Great Charity Challenge Presented by Fidelity Investments

The 2015 Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, celebrated its 6th year, in which they awarded over $1.5 million dollars. 100% of its proceeds were distributed in full to the 34 local charities around the Palm Beach area that were selected. The event is not about supporting one specific charity, but instead highlighted the spirit of giving in its theme of “Everyone is a Superhero”. Over 300 charities applied to be in included in the event, and of those, 34 were randomly selected to be sponsored by an equestrian family and invited to compete in the prestigious event for generous prize money.

With every charity granted an equal chance of winning in a relay-style jump-off, the top prize awarded was $150,000, which went to the winning charity, Danny & Ron’s Dog Rescue, a surprising wild card draw! The winning riders were an astonishing team, winning by 0.121 of a second, making for an outstanding thrill which took place second to last in the line-up of the evening. The team, which included the likes of Victoria Karam, jumping 1.10 m, Emanual Andrade, jumping 1.20m, and Juan Carlos Maurin, jumping the 1.30 m. They were sponsored by Hollow Creek Farm and Gold Coast Feed & Supply. Coming in a close second and third were the Propel Charity and Kid’s Cancer Foundation, respectively. The Propel Charity was granted $125,000 for taking second place, and the Kid’s Cancer Foundation was granted $112,500 for taking third.

The Great Charity challenge drew crowds young an old, and provided a fun-filled evening filled with costumes and speedy competitive jumping rounds. Some of the superheroes included The Powder Puff Girls, “Captain Canada”, Batman, Catwoman, The Incredibles, and even Captain Underpants! The Great Charity Challenge is one of the largest charitable fundraisers in Palm Beach County and combines fun and philanthropy in an exciting and competitive environment at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida.

 

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To view full results of the event, including the costume contest winners, click here.

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Too see more photos from the event click here.

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About the Great Charity Challenge (GCC):

In its first 5 years, the Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® distributed over $6.2 million to 100 Palm Beach County Charities. Every charity selected to compete in the Great Charity Challenge is guaranteed to win a donation to support their cause. All participating charities are required to utilize 75% of their funds in Palm Beach County, so these donations directly impact the community.

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About Danny & Ron’s Dog Rescue’s Mission:

Within the heart of every stray lies the simple desire to be LOVED!

• Rescue abused, abandoned, and starving dogs, many with no future or hope for a happy life.
• Educate the public about the importance of spaying, neutering, housing, and caring for dogs.
• Provide medical help for those who cannot afford to care for their pets.
• Stop dog fighting, puppy mills, abuse and cruelty.
• Provide help to other shelters or rescues in need.
• Rehabilitate dogs with loving care and give them the opportunity of a new home and life.

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Written by Cat Allen, Editing Contributor to Wellington Elite

Photos © Hillary Oswald