For immediate release
Contact: Sarah Alsofrom
561.801.1369
NINTH ANNUAL CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS BENEFITS THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Wellington’s premier international dressage performance and gala
(January 7, 2010 Wellington, Fla.) The Challenge of the Americas is proud to announce its ninth annual international equestrian extravaganza to be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010. The Challenge, which will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, will be immediately followed by The Challenge Gala. Both events will be held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida.
This under-the-lights, one-of-a-kind musical dressage and jumping performance showcases international riders and world class horses from the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Europe.
All performances will be executed at the level of the grand prix, the highest echelon of the sport.
Following the performance, the festivities will continue at The Challenge Gala with dinner, dancing and the awards presentation. The past nine years have been an incredible journey,” said Co-chair and Founder Mary Ross.
“My mother, who died of breast cancer, was my inspiration for this event; I wanted to do something extraordinary in her memory. I am so thankful to each person who has helped transform The Challenge from a luncheon performance with three horses into the international exhibition it is today.”
The dressage dances are choreographed by industry professionals and accompanied by music ranging from spirited rock and roll to the elegance of the classics. The performances include Pas de Deux (two horse and rider pairs), the Quadrille (six horse and rider pairs), and show jumping.
Committee organizers expect several thousand people to attend this year’s dressage performance. They anticipate the gala will once again sell out well in advance.
The Challenge of the Americas committee includes: Kim Chisholm, Emily Dufort, John Flanagan, Vickie Fontaine, Diane and Ralph Hodges, Elizabeth Iorio, Eileen Johnston, Barbara Marks, Andrea Nason, Noreen O’Sullivan, Allyn Schiavone, Maryann Shingler, Chris and Janet Spire, Larry and Vonnie Steinbaum, Erin Swaney, Scott and Amy Swerdlin, Ann Tillman, Susan Wellner, Barbara Wolff, Bob and Sherri Wolff and Lily Zilo.
This year’s sponsors to date are: Back on Tack, Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock Insurance, International Polo Club Palm Beach, Matchnride.com, Merrill Lynch, Neiman Marcus, Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Purina Mills, Red Barn Feed & Tack, SSG Gloves, United States Dressage Federation, ViaGen and Wellington Classic Dressage.
The Challenge of the Americas
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010
Where: International Polo Club Palm Beach
3667 120th Avenue South
Wellington, Florida 33414
Honorary Chairs:
Sheriff Ric and Dorothy Bradshaw-Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit
Myra Biblowit-The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Ira and Laura Lassman-Play for Pink
John and Toy Wash-International Polo Club Palm Beach
Co-chairs:
Mary Ross and Tamara Gerber
The Challenge of the Americas Schedule of Festivities
5:30 p.m. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for VIP reception
6:30 p.m. The Challenge: Musical freestyle-Quadrille team challenge & jumper extravaganza
7:45 p.m. Awards
8:00 p.m. The Challenge Gala, dinner and dancing
General Admission: To watch The Challenge of the Americas from the field:
$20 at the gate, $15 pre-purchase at the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Gala VIP Tickets: To watch The Challenge from the stadium while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres plus attend the gala with dinner and dancing at the International Polo Club Grand Marquee: $250. For reservations, please call Mary Ross at (561) 852-2591.
The Challenge of the Americas, known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback, returns for its ninth consecutive year to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser of musical freestyles, team quadrilles and jumping is a one-of-a-kind team challenge that highlights the Olympic sports of Grand Prix dressage and show jumping. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of the top dressage competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe. www.challengeoftheamericas.com
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. The Foundation has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, four stars, for eight consecutive years, which means BCRF has outperformed over 99% of more than 5,400 evaluated charities in efficiently managing its finances. Additionally, the Foundation received an “A+” rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy. For more information, visit www.bcrfcure.org or call toll-free 1.866.FIND.A.CURE.