Loxahatchee, FL-March 24, 2010 – Supporters of the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) showed up in droves to the Great Charity Challenge at the Winter Equestrian Festival. The exciting show jumping competition raised over $25,000 to support the Center’s mission to turn disability into ability. The event was held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Saturday, March 20, 2010, and was preceded by a tailgate event for VTRC.
Over 100 people cheered on the VTRC team during this year’s Great Charity Challenge. The team for VTRC featured Olympian Lauren Hough, junior rider Sara Ketcham, and amateur rider Tracey Weinberg, and was sponsored by Roger and Jennifer Smith. VTRC had the largest cheering section at the event, and volunteers made “Barn Palm Palms” out of green hay string and riding crops to show their support.
The Great Charity Challenge donated $10,000 to all of the charities that participated in the event. At the end of the night Edward Kochetova donated $15,000 for the team that finished third to give to another charity. The team sponsored by Hunter Harrison placed third, and Harrison to donate the money to VTRC, bringing their grand total to $25,000.
Before the Great Charity Challenge, VTRC hosted a successful tailgate party in the parking lot off Southshore Blvd. across from the Saddle Shops. Guests included volunteers, board members, and donors. All of those in attendance enjoyed a delicious barbeque and an exciting game of frisbee.
VTRC Founder and Executive Director Ruth Menor said, “Events like the Charity Challenge are the perfect mix of social event and fundraiser. Our riders and volunteers all enjoyed cheering on their own team.”
The VTRC is a nonprofit organization based in Loxahatchee, FL, that provides recreational and therapeutic riding instruction to people of all ages with varying developmental, physical, and psychological disabilities. The organization, founded in 1982, assists more than 350 adults and children every year, helping them gain a sense of accomplishment, greater independence, and a higher quality of life. The VTRC has received a “Premier Accreditation” rating from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).
For more information on the Vinceremos Therapeutic Equestrian Center, please visit www.vinceremos.com.
