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UNION, NJ – Hundreds of people attended a fundraiser last week in Tallahassee, Florida for critically injured Olympic event rider Darren Chiacchia. Well-wishers not only raised funds, but gave much needed support to Darren’s family who flew in from Buffalo, NY for the event that featured a video tribute, silent auction and a musical freestyle performed by Robert Dover on Chiacchia’s Pan American Games team gold medal partner Windfall. In addition to the incredible fundraiser orchestrated by Carol Dover at her WC Dover Farm, more than 400 contributions have been made to the emergency fund designated for Chiacchia at the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF).
“As a community, we are taking care of our own during a time of need,” explains EAF President R. Scot Evans. “The outpouring of donations and well-wishes demonstrates the generosity of the equestrian community and shows the necessity for an organization like the EAF.” All of the donations received by the EAF on Chiacchia’s behalf go directly to him. Evans continues, “The EAF works not only to distribute funds for medical expenses, but also living expenses, which is absolutely critical during a crisis such as this. During a tragic or life changing event, people with passion truly come together and make a difference.”
One of those passionate people, Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, revealed what can be accomplished with energy and enthusiasm for a heartfelt project. In no time at all, Dover devised a fundraiser that included state senators, equestrians from around the country and local business people.
Evans and the EAF team were impressed with the support of the local, non-horsey community. “They wanted to help since this tragedy occurred in their community and they know how important [the Red Hills Horse Trials] is to their community,” he said.
Dover, a longtime friend of Chiacchia’s, has been involved in numerous fundraisers in her career, but felt that this event was incredibly special. “I’m not sure I’ve been involved in any fundraising event that has made more of imprint on my life than this one has,” she recalls. “We had people from as far away as California, hunter/jumper, dressage and even reining folks, that came together for Darren.”
EAF Director of Grant Recipients Janise Gray was humbled by the support. “I’m overwhelmed by the responses and contributions for Darren,” she said. The Pan American Games gold medalist was injured cross-country on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Red Hills Horse Trials. After several weeks in the intensive care unit at a Florida hospital, Chiacchia was moved to a rehabilitation center near his home in Buffalo. Not only has Darren been a tremendous athlete, he has also been a member of the Board of Governors of the Equestrian Aid Foundation for several years and serves on the Ambassador Committee. His great energy and ideas have been of tremendous value to the EAF and equestrian sports in general.
Six-time Olympian and EAF Chairman Emeritus Robert Dover says, “Darren is battling valiantly with the amazing support of his family and all who love him. While we hope the worst is over, this fight has just begun! Darren and his family have a very long road ahead of them that will surely see many ups and downs. Through this fundraiser and the donations at the EAF, we can all show our love and support by reducing one of the greatest points of stress they are encountering—the huge financial burden. Our equestrian community is full of generous, wonderful people. With this knowledge and Darren’s spirit, anything is possible.”
You can make donations to Darren on a secure link on the EAF website, www.equestrianaidfoundation.org, or send checks and well wishes to EQUESTRIAN AID FOUNDATION, c/o Janise Gray, 228 Phillips Terrace, Union, NJ 07083. Please indicate Darren's name in the memo section of your check. The EAF will forward all well wishes to Darren and his family. In addition to making donations for Darren, you can join the Ride for Hope through a variety of membership options. This is a simple way to help provide assistance to other equestrians in need as well as to support the mission of the organization.
The EAF will post updates online as they become available. You may also go to Darren's website, www.eventrider.com and to the United States Eventing Association's website at www.useventing.com for updates.
Thank you for you support. Please keep Darren and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
About the Equestrian Aid Foundation
The Equestrian Aid Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to build a membership-based organization to assist everyone in the equestrian world suffering from life threatening illness, catastrophic accidents or injuries by providing direct financial support for their medical or other basic needs.
