July 8, 2005 – Lake Placid, New York – The most recent fundraising event for JustWorld International, a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization founded to work as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world, was held on Sunday, July 3, in Lake Placid, New York.

Over 100 people gathered at Nicola’s Bar and Grill for an evening hosted by Gene Mische and Tim Boulton of Stadium Jumping, Inc. In addition to great dining, guests also enjoyed a performance by singer Maureen Hamil who belted out Broadway hits. Proceeds from ticket sales benefited Just World International and the National Horse Show Foundation.

Mische, who has been supportive of JustWorld International’s fundraising efforts since the concept was first introduced, addressed the crowd and noted how proud he was that someone within the equestrian world took the initiative to found a humanitarian organization dedicated to improving conditions for those much less fortunate. Having just attended the CSI**** Cannes Horse Show in France where JustWorld International is heavily supported, Mische told the audience that he was amazed by the enthusiasm the European participants including riders, owners, sponsors and the horse shows themselves, have in supporting JustWorld, and that he hopes American horse show organizers and athletes will follow in their footsteps. He believes that many people have already gone into the field and seen the progress being made through JustWorld’s efforts, and is delighted that Stadium Jumping and the Winter Equestrian Festival were the first American horse show to partner with JustWorld International and support its efforts.

“Gene Mische and Tim Boulton have been so incredibly supportive of our work right from the beginning, and none of this would have been possible without their collaboration,” noted Executive Director Jessica Newman, a former grand prix competitor who gave up her equestrian career in order to devote herself to JustWorld International. “They have led the way in encouraging the entire equestrian community to get involved and support our cause and, thanks to their commitment over the past two winters, we were able to help several thousand impoverished children around the world to have a brighter future.”

Among the numerous JustWorld Rider Representatives present in Lake Placid were 2005 World Cup Finalist Candice King, Central American Games Silver Medalist Theresa Mills of Honduras, Junior Ambassadors Natalie Johnson, Josephine Nash, Annabel Simpson, Jessica Speiser, Andrew Welles and new additions Abigail Cooper and Kate Salzman.

JustWorld International Rider Representatives include Angela Covert of Canada, Kevin Babington of Ireland, Christophe Barbeau of Switzerland, Federico Fernandez of Mexico, Marcus Fuchs of Switzerland, Herve Godignon of France, Imke Hofschroer of Germany, Eric Lamaze of Canada, Rutherford Latham of Spain, Olivier Guillon of France, Candice King of the United States, Titi Mills of Honduras, Eric Navet of France, Ludo Philippaerts of Belgium, Ray Texel of the United States, Marilyn Vorpe of Switzerland and Gregory Wathelet of Belgium. Through various initiatives, including donating a portion of their prize money and giving clinics to benefit JustWorld International and encouraging their owners, sponsors and youth to follow their lead, riders are able to support the organization’s projects and programs.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International offers fellowship programs for students from around the globe to learn leadership skills and acquire the tools necessary to make a positive difference in the world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive projects that benefit underprivileged children. JustWorld International trains and empowers international and local university student volunteers to create and realize these projects, providing them with hands-on experience in promoting social justice. With three project sites located in Cambodia, Honduras and Senegal, students are working for change in a wide variety of environments on behalf of JustWorld International. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.