Olympic Champion and JustWorld Rider Ambassador Eric Lamaze with Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. Photo by Sportfot.com
Olympic Team Gold Medalist Will Simpson (center) auctioned off his famous ribs with help from Master of Ceremonies, Allan Donnan, and his son, Ty. Photo by Sportfot.com
Olympic Champion and JustWorld Rider Ambassador Eric Lamaze with Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. Photo by Sportfot.com

January 26, 2010 – Wellington, FL – More than a quarter-million dollars were raised in support of JustWorld International at its annual fundraising gala held