Nine-time Olympian Ian Millar will present the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada recipient with a horse at the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament held September 23-27 at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, ON. Photo by Cealy Tetley, www.tetleyphoto.com

August 26, 2009 – Palgrave, Ontario – For any major sporting event, more meaning is derived if it goes beyond athletics and does more. At the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, that is exactly what happens. While the best show jumpers in the nation converge in Palgrave, ON, to compete for more than $130,000 in prize money from September 23-27, they will also be helping the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.

The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada works with the community to provide children living with high-risk, life-threatening illnesses with the opportunity to realize their most heartfelt wishes. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada has made 15,000 wishes come true.

At the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament (CSJT), held at the Caledon Equestrian Park, the charity is a major focus. A series of events taking place on Saturday, September 26, will contribute to the Children’s Wish Foundation. On Saturday night, a “Celebration” party with a 50s and 60’s Casino theme will include live and silent auctions, a charity casino, and a Rock ‘N Roll Dance Party.

“Any money that we raise on Saturday goes to Children’s Wish Foundation,” said CSJT volunteer Linda Pabst. “Along with that, we hope that the equestrians at the show will help by donating their prize money. They can sign the back of the cheque that comes with their ribbon and donate right away. The main purpose is to make this a successful event for both equestrians and the general public to raise money for Children’s Wish Foundation.”

The Ribbon Campaign is a new interactive idea designed to allow participation throughout the day from the competitors. Show organizers Equestrian Management Group (EMG) are encouraging exhibitors to donate their ribbons and prize money, contributing to the Children’s Wish Foundation simply by doing what they do best – riding and competing.

“The Children’s Wish Foundation is grateful to receive support from the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament because it provides much needed funds to help us grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses,” said Linda Marco, Director of Development for the Children’s Wish Foundation. “It also provides wonderful awareness to our cause and, of course, directly involves our wish recipients by providing a horse wish to a specific child.”

A special occasion at the CSJT will be the granting of one child’s wish. The recipient will receive a horse in a special presentation with Olympic Silver Medalist Ian Millar.

Pabst has worked with committees involved with making the wish for a pony or horse come true for many children.

“We have presented at least 13 children with their equestrian wish,” said Pabst. “The first child I was involved with from Children’s Wish was only five years old, and now she’s in her teens. Her success was partly because of this connection she had with her pony. It’s amazing to have been able to contribute to some of their happiness and give encouragement to continue on with their horse or pony.”

Marco added, “The Children’s Wish Foundation is pleased that an industry event will take place in Caledon this year and that the proceeds will ensure a child receives their wish for a horse.”

Spectators at the CSJT will be able to join in to help the Children’s Wish Foundation through the variety of fun events. Thanks to the generous donations from numerous local merchants, the silent auction will have items ranging in value from $50 to $1,000, including full spa packages and ‘ultimate experiences’, while the live auction will feature fabulous vacations and beautiful jewelry. A ‘High Roller’ area will feature select high-end items.

Genie Hayward, the Chair of Children’s Wish Foundation “Celebration” Silent Auction, said, “The silent auction represents a significant percentage of the money raised for the Children’s Wish Foundation. Both the silent and live auctions are over the top, and we are thrilled with what the generous community and surrounding supporters have donated in time and merchandise.”

The nighttime “Celebration”, Hayward said, will be a “fun-filled event with great food, fun music, and a casino to entertain the more than 300 people in attendance. It is for the Children’s Wish Foundation, and that is the why it will be a popular evening in Caledon this September.”

Carol Mott of CFRB Newstalk Radio in Toronto will be the host of the evening's “Celebration” party.

Tables for the Children’s Wish Foundation “Celebration” at the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament are available for purchase, and individual tickets are also available. Please call 905 880-5344 or e-mail csjt@equman.com for more information.

With the 25th anniversary of Children’s Wish Foundation and the inaugural Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, this is an event not to be missed!

For more information on the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament, please visit www.equiman.com.