JustWorld Rider Ambassadors enthusiastically supported the Fourth Annual JustWorld International Training Show and Fundraising Dinner. Photo Credit - Sportfot
Maria Newman, Gene Mische, and JustWorld International Executive Director, Jessica Newman. Photo Credit - Sportfot

January 24, 2007 – Wellington, Florida – On January 20 and 21, members of the Wellington show jumping community came together to make the fourth annual JustWorld International Training Show and Fundraising Dinner another overwhelming success.

Over the two days, 180 horses took advantage of the opportunity to train over the track set by 2008 Olympic course designer, Steve Stephens, on the grass grand prix field at Belle Herbe Farm in Grand Prix Village, adjacent to the horse show. The training show was extended to two days in order to accommodate all the riders who were away competing in Jacksonville on Saturday, yet were still anxious to take part.

On Saturday evening, close to 300 guests enjoyed dinner at Belle Herbe Farm, generously donated for the occasion by Maria Newman, helping JustWorld to raise approximately $100,000 for its project sites in Honduras, Cambodia, Kenya and Brazil. Incredibly, over the past four years, almost $2 million has been raised for JustWorld International, a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization founded to work as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping underprivileged children.

"I was thrilled by the number of people who came out to support us," said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. "I was worried that our numbers would be significantly reduced due to the virus outbreak, but everyone still came and they seemed very happy to be here. We received a lot of feedback on how great the atmosphere was, which was very gratifying since a lot of heart and soul went into planning for this event. For example, all of the jumps on course had been hand built either by Steve Stephens or Hector Cano, who manages Belle Herbe Farm. I am glad that the care and attention to detail which went into every part of the event did not go unnoticed."

The evening's dinner also featured great attention to detail. As guests arrived, they were greeted by one of Wellington's most famous and controversial works of art, 'The Mermaid' statue by Norman Gitzen. Once inside the party, created around an exotic Moroccan theme by 'Dazzle' event producers, henna tattoo artists, a tarot card reader, and belly dancers provided entertainment under the tents that resembled a Moroccan oasis. Catered by Ken-Rose, dinner featured kebabs, curried vegetable samosas, lamb stew served over rice, salmon, roasted vegetables, and couscous. Proving extremely popular were the cheesecake lollipops and the white chocolate fountain.

After dinner, Jessica Newman took to the microphone to welcome the guests, including Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham and his wife, Regis, and to thank the more than 40 volunteers who had put so much effort into making the event a great success. JustWorld Rider Ambassador Angela Covert-Lawrence then talked about the importance of being involved with the humanitarian organization and her two trips to the JustWorld project sites in Honduras where she witnessed first-hand the dramatic results of JustWorld's involvement.

Then, in an emotional speech, Michael Speiser spoke of the loss of his friend and ardent JustWorld supporter, Micky Newman. Speiser made an initial donation of $10,000 to start the 'Micky Newman Fund' under the auspices of JustWorld International, a gesture that was immediately followed by many other JustWorld supporters. Everyone was encouraged to make a donation, no matter the amount, in memory of this very special individual who played a large role in JustWorld's success.

The fourth annual JustWorld International fundraiser brought together some of the biggest names in the sport. Eight-time Canadian Olympian Ian Millar and Norman Dello Joio, an American Olympic Bronze medallist, both brought more than 15 horses each to the training show. JustWorld Rider Ambassadors were also out in full force to show their support, and professional riders in attendance included James Benedetto, Derek Braun, Angela Covert-Lawrence, Candice King, Titi Mills and Michael Morrissey.

"Even though I was showing in Jacksonville on Saturday, I made sure my barn was part of the Training Show on Sunday," said Candice King. "I take my role as a Rider Ambassador very seriously, and feel it is important to bring attention to the great work that JustWorld International is doing. We are all very lucky to be here in Florida training and showing our horses, but it is important to remember that there are families and children that are in need. Anything that I can do to help promote JustWorld's work, I am happy to do."

Junior and Amateur Rider Ambassadors were especially enthusiastic about their involvement with JustWorld's fundraising event, with many helping as 'jump crew' during the training show and also offering their support beyond the show ring. Those able to attend this year's event included Ahmed Alali, Catie Boone, Agatha D'Ambra, Nick Dello Joio, Marlee Dichter, Charlotte Jacobs, Natalie Johnson, Isabel Jolicoeur, Alexa Lowe, Romain Marteau, Victoria McCullough, Maria Newman, Cappy Peterson, and Denise Quirk.

Other fundraising events are also being planned during the Winter Equestrian Festival including a Hunter Warm-Up Training Show at Belle Herbe Farm on Tuesday, February 20; a Horseless Horse Show for children on Saturday, February 24 at the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds; and a JustWorld Soccer Tournament on Tuesday, March 13, at Belle Herbe Farm. In addition, if arranged in advance, riders may train on the grass field at Belle Herbe by making a $150 donation to JustWorld International. For further information on any of these events, please contact jwinfo@justworldinternational.org or tel: (561) 792-0552.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.