester's finest stables
• $250 Gift Certificate to Restaurant 121
Custom Pastel Chalk Portrait
• By renowned artist Linda Manion
The evening will continue with the Motown sound of "Total Soul" and have guests dancing the night away.
Tables for 10 people as well as individual tickets for this special evening are available for purchase through the USET Foundation. Gold Medal Tables are available for $15,000, while Silver Medal Tables are priced at $10,000, and Bronze Medal Tables are offered at $5,000. Those who wish to purchase individual tickets can choose either the Individual Gold Ticket for $500 or the Individual Patron Ticket for $350. Don't miss out on a chance to give your best wishes to our show jumping riders as they prepare for the final leg in the selection process for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.
For more information, please contact the USET Foundation by calling (908) 234-1251 or you may visit USET online at www.uset.org to download an invitation and reply card.