Jessica Newman recognizes Gene Mische for his commitment to JustWorld International. Photo credit - Sportfot.com
Jessica Newman (left) recognizes original Rider Ambassadors Titi Mills, Angela Lawrence, Kevin Babington, Candice King and Natalie Johnson. Photo credit - Sportfot.com

January 27, 2009 – Wellington, Florida – The sixth annual JustWorld International Fundraising Dinner held Friday, January 23, 2009, at Maria Newman’s Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington, Florida, proved to be more popular than ever, attracting 447 guests and raising approximately $100,000 for its project sites in Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Senegal. JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping underprivileged children.

Guests, including local dignitaries and numerous Olympic medalists, were greeted by fire dancers, exotic birds, tropical drinks and hors d’oeurves as they arrived for the Polynesian-themed evening, produced by Dazzle Creative Events. Dinner, catered by Chez Gourmet, echoed the tropical island theme while Master of Ceremonies Brian Lookabill ensured that bidding was hot in the live and silent auction with the most popular items being the use of a beachfront house at Ocean Reef in Key Largo and a signed Rolling Stones guitar. The event was generously underwritten by the Lourie Family Foundation which, along with support from Belle Herbe Farm, Whole Foods, St. Michelle Vineyards, Sportfot Photography, Little Palm Landscaping, and Elizabeth Arden, allowed all proceeds to go directly to JustWorld project sites. Currently, JustWorld supports 12 locally-based projects in five countries, helping over 2,000 children each year.

Guests learned more about the work JustWorld International performs in developing countries through an emotional video featuring JustWorld Rider Ambassadors and donors visiting various project sites. With more than 170 Rider Ambassadors worldwide, JustWorld Executive Director Jessica Newman paid tribute to the original Rider Ambassadors who have been with JustWorld from the very beginning – Kevin Babington of Ireland, Herve Godignon and Eric Navet of France, Candice King and Ray Texel of the United States, Angela Lawrence of Canada, Titi Mills of Honduras, and the first Junior/Amateur Rider Ambassador, Natalie Johnson of the U.S. Gene Mische, the founder of Stadium Jumping and creator of Wellington’s Winter Equestrian Festival, was also recognized and honored for his long-standing and generous commitment by being the first show organizer to partner with JustWorld. JustWorld currently has 16 partner events in nine different countries confirmed for 2009.

“I am overwhelmed by the amount of people who came out to support us and learn more about JustWorld and its work,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “The organization is surrounded by such genuine, committed and caring people! This event, with its incredible turnout, proved yet again that equestrians, no matter how effected by the economy, still care about humanity and want to help those less fortunate than themselves.”

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. There are currently more than 170 Rider Ambassadors from 24 different countries, ranging from nine-year-old pony riders to Olympic medalists, who help bring attention to JustWorld International’s cause. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.