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WELLINGTON, FL – February 26, 2008
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NEW YORK, NY – December 13, 2007
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BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY – August 28, 2007 – The Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) is thrilled to announce the official EAF membership drive launch party, held on Tuesday, August 28th, 2007 at the Bridgehampton Community House. The EAF was pleased to invite all of its friends in the equestrian community to come out and support the event and encourage everyone there to join the Ride for Hope. The Hampton Classic is where it all began with the first EAF fundraising event and so it only seems fitting it is where we start our newest journey along the Ride for Hope.
The event was hosted by Meadowview Farms and Manhattan Mortgage. EAF board members, Robert Dover, Robert Ross, Jenny Dunion, Scott Stewart, Kim Tudor, Ken Berkley, Brianne Goutal, Melissa Cohn, Scott Stewart, Charlie Weaver, and Karin Offield were at the event in support of the new membership drive. World famous DJ David Chang was spinning beats on the turntable and the unmistakable delicacies of chef Janet O’Brien were served throughout the evening.
For over ten years, the EAF has been offering financial support to equestrians in need and will continue to do so with the support of our new membership program. Several levels of membership are offered, starting at as little as $25.00 a year for our Young Riders. Proceeds go to the EAF, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that financially assists members of the equestrian industry who are suffering from life threatening illnesses or catastrophic industries. For more information on the membership options, please visit www.equestrianaidfoundation.org.
EAF’s newly elected president, R. Scot Evans said, “As the EAF has branched out and broadened its’ mission to help equestrians from all disciplines in their time of need, I look forward to having all of us join together in celebrating the launch of our membership drive.”
Thank you for joining the EAF in celebrating the launch of its latest endeavor to help our brothers and sisters in need. The Bridgehampton Community House is located at 332 Montauk Hwy, Wainscott, NY (located in the heart of Bridgehampton). The party was held from 6PM to 10PM.
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LAS VEGAS, NV – April 30, 2007 – The Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) is thrilled to report the success of its latest fundraiser, Horse Shows by the Bay and the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s Gembilee - held on Sunday, July 22nd in Traverse City, Michigan. Thanks to the generosity of the event’s sponsors, Tom Wright of Uphill Farm Investments, the Ziegler Family of Artisan Farms, Horse Shows by the Bay and Trattoria Stella, and its participants, over $25,000 was raised to help equestrians in need.
The Gembilee featured a raffle for the official Equestrian Aid Foundation Gem Car, won by Laurie Gorton and her mother, who are clients of Lousie Serio. A diamond drop contest was won by Ann Thornbury of Goshen, Ohio. The diamond was donated by John Lydick & EverAfter Diamonds who sponsored the diamond. And a live auction - the highlight of the evening - featured training sessions from hunter rider, Louise Serio, trainer, Andre Dignelli, jumper rider, Kent Farrington and dressage gold medalist Robert Dover.
Trattoria Stella, in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, is the neighborhood restaurant and bar who graciously hosted the event. With strong roots in fine traditional food, wine and service. The team of professionals that has come together over this restaurant is committed to delivering you a unique experience on every visit, no matter how many times we see you. More importantly, while each experience will be unique, you will always feel at home.
Proceeds go to the EAF, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that financially assists members of the equestrian industry who are suffering from life threatening illnesses or catastrophic industries. For more information on the biggest part of the year or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.equestrianaidfoundation.org.
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TRAVERSE CITY, MI – July 24, 2007 – Ready to rock after Rolex FEI World Cup™ competition wrapped up at the Thomas & Mack Arena on Friday night, April 20, dressage and show jumping exhibitors, trainers, owners, and aficionados thronged to the Divas Las Vegas party presented by the Equestrian Aid Foundation. Held in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on the famous Las Vegas Strip in Nevada, the cavernous South Seas ballroom opened its doors at 9:30 pm and hosted partiers until nearly 2:00 am. More than 1,500 guests attended.
