2026 Great Charity Challenge Returns Saturday, Jan. 31

Over the last 16 years, the impact of the Great Charity Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, has demonstrated the extraordinary generosity and dedication of its sponsors, organizers and the Palm Beach County community.

Since its inception in 2010, the GCC has distributed an impressive $24 million to 370 local nonprofit organizations, directly touching hundreds of thousands of lives.

This unique event has grown into one of the most anticipated and celebrated evenings of the Winter Equestrian Festival season, combining world-class show jumping with life-changing philanthropy.

On the night of Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, teams of equestrians and their equine partners will once again take to the bright lights of Wellington International. Their goal: to compete for a chance to bring home much-needed funding for more than 40 local nonprofits. With a total of $2 million in prize money to be distributed, every participating charity will go home a winner, receiving between $1,000 and $100,000 in grants to fuel their missions.

The 2026 edition promises to be nothing short of magical, with this year’s theme: “Rhyme Without Reason.” From the whimsical to the surreal, teams of three riders will be dressed in imaginative costume trios that rhyme — bringing creativity, humor and flair to the arena. Expect to see pairings as surprising as “Freddy, Yeti & Spaghetti” as riders compete in a celebration of philanthropy that’s as fun as it is impactful.

Originally founded by the father-daughter team Mark and Paige Bellissimo, the GCC has grown from distributing $500,000 in its inaugural year to raising and distributing more than $1 million every edition since.

“The GCC has become a true movement of community spirit,” said Anne Caroline Valtin, executive director of the GCC. “It highlights what is possible when individuals, businesses and families come together with a common goal: to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

All benefiting nonprofits went through a thorough application and vetting process earlier this year. They will be entered into the highly anticipated charity lottery draw, ensuring transparency, fairness and the widest possible reach, in December 2026. Beyond immediate funding, the GCC continues to focus on capacity building and long-term sustainability, empowering local organizations to expand their programs and deepen their impact.

Thanks to the generosity of Wellington International, which covers all operating costs, the GCC is proud to redistribute 100 percent of donations received back to the community.

Make plans to be at Wellington International for the GCC, a night where show jumping meets storytelling, philanthropy meets fun, and every rhyme makes a reason to give.

For additional information, to donate or to become a sponsor, visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com, and follow the GCC on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.