Tom MacGuiness of Horseware Ireland participated in the JustWorld Training Show. Photo Credit - Sportfot
JustWorld International Executive Director Jessica Newman with her mother and host, Maria Newman. Photo Credit - Sportfot

January 29, 2008 – Wellington, Florida – The equestrian community raised nearly $175,000 in support of the Fifth Annual JustWorld International Training Show and Fundraising Dinner held Saturday, January 26, 2008, at Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington, Florida. JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping impoverished children.

Thanks to the support of Chairwoman Victoria McCullough and Belle Herbe Farm owner Maria Newman, funds raised at the Fifth Annual JustWorld International Training Show and Fundraising Dinner will go directly to helping children at JustWorld project sites in Brazil, Cambodia, Honduras, Kenya and Senegal.

“I am ecstatic to see the enthusiasm of the equestrian community and its networks in working to help educate children in the developing world,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “For the past five years, JustWorld has worked to raise awareness about the issues facing these children and the ways that we can help. Saturday’s event proved that equestrians do care deeply about helping others and want to become personally involved in working for a just world. I would like to thank all of our supporters for making the evening so successful.”

The sold-out Fundraising Dinner enchanted the 400 guests present with an Asian-fusion theme in honor of JustWorld project’s in Asia and the upcoming Olympic Games in China and Hong Kong. Dazzle Creative Event Producers created the hip mandarin theme while Ken-Rose Catering provided Asian cuisine. A special live performance by the renowned Asian-Fusion band Zero Taiko impressed the crowd.

A Chinese raffle offered a fun twist on the traditional silent auction while a live auction on lessons with some of the biggest names in the sport and a dirt bike produced generous bidding. During the day, horses and riders had the opportunity to train over a course set by Olympic co-course designer, Steve Stephens, on Belle Herbe’s illustrious grass field.

There are currently almost 90 Rider Ambassadors working to raise awareness for JustWorld International with many of them attending this year’s fundraiser. More than 50 ambassadors and donors have visited the JustWorld project sites to witness the dramatic difference their support is making in the lives of impoverished children. What sets JustWorld International apart from other non-profit organizations is its willingness to share its success with its donors and supporters by encouraging them to become directly involved with the projects.

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.