The Equestrian Aid Foundation’s (EAF) executive board members spearheaded by R. Scot Evans, conceived the “Divas” party theme and organized the event. EAF’s past president, Robert Dover, proclaimed Divas Las Vegas to be the biggest benefit concert the organization has ever produced.
The Divas Las Vegas party was well sponsored, reported EAF President Scot Evans, which allows donations from the guests for tickets, tables, and the silent auction to fully benefit the organization. The EAF assists equestrians suffering from life threatening illness, catastrophic accidents, or injuries by providing direct financial support for their medical or other basic needs.
Guests at Divas Las Vegas took the ‘diva’ theme to heart and dressed in glitzy glamour ranging from full-length ballgowns to barely-there minis! Setting the stage for the stylish party, a red carpet complete with velvet ropes provided an appropriate entrance for the equestrian ‘stars’ as they paraded their finery and posed for flashbulb-popping photographers. A Tina Turner look-a-like kept them rollin’ on in to the ballroom-turned-nightclub.
Once inside, more diva-look-alikes (including Marilyn Monroe!) decked out in wigs, showgirl make-up, and fancy gowns, escorted guests to their VIP tables or offered smiles and welcoming greetings as attendees strolled the huge venue. Very subtly lit, the darkened environs revealed roped off VIP sections with white tablecloths, lounge areas with over-stuffed chairs and cocktail tables, a section of highboys and stools, and a vast dance floor with a huge stage for the live entertainment. Rabar Productions of Nashville, Tennessee, provided the art direction and event design for Divas Las Vegas.
A wonderful silent auction attracted serious attention and high bidding for the featured collectors’ items of signed and framed memorabilia from famous people including the Rolling Stones, cast members from TV’s “Friends,” John Lennon of the Beatles, General Patton, Elvis Presley, and Mohammed Ali. In addition to the memorabilia, guests bid on an original framed photo donated by Kelly Klein, an exclusive package from Badgley Mischka and a pair of welded equine sculptures designed by Marsia Holzer.
Guests were treated to a variety of amenities, depending on their level of ticket or table purchase. Amenities for individual VIP ticket holders included access to the VIP Lounge, Open Bar, and a light dinner. More exclusive table seating with amenities was provided for the sponsors who contributed to the Equestrian Aid Foundation at the various levels of Title, Presenting, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal. General Admission tickets were also available, which provided access to the party and the dance floor.
Kicking off the night on the dance floor, guests enjoyed the music mixes of a fabulous disc jockey and then rocked on to live music from The Band Clockwork, an extraordinary house band from the prestigious Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Highlighting the night were the title stars of the evening – the Divas Las Vegas – Deborah Cox, Taylor Dayne, Jennifer Holliday, and Martha Wash who packed the dance floor until the wee hours with their incredible singing and performances.
Keith Resnick, president of the Lili Claire Foundation assisted in producing the event. In lieu of paying production fees, the EAF was able to donate the money directly to the Lili Claire Foundation.
This was a night to remember for all guests and a milestone for the Equestrian Aid Foundation.
Divas Las Vegas Sponsors:
Zada Enterprises, L.L.C generously sponsored the entertainment.
Presenting Sponsors included Meadow View Farms, Everglades Farm, Offield Farms, and Rivers Edge.
Additional sponsor support was provided by: The Heidegger Family/Show Circuit magazine; The Lili Claire Foundation; Marsia Holzer; Badgley/Mischka; www.petalcandles.com; Essex Classics; Foxy Meadow Farm; Ste. Michel Winery; Lou Jacobs & Deeridge Farm; John Howard GM Auto; County Saddlery; GP Productions; Rabar Productions; Valley Horse News; The Horrigan Family; Jane Babcock; Rivers Edge; and Offield Farms.
Also providing sponsorship support for Divas Las Vegas were: Ashley Holzer; Diederick Wigmans, Gigi Stetler, Jane F. Clark, Lauren Hough, Jane Springer, Lance Walter, Nick Byassee, Otho Kerr and Trey Wilson, Nan Sexton, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, The Chronicle of the Horse, El Campeon Farms, Hampton Green Farm, Glendale Flowermart, and The Kessler Family.
