Lexington, Kentucky – February 20, 2014 – Partners for Youth, a non-profit charity based in Lexington, has been named the Official Charity of the 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Land Rover. While Equestrian Events, Inc., the producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, makes annual donations to several local charities, this is the first time in the history of the event that an Official Charity has been selected.  

The mission of Partners for Youth is “to promote positive youth development and to prevent juvenile delinquency through collaboration and capacity building.” They provide grant support through their Grassroots Allocation Program, distribute educational scholarships, empower youth through the Mayor’s Youth Council Programs, and build community collaborations that bring together community partners to support youth in meaningful ways.  

“We are truly humbled to be named the Official Charity of the Rolex Three-Day Event. Not only will this partnership result in more positive opportunities for Lexington’s young people, but it will allow us to spread our mission to a broader audience. Partners for Youth is excited to partner with EEI to educate our youth about the horse industry and all it has to offer,” Laura P. Hatfield, Executive Director, Partners for Youth.  

The Partners for Youth program was established in 1995 by Lexington Mayor Pam Miller and has continued through each of the administrations that have followed. The program currently supports 48 organizations with contributions ranging from $500-$3,000. Partners for Youth receives more than $120,000 in requests annually, but is only able to fund approximately 50% of these. This year, Partners for Youth will host its annual celebration awarding the grants during the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event on Thursday, April 24. Each organization receiving a grant is invited to attend.  

“Partners for Youth helps our community come together as a team to support our most vulnerable youth. Through Partners, our community has increased the meaningful programs available to young people. Partners has a new, exciting opportunity to work with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Thanks to everyone at Rolex Kentucky for supporting Partners for Youth,” Mayor Jim Gray said.  

“We chose Partners for Youth because of the organization’s positive impact on at-risk youth in our community,” said Lee Carter, Executive Director of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI). “We’re committing to a minimum donation of $10,000 to help them continue their important work, plus we are hoping to develop mentorships for these kids within Lexington’s vibrant equestrian community.”  

This year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Land Rover, returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., April 24-27, 2014.  

horse-related items, Event souvenir items and much more. General admission to the Kentucky Horse Park, America’s only theme park dedicated to horses, is included with each Rolex Kentucky ticket.

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event which quickly evolved into what is today the only Four Star three-day event in the western hemisphere, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. The Kentucky Reining cup was incorporated as part of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event schedule in 2011.  

To order tickets or a ringside hospitality package at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, please call 859-254-8123 or visit www.rk3de.org.