Maureen Pata Suri West

What is your position, and what does that job entail?

I am the banquet manager and owner. As far as for weddings, that entails making sure the event goes as planned. I oversee all of them. I not only book the weddings, I also work them — making sure that everything the couple wanted and requested happens. I’m not a coordinator, I am the manager.

 

What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

I love my job. I love to see wedding plans come to life. I love to see the start of the couple’s journey. I feel like I’m a part of their beginning.

 

What makes your venue unique as a wedding location?

The setting. I think our location is beautiful, from the property to our brand-new wedding gazebo that we built. We used to have a small trellis, and it wasn’t sufficient. We wanted to give our guests who are getting married something beautiful. The gazebo is a replica of the gazebo that I got married in at Disney, 23 years ago. It is really, really special for me, especially that our gazebo is exactly like the one I got married in. We are right beside the polo fields, and we have beautiful bougainvilleas surrounding the property. I’ve actually had couples tell me it looks a little like Italy. The property itself is surrounded by flowers. Our patio, where cocktail hours often take place, was voted the best patio space in Wellington. Because we have separate locations to utilize, for instance, the patio bar, the upstairs ballroom, the brides come down the stairs from the bridal suite — there are so many different elements to it that make it different than typical banquet facilities. Our guests have the option of getting married on site at the gazebo and then heading upstairs to the ballroom. I think that convenience sets us apart. While they’re in the bridal suite getting ready, they can see their guests arriving through the windows.

 

How do you work with couples to

customize their celebrations?

I sit down and find out what their goals are, what they envision their wedding to be, and I try to make that a reality for them. We talk about budget, alternatives and things we can do together to make sure that their perfect dream wedding comes to life. I help them achieve that.

 

What are some current wedding

trends that you have noticed?

I’m seeing many more grooms more involved in the planning process. I find that refreshing, to actually have grooms who want to be involved, who want to have their take on it, to have their own ideas in the mix. I love that. I think it should be exactly what the groom and the bride both dream of. Also, as far as the reception, I’ve been seeing many weddings getting away from the traditional seating charts with a lot of open seating weddings taking place recently.

 

Why should couples choose your

venue for their wedding?

A: The location.

B: Our food.

Yes, we offer traditional banquet food, but we also offer our tapas. We try to incorporate that into the banquets. That sets us apart and gives you something a little bit out of the ordinary. Our food is fabulous. And last, because I oversee the events, I make sure that everything goes according to plan. That’s my job. I think location, food, ambiance and me, are the reasons couples should choose Suri West for their wedding.

 

Suri West is located at 13410 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-0080 or visit www.surirestaurant.com.

Cheryl Gaydas-Eng International Polo Club Palm Beach

What is your title, and what does that position entail?

I am the creative director. On an event level, that means that I am responsible for the design, look and feel of the event, including the florals. I try to customize the look of each event to reflect the customers’ vision and dreams, and bring that to life while keeping a cohesiveness throughout. On a broader level, I am involved with the redecorating and redesign of many of our public spaces at our venues, including our receptions hall and ballroom, including the one featured here. We gave it a bit of a face lift last year with new classic wall paneling, cream-colored grass cloth walls and 10 new beautiful three-tier transitional chandeliers, which can be dressed up or down according to the event.

 

Speaking of the International Polo Club Pavilion,

how would you describe this venue?

This is a relatively new venue for us since its purchase over a year ago. We are all very excited about this unique venue, because there are so many possibilities from ceremony to reception with the vast, beautiful polo fields and adjacent pond. What separates IPC, in my opinion, from other venues is that it is so iconically linked to polo and the “equestrian lifestyle.” Even if you are not a horse person, the beautiful grounds and authenticity encapsulate you. I believe it adds another dimension to your event as a result. One might say it is #veryT&C (Town & Country).

 

What are your favorite trends?

Yves Saint Laurent said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” I am very much of this school. However, in saying that, I like to keep events fresh, current and chic. I try to encourage wedding clients to incorporate maybe only one or two of the current trends, while keeping the other elements timeless. Other events, such as corporate, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, etc., have the opportunity to be a little more trendy, in my opinion.

 

What are the up-and-coming color trends?

Metallics are a big trend this coming year. They are the new neutrals, and we know how much everyone loves neutrals! However, in addition, we are seeing much bolder color statements and complementary colors as well. We started seeing part of this trend in home furnishings over the last year, with the RH dark jewel toned velvet sofas, charcoal-colored wall paint and a pop of gold. This is now trickling down into the event market as well.

 

How do your corporate events compare to weddings?

As I touched on earlier, I think there can sometimes be a bit more freedom with corporate events. Some corporate events we do are themed, and those are always very fun to do, while others can be very strict, only using corporate colors so the look is consistent from year to year. On many levels, however, they are much the same. Each company, like each bride and groom, are unique, and we are here to make their event specially designed to fit their wishes. Whether their style is contemporary or traditional, we seem to do a mix of all, and I love all of the variety. It is important to me that each event has a uniqueness of its own.

 

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.   

 

PATRICIA MIELE International Polo Club Palm Beach

What is your title?

I am the director of catering for the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The facility aims to make any event extraordinary, for any occasion, size or theme. A full bridal package is offered, and our expert staff ensures a successful and stress-free event.

 

What is your most favorite part of working

at the International Polo Club?

I love working at IPC and putting together so many different events, including weddings, and creating new ways to make them exciting, fun and memorable! I enjoy working with all of our offerings, including an extensive menu that includes exceptional desserts, a customized bar service, as well as stunning florals to create an enchanting ambiance. Our talented teams of artists design original events within a budget and timeline that work for our clients.

 

Why is the International Polo Club unique?

The club offers a very unique setting between polo matches being played in the background, to the beautiful lush landscaped grounds, or brides being brought to the venue in horse and carriage. IPC is a truly picturesque wedding venue.

 

What are the most popular menu hits?

Chef William Sellner Jr. is extremely creative and very talented. He creates food that is both flavorful and visually beautiful. Our most popular menu item is our Duo of Stuffed Chicken Breast and Walnut Crusted Halibut. Chef William’s Antipasto Display is a hit as well. On this display, we offer the traditional Italian meats and imported cheeses, but he also mixes in fresh grilled vegetables, which adds a lot of flavor and colors to the plate.

 

What are some of the current food trends?

A top food trend is really just keeping it clean and healthy. We offer custom menus for all palates. Some trends are Casual Meals, Farm to Table, Nostalgia Foods and Dessert Tables. A fancy plated meal is typical for a wedding reception, but 2018 is all about creating a more laid-back atmosphere. After all, shouldn’t the “best day of your life” be all about having the time of your life? Relax the rules with passed plates, small bites or even serving up a meal family-style. Local, organic products are the buzz as well, so we plan to see more of that farm-to-table philosophy extend to wedding menus, and we are ready and excited for this trend!

 

How do you customize events to differ

from weddings versus corporate events?

Clients trust us for our meticulous planning, management and execution of successful special events. Events, regardless of the size, require experienced hands for both the creative and practical details. Creating a seamless and memorable event that aligns with your goals and reflects your organization’s personality is what we do.

 

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.   

 

3  YEARS Cancer-Free: Three Ways Your Life Changes

For breast cancer survivor Jennifer Martinez, the more life changes, the more it remains the same.

Three years ago, Martinez finished her chemotherapy treatments, which followed surgery, to rid her body of breast cancer. What has remained the same since her recovery is that she still leads a successful Wellington public relations firm; she is still wife to Gil Martinez, who works with State Farm; and she is still mother to their two daughters.

She still exercises, travels with her family, laughs with her mother, Bobbi, and remembers her father, Mitch, who died of cancer due to a late diagnosis. Life is still good.

But how life has changed since being told she was “cancer free” is another matter — one that many cancer survivors live with every day. Consider it a “new normal.” Not better, not worse — just new — in three meaningful ways.

Becoming Part of Hope.

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32, I decided to have surgery immediately, which was over the holidays, so no one would be suspicious if I was not around as much. I didn’t want to worry my clients or my friends about my health or my ability to accomplish my work,” Martinez recalled. “Plus, I didn’t want anyone’s pity. But once I had entered chemotherapy, I had an opportunity to work with breast cancer awareness organizations that were raising money to educate and support others. It was time to share my story, and in doing so, I became a somewhat reluctant symbol for hope. I’ve gotten more comfortable with that role, as I see how important it is to share my experience, particularly with other young patients and survivors.”

Martinez’s firm, JLM Communications, now works with Susan G. Komen South Florida, promoting its annual Race for the Cure and programs to support women and men affected by breast cancer. A Warrior in Pink, she understands the mission, the impact and the significance of the nonprofit organization.

“Komen has touched just about every advance in the fight against all cancers,” Martinez said. “When I had the chance to play a role in this, I had to do it. To know that what we are doing is saving lives is not something I take lightly.”

Maintaining Constant Vigilance.

Being “cancer free” doesn’t mean being without worry. For Martinez, every ache, pain or errant symptom takes her right back to her cancer diagnosis and the possibility of its return. For her, there is no such thing as a minor ailment. “You’re constantly aware of your health, and you learn to manage the fear that the cancer could and might come back,” she said.

Recognizing Her Family Has Changed, Too.

For her husband Gil, mother Bobbi and her daughters, life after cancer is different, as well. A close family, they do not miss opportunities to travel. Vacations are required, and relaxation is essential.

“We don’t dwell on the fact that Jen had cancer or that we lost her dad to cancer,” Gil said. “But we don’t take for granted that she’s healthy and she’s with us. Cancer made us grow up fast and, fortunately, it brought us even closer. Nothing has changed, and honestly, that’s what makes it all so special. We are normal, even after cancer.”

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and is the perfect time to schedule your mammogram and remind your loved ones to do the same. Early detection is the key to survival.

 

To support breast health education, treatment and research during October, or to participate in the upcoming Race for the Cure, set for Jan. 27, 2018, visit Komen South Florida at www.komensouthflorida.org.

Our Wellington: There’s Always Something Amazing To Do In Wellington

Check It Out: Unique Entertainment And Cultural Options In Wellington

Are you bored with the same old thing? We went searching for unique entertainment and cultural options right here in our community. You can see a movie in the lap of luxury, take in an amazing tribute concert, check out an impressive public art gallery, visit a very moving memorial and experience the world’s most advanced riding simulators. How many of these hidden gems have you explored?

Experience The Equine Simulator

Experience horseback riding in a new way at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center with the amazing Equine Simulators. PBIEC offers jumper, cross country, dressage and polo sessions to both competitive and beginner equestrians who are interested in improving their riding skills.

The Equine Simulator is a mechanical device that imitates natural equine movement and physical responses to mounted riders.

The simulators serve as a one-of-a-kind opportunity for equestrian enthusiasts to fine-tune their skills, as well as provide a platform for individuals who have never ridden a horse to begin their riding careers in a safe and controlled environment.

Three interactive screens surround the simulator, creating an immersive atmosphere for individuals. A certified instructor is always on hand to perfect seat position, leg stability and connection to the bit.

World-class trainer Barbro Ask-Upmark teaches show jumping, cross country and dressage sessions for all ages and rider levels. Ask-Upmark is an accomplished dressage rider earning her USDF gold, silver and bronze medals in the United States, following her successful career as a top dressage trainer in Sweden. Ask-Upmark became involved with coaching and training on simulators in 2006.

A second simulator offers practice for polo players. This device allows them to work on their position and their swing with the moving treadmills located on either side of the horse. To practice hand-eye coordination, as well as near-side and off-side shots, both experienced players or first-time riders are encouraged to sign up for a session with polo instructor Gates Gridley.

The Equine Simulators are available for lessons at PBIEC. For more information about the simulators, or to book your first session, visit www.pbiec.coth.com or call (561) 793-JUMP.

See A Movie At The New Paragon Theaters

Years in the planning, Paragon Theaters opening earlier this year at the Mall at Wellington Green, offering guests the latest movie entertainment options in the lap of state-of-the-art luxury.

“We love the Wellington area, our home office is located in Florida, and the mall was a perfect location for our newest Paragon Theaters,” Paragon’s Niki Wilson said.

In Wellington, Paragon has 10 auditoriums of varying sizes — all with its signature reclining seats. Tickets are available online, at an automated kiosk or through guest services. The smallest auditorium features 47 recliners, while the largest has 176.

While you’re enjoying the big screen in the same comfort as your living room at home, don’t forget the snacks. The concession stand has popcorn, candy, soda and all the typical stuff, but guests can also enjoy beer and wine — and even a full gourmet meal.

Cask + Shaker Craft Bar and Kitchen, the adjacent Paragon-owned restaurant, serves up amazing creations from a diverse menu. You can dine there, or have your meal served in the theater on your recliner’s tray table. Yes! Chef-prepared appetizers, meals and serious cocktails for mom and dad, paired with popcorn and soda for the kids. Everybody’s happy!

Even if you don’t have time for a movie, Cask + Shaker is open to help you relax while you visit the mall. The restaurant offers a happy hour every Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. with amazing drink and appetizer specials.

“Look for more promotions for both the restaurant and the theater, coming soon,” Wilson said.

For more information, including a treasure trove of special movie features and pricing, including how to get group rates, visit www.paragontheaters.com/promotions.

 

Take In A Tribute Concert At The Amphitheater

Live concerts by tribute bands — not the real deal, but pretty darn close — have been steadily gaining in popularity. Entertainers performing hits from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s can command audiences of up to 3,000, and tribute band musical shows are among the most popular events held at the Wellington Amphitheater.

Interest spans the age groups, with older residents looking to reclaim a bit of their youth, and a rock-loving younger generation wanting to learn firsthand what all the fuss is about. “The younger kids maybe heard these groups on the radio and want to hear what the music sounds like live,” Wellington Cultural Programs & Facilities Manager Joe Piconcelli said.

Concerts are held several times a month on Saturdays, and admission is always free. In case of inclement weather, concerts may be rescheduled.

Slated to appear between September and December are the sounds of Motown, the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Val Halen, Aerosmith, Eric Clapton and Fleetwood Mac. In December, there’s a holiday show with a Neil Diamond tribute band, as well as the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s Winterfest, featuring Vanilla Ice (the real one). Negotiations are underway to bring in the sounds of the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, the Bee Gees, Prince and Michael Jackson during the 2018 winter season.

On Thursday nights, food trucks and local bands still working toward tribute band status inhabit the space and, on Friday nights, there are movie nights — and that doesn’t include the many festivals and special events that also visit the amphitheater.

Concert-goers are welcome to bring blankets or chairs and, for the little ones, it’s nice to know that bathrooms and Scott’s Place playground are nearby.

For more information about events at the Wellington Amphitheater, contact Piconcelli at (561) 791-4756 or jpiconcelli@wellington fl.gov. Find the complete schedule online at www.wellingtonfl.gov.

Visit The Wellington Patriot Memorial

A more somber place for quiet reflecting is the incredibly moving Wellington Patriot Memorial, located along Forest Hill Blvd. in front of the Wellington Municipal Complex.

Following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks that downed the World Trade Center towers in New York, hundreds of pieces of steel were used as evidence during the investigation and eventually offered for public display. In 2009, communities around the world sent letters requesting pieces of the World Trade Center, and Wellington was selected to receive one.

Wellington staff members traveled to New York and selected the piece they felt best suited Wellington’s planned memorial. The beam was solemnly transported here, where the memorial site, complete with an eternal flame and reflecting pond, was being readied.

“This piece was recovered from the South Tower, just below where the plane attack took place,” Wellington’s Nicole Coates said. “In addition to a plaque with the history of the piece of steel, there is also a plaque with the names etched in glass of all the victims who lost their lives that day.”

The Wellington Patriot Memorial was dedicated on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It sits in a place of honor at the gateway to the village complex.

“That location is such a good fit for our public display. There are also unrealized benefits that cannot be quantified,” Coates explained. “There are all sorts of uses of that memorial that you wouldn’t think of. There has been a funeral there; one of the keynote speakers from the dedication wanted to have his eulogy read there — and it was.”

Individuals and groups come for miles around to visit this unique Wellington treasure.

“Tens of thousands of people visit each year, especially considering that we have a lot of activity around that site,” Coates said. “We are grateful to have this unique artifact, a part of American history, and we invite everyone to come out and take a look.”

The Wellington Patriot Memorial can be found at 12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

 

Check Out The Wellington Art Society Gallery

Craving a cultural fix? The Wellington Art Society hosts a year-round art installation at the Wellington Municipal Complex, where the works of its members span two floors in a rotating show.

“The dedicated gallery encompasses all the perimeter walls on both the first and second floors, with an atrium area in the center,” Wellington Art Society Board Member Leslie Pfeiffer said. “It accommodates 40 to 60 pieces of artwork and has professional natural spectrum track lighting, as well as the natural daylight from the windows. There’s enough space to accommodate smaller as well as larger pieces, including sculpture.”

Every four months, a committee chooses a theme for each installation, juries the entries, gets a Wellington Village Council member’s approval on the choices, then places each piece in the gallery for Wellington staff to install.

The gallery is open whenever the building is open, and each show features a reception during which the public can meet the artists.

“The Wellington Art Society is open to local and regional artists of all mediums, patrons of the arts and snowbirds,” Pfeiffer said. “We feature professional and emerging artists, as well as nationally acclaimed artists. Mediums include drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture and ceramics. To keep it interesting, each show is a combination of mediums and techniques.”

The location is well-suited to offer an “art break” to those visiting the village’s nearby facilities. In addition to receptions and self-guided tours, the Wellington Art Society has scheduled private tours for scout troops, women’s groups and art groups from other areas.

The artwork on display is for sale, with 20 percent of the purchase price going toward the Wellington Art Society’s Scholarship Fund. Over the last decade, $75,000 in college scholarships has been distributed among 50 talented students for advanced art studies. “It’s our legacy, and we’re very proud of that,” Pfeiffer said.

The Wellington Art Society meets monthly and also hosts exhibits at other locations around the community. On the horizon is the annual ArtFest on the Green juried show slated for Jan. 27-28, 2018 at the Wellington Amphitheater.

For additional information, visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

Back To Basics Wellington-Based
Nonprofit Helps Children In Need

Back to Basics, a Wellington-based charitable organization, has easily helped more than 500,000 children in need in Palm Beach and Martin counties over the course of three decades.

Founded by Wellington resident Beverly Perham, Back to Basics is now in its 34th year.

Adamant in keeping her promises, Perham and her team help as many children as possible, be it through providing school uniforms in August or providing holiday gifts in December. Through its Christmas season Angel Program, each child receives new sneakers, socks, underwear and a toy.

Back to Basics recently provided school uniforms to students in 47 schools, as well as the Guatemalan-Maya Center in Lake Worth. They delivered 12,000 school uniforms in Palm Beach County — up 2,000 from the 2016-17 school year.

However, the numbers, and the need, continue to grow.

“We took on a few more schools, and then a few more of the schools,” Perham said. “We really need to increase how much we give, because they’re so desperate. However, I can’t commit to more than I think we can handle.”

This holiday season, she has 7,015 children on the list provided to the organization through schools — up from 5,800 last year. Students at 51 schools will be served during the upcoming holiday season.

“It’s sad that we have that many, and we could do more, but you can only do what you have funding for,” Perham said. “Right now, we’re going to be in desperate straits for Christmas.”

Businesses, organizations and groups will come to Perham and ask for a list of children to “adopt” for the holiday season. Back to Basics provides a first name only, the school and what size items the child needs. Then, the participating organizations purchase the clothing and gifts, bringing them to a drop-off location.

“They have to just call me, and we’ll make arrangements,” Perham said.

If there are children who haven’t been adopted, grants and cash donations help Back to Basics provide the much-needed items for those children.

Perham takes as many names from the schools as possible — and will make sure those children receive their gifts. However, as more children are in need, it is getting more difficult to keep up with the demand.

Individuals are also able to receive names and information to help children in need. In fact, a core group of individual donors are one of the driving forces behind the organization.

Back to Basics is tax-exempt, and any gift is tax-deductible, Perham added.

Purchasing for Back to Basics is kept local, she noted, and each year, she estimates that $500,000 is poured into the local economy as individuals and businesses purchase items to help local children in need.

“It makes me feel good that it’s done in the community,” Perham said. “The best part is that it’s done anonymously and nobody gets highlighted. We don’t get praised for our work. We do it because we have a love for the community and we want the community to survive, and the only way the community survives is if you take care of the children. If the kids go to school and learn, that’s the satisfaction involved. That’s what the purpose is, to keep the kids in school so they do learn, so they will be able to support themselves when they’re adults.”

The gifts are done anonymously, so the children and their families are protected and their privacy respected.

“It’s sad that kids don’t have underwear to wear to school, but it’s a fact,” Perham said. “It’s reality that it happens.”

Over the years, the need has consistently continued to grow, and like she has done every year, Perham has put out the call for supporters and volunteers to help out this holiday season.

Back to Basics is always accepting donations and has many volunteer opportunities available. For more information, call Perham at (561) 319-4277, e-mail info@backtobasicsinc.org or visit www.backtobasicsinc.org.

Great Charity Challenge Leads The  Way In Equestrian Philanthropy

Wellington’s equestrian community has long been a leader in local philanthropy, and that tendency toward charitable giving has been magnified over the past nine years thanks to the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, held each February at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

The Great Charity Challenge is a special event where equestrians — amateurs, juniors and professionals — are paired with local charities for a high-energy show jumping competition. The charities receive donations based upon how their team ranks, with each receiving a sizable minimum donation.

The competition is the brainchild of co-founders Mark Bellissimo and his daughter, Paige. The event runs like clockwork thanks to the hard work of Executive Director Anne Caroline Valtin.

Valtin first experienced the Great Charity Challenge, or GCC for short, during its first year and knew she had to become involved. “I instantly fell in love with the concept,” she said. “I’m a true humanitarian at heart and passionate about equestrian sports. The event was a fairytale come true.”

The evening allows passionate equestrians to foster change in the community. A lottery picks each year’s participating charities, and Mark Bellissimo’s company Equestrian Sport Productions covers all of the costs associated with the event, which allows all of the money raised to go directly back into the community.

Currently, the GCC aims to distribute $1.5 million each year to dozens of Palm Beach County nonprofits. In 2017, the event surpassed the $10 million mark in total giving. Sponsors, and volunteers, are integral to the success of the event.

“We are extremely lucky and grateful to have long-time sponsors by our side. They believe in making Palm Beach County a better place, and are eager to support the event and the many wonderful causes represented every year,” Valtin said. “I believe that the way the GCC is set up makes it easier for individuals, families and businesses to give back. It can be very challenging to pick just one organization to help while not being sure which one is best.”

The competition wouldn’t be possible without the horses and riders that fly through the relay course. Amateur and junior riders are teamed up with world-class riders to form the three-person teams.

For the amateur and junior riders, the opportunity to ride on a team with some of the world’s best equestrians, learning from them, is an experience to remember.

“Just like in every other sport, these Olympic riders are role models. We admire them for their dedication to the sport and their talent in the ring,” Valtin said. “Getting the opportunity to share the ring with them is something you dream of. You could compare it to boys getting the opportunity to play with their favorite football player.”

For those top professionals, riding for a charity event — risking themselves and their horses — shows their amazing character, Valtin said, noting that they take the competition seriously.

“One of my favorite memories of the event was during the fifth edition where 10-time Olympian Ian Millar captained the winning team with riders Kelly Soleau and Emily Kinch,” Valtin said.

During a press interview, she recalled that he said, “It was a great pleasure to do it, and when we finished our round, I can’t tell you the pleasure I had. It is a very enjoyable and rewarding class just because of the situation. I mean, winning a grand prix is great, but this is different. This is special.”

Competing at the GCC allows the elite riders, as well as up-and-coming riders, to make a difference in the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals, Valtin said, stressing that the event is unlike other equestrian competitions.

“It’s a unifying competition where everyone genuinely puts their interests aside and focuses on giving a leg up to others,” she said.

After the event each year, Valtin takes the time to share on the GCC web site and social media how the competition impacts the many organizations involved. This lets sponsors and the community know where the money is going. She has also had the opportunity to visit many of the organizations helped by the Great Charity Challenge.

“The impact can be as simple as updating all of the windows in a homeless shelter, purchasing a new fridge/freezer for a food pantry, being able to assist an extra 100 students with tutoring, or even laying the foundation for a foster home,” Valtin said.

In addition to helping many local nonprofits, the GCC created a permanent partnership with the 12 public schools in Wellington. The schools are the only group that automatically participates in the GCC each year.

“We were surprised to realize that schools depend immensely on donations and external funding to cover basics, such as providing after-school tutoring, running special programs or even purchasing new lunchroom tables,” Valtin said. “Creating a partnership with them was a natural fit. The Winter Equestrian Festival is their backyard, and we wanted them to gain access to it.”

Each school is also invited during the winter season to showcase their talents and perform the national anthem for the crowd during grand prix competition evenings.

“It is remarkable to meet so many wonderful and gifted students, along with the dedicated staff and parents,” Valtin said. “We will be once again inviting them out for a chalk art contest, on the night of the GCC, where each school will be given the opportunity to share what it means to them to give back. All schools are guaranteed a minimum of $1,000 for participating and will receive up to $2,500, based on a judging panel’s final results.”

Equestrian Sport Productions promotes the Great Charity Challenge and offers free general admission during the Winter Equestrian Festival. During the GCC, there is free admission and parking.

“The event is a community celebration,” Valtin said. “We want to make sure that everyone and anyone who wishes to come can be there to witness the generosity of the sponsors, passion of the riders and the dedication of so many local nonprofit organizations.  We believe that the world needs more feel-good stories — and the GCC is definitely one of them.”

Next year’s Great Charity Challenge will take place Saturday, Feb. 10. The theme will be “Hollywood Feature Films: A Night Where Everyone is a Star.” Previous themes have ranged from superheroes to animated characters.

“Riders have showcased amazing costumes in the last few years,” Valtin said. “We look forward to seeing what they come up with for the 2018 edition. We invite everyone to join us ‘red carpet ready.’ Gates will open at 6 p.m., with competition set for 6:30 p.m.”

For sponsorship information, contact Valtin at (727) 678-8677 or acv@greatcharitychallenge.com. For additional information about the charities, application process and event details, visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com and www.facebook.com/greatcharitychallenge.

Equestrian Aid Foundation Stands Ready To
Help Equestrians In Need

Wellington is the winter equestrian capital of the world, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that among the area’s unique philanthropic endeavors is the Equestrian Aid Foundation, which raises money that is then given as grants to members of the equestrian community in their time of need.

In the horse industry, a catastrophic injury can occur in the blink of an eye. The aftermath of that injury, or a catastrophic illness, can be devastating — never being able to walk again, never being able to ride again, not being able to put food on the table, and, in essence, losing your identity.

“Horses are beloved, yet unpredictable animals. Things can happen or change within an instant,” Equestrian Aid Foundation Executive Director Louise Smith said. “It could happen to pretty much anybody.”

However, since 1996, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has been there to help those in the equestrian industry as they go through such difficult times, helping to rebuild their lives.

The EAF was founded as the Equestrian AIDS Foundation to help those battling that deadly illness. Its mission has since expanded to help all equestrians in need and has provided grants of more than $2.7 million, assisting equestrians in 30 states. “We help with things that insurance won’t cover,” Smith explained.

The EAF is a kind hand, extending hope and support when someone in the industry — riders, grooms, barn managers, trainers, farriers and more — is facing the inability to conduct life as they know it. After all, many equestrians eat, drink, work and sleep barn life. If that is taken away from them, it is devastating.

Smith was drawn to the organization when she learned about what EAF is and how it helps. She discovered that the EAF could have helped a friend of hers, but they didn’t know about it at the time. Therefore, raising awareness is an important goal for Smith, and other EAF leaders.

“The mission of the Equestrian Aid Foundation is to provide emergency grant-based financial support to horse men and women who are coping with catastrophic injury and illness,” Board President Stephanie Riggio Bulger said. “It started as the Equestrian AIDS Foundation, and the mission was to assist horse men and women who were living with HIV and AIDS.”

Approximately 10 years after its inception, the “S” was dropped.

“It became Aid instead of AIDS, and we started helping any injury, illness, you name it, as long as it was catastrophic enough to prevent the person from being able to work, and it caused a loss of income,” Riggio Bulger said.

Based in Wellington, the EAF has impacted equestrians across the country. Many fundraisers, such as local events with stores such as On Course Consignment, BurgerFi, Charming Charlie and Consign & Design, where retailers have held activities, promotions or shopping days, and then donated revenue to the EAF, have a large impact.

“A diverse group of companies have lent their support to the organization,” Smith said. “That’s really amazing, and that really speaks to the generosity of people, not only in Wellington, who support the foundation, sponsor us, participate in our events and activities — they make an impact all across the country.”

The EAF also holds an annual fundraiser, such as last season’s Althea, an equestrian show featuring former Cavalia artists. A newer program with the EAF is the second annual Jump for Charity, taking place at the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Riders are paired with charities and special caps are made, and sold, with proceeds benefiting the charities. Georgina Bloomberg will be riding for the EAF this year.

“It was such a fortuitous pick because she’s an old friend of the foundation,” Riggio Bulger said. “She was a board member for many years, and she’s a dear friend of mine. It was extra special for us that Georgina got picked to be our rider.”

At other competitions, horse show managers are able to support the EAF through its Show You Care program, where a class can be designated as a Show You Care class, where anywhere from five to 50 percent of the entry fee is donated to the EAF. Competitors receive a green lapel ribbon to wear during the show.

Utilizing social media helps raise awareness for the organization, which recently received gold star status from GuideStar, which rates nonprofit organizations. Only a small fraction of the 1.8 million organizations listed in GuideStar achieve gold status.

“It reinforces the work we’re doing and our stature in the community. It’s a gold star on our foundation,” Riggio Bulger said. “It shows we’re doing good work and high-quality work.”

Through EAF grants, individuals who thought they never would be able to walk again are able to receive physical therapy and other medical assistance that is able to make a difference in their mobility and ability to regain their lives.

“When you’re told you’ll never ride again, when you’re told you’ll never have your job again, when you’re told you’ll never walk again, it makes such a difference to get some help,” Smith said. “In the horse world, there’s so many times your life revolves around your barn and your colleagues. And when you’re injured, oftentimes it’s a very lonely experience.”

Whether it is recovering from cancer, complications during back surgery or a debilitating injury, the EAF is there to provide hope, support and funds. Having money is one part of the battle, but knowing there is an organization of people offering support is one of the things that makes the EAF special.

“It’s such a feel-good organization, to hear that all the work we’re doing saves people’s lives, it saves people’s houses, it saves people’s horses, it allows them to keep food on the table while they’re recovering,” Riggio Bulger added. “Sometimes small gestures can have a huge impact.”

For more info., call (800) 792-6068 or visit www.equestrianaidfoundation.org.