This event would not have been possible without the help of the vast array of volunteers who pitched in on the day of the event. The EAF is truly grateful.
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The EAF Young Riders Committee - spearheaded by accomplished junior rider - Brianne Goutal hosted its first annual fundraiser to benefit equestrians in need. The event, hosted by Glen Senk of Anthropologie and Le Colonial Restaurant was a great success. Equestrians from the tri-state area and the far reaches of Wellington came to show their support. The Goutals, Holzers and the Raposa families were all in attendance to celebrate the Young Riders holiday event.
We couldn't ask for a better location than the Anthropologie Rockefeller Plaza location, located just outside the world famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. The holiday spirit filled the air and the discounts were deep at the Anthropologie store, offering party guests 20% off their purchases.
The night was a great success, raising $13,000 at the door alone.
Many thanks to all of those who came out and supported our cause; especially, Glen Senk, the EAF Board of Directors and the Goutal Family.
Glen Senk, president of Anthropologie and accomplished Amateur rider trained by Rivers Edge, has agreed to a storewide 20% discount to all party guests! All proceeds raised at the door will go directly to benefit the EAF as well as a portion of the retail sales.
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Bruce Duchossois hosted a benefit cocktail event at Blowing Rock this summer. Bruce has alsways been a great supporter of the EAF and we are grateful for his work in helping our recipients.
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On July 29, 2006 the first annual Fiesta for Hope took place at Horse Shows by the Bay, Traverse City, Michigan which was hosted and sponsored by Kim Boyer, Hampton Green Farm, and Dean and Alex Rheinheimer of Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc. Party goers were treated to an authentic Spanish Paella and Sangria created and prepared by Galipette Restaurant (Wellington, FL) Owner Chef Frederic while watching a musical dressage demonstration and the Junior-Amateur Owner Show Jumping Prix from the Hospitality Tent. The benefit generated over $15,000 in donations to EAF. Six time dressage Olympian Robert Dover flew into Traverse City for the day and was on site to introduce Pati Pierucci's musical ride and EAF's mission to the general audience.
A big thank you goes out to all of the silent and live auction donors: Carole Grant, Deb Van Leen, EverAfter Diamonds, Ariat International, Inc., Susan Gohl, Peter Moss, Katie Whaley, Romance Farm, Ann. K. Hubbard's Tack Shop, R. Scot Evans, Heidi Birath, English Riding Supply, Ashley Holzer, River's Edge Farm, Schreiber Corporation, Positive Step Farm, The Tack Box, The Pink Turtle, Sporthorse Saddlery, Hampton Green Farm, and Horse Sports by the Bay, Inc.
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Pati Pierucci & Hampton Green Farm's PRE Andalusian Stallion Cosaco riding to music
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EAF President Robert Dover with
Kim Boyer
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Carol Grant
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On March 5th, the annual WEF "White Party" was held to commence the circuit. The party was relocated from Resort, to Galipette, the new restaurant located in the Equestrian Club (next to the horse show on Pierson Road). This beautiful restaurant was transformed it into a night club, equipped with a bar, dance room, out door area and v.i.p section. There was a great D.J. on hand that help us dance into the night.
A portion of the proceeds were donated to the "Ride for Hope, the Equestrian Aid Foundation." Together with Bertrand de Soultrait, the creative force behind the White Touch Party, we celebrated the conclusion of the 2006 winter season in style and were able to help our cause.
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Georgina Bloomberg, Bertrand de Soultrait and Jenny Dunion
© Harry J. Wednt
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Scott Fitten and R. Bruce
Duchossois
© Harry J. Wednt
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Daniel Torano, Mclain Ward and Jimmy Tornao
© Harry J. Wednt
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