The Great Charity Challenge 2015

It is a language that I do not speak, much less understand.  It is full of exotic phrases and words such as,  “oxers,” “snaffle,” “vertical and combination,” and “roll back.”  As I sat in the stands and watched the teams of riders compete in the Great Charity Challenge 2015, I was struck by the beauty and the danger of the sport of jumping.  Immediately, I was drawn into the excitement.

This awe-inspiring event, in its 6th year, is the brainchild of equestrian, philanthropist and businessman Mark Bellissimo. Thirty four teams of three riders each competed against one another for Wellington based charities and a total of $1.5 million dollars is awarded.  Every charity had a team sponsor and a corporate sponsor.  Our Blue Sky Foundation had the great fortune to be sponsored by EAM Equestrian and Sunningdale Farm.  Our riders, Team Ghost Rider was made up of Laura Kraut, Emma Heise and Emily. Moffitt  Dressed in black leather and chains, they attacked the course and placed 14th, winning $25,000 for the foundation.  Somehow, thank you doesn’t seem quite enough.

Despite trying not to say and ask dumb things, I did tell the girls Emily and Emma to please be careful and not get hurt.  I am positive they inwardly rolled their eyes and thought that I was a dork….but I can’t tell you the relief I felt when all three riders and their horses made it safely through.  I am a novice and maybe even a dork!

While I wanted to win and take first place more than anything, how could I root against the Kids Cancer Foundation? Or Paws for Liberty?  Or any of the other charities? And that’s the beauty of this event; everyone goes home a winner.  Flo and I sat on the edges of our seats ( I had Avery in my lap, helping me understand what to look for), as the second to the last team rode for the last charity selected in a wild card drawing, Danny and Ron’s Rescue.  Having already watched the 32 previous teams ride, I had a pretty good idea to what look for time wise. The team that rode for Danny and Ron, Emanuel Andrade, Juan Carlos Maurin and Victoria Karam took to the course like wildfire, flying over the fences and cutting tight, precise turns. When the first rider finished her leg under 30 seconds, then the second rider as well, Flo looked and me and together we said, “They could take first!” When the third rider cleared the last jump and his time flashed across the screen, the stadium erupted.  I’m pretty sure I cheered as loudly and proudly as I have at any baseball game. They were safely in first place with only one more team to ride. The three riders, dressed as red super heroes and Wonder Woman took their victory laps around the ring, hi-fiving one another with huge smiles.  I couldn’t help but wonder how many animals would be helped by Danny and Ron, thanks to their first place finish.

This quote from Anne Caroline Valtin, Executive Director of the Great Charity Challenge sums it all up for me,

My husband Dick and I have been involved in, and with many charities.  We’ve been to countless events and have seen great generosity many times.  Last Saturday night, we saw all that, plus community involvement and an atmosphere of kindness and giving.  Even if we don’t get chosen for next year, we will certainly go back and be a part of an event that is one of a kind.  Thank you to the Bellissimo family, Fidelity Investments, to Anne Caroline Valtin, to all the charities, sponsors, volunteers, riders, the horses and to the families and friends who make it possible.

Dickie and I would like to thank everyone who was a part of this great ride:

The Kelley Family: Jim, Stephanie, Connie, Irene, Gillian and Avery

Ira Peskowitz, Isaac and Elon

Bruce and Eve Sauer

Flo Hessen

Kathy Jones

Anne Monique Tanner Designs

Diana Walker Productions

Scotty’s Sporting Goods

The 2015 Great Charity Challenge results and pictures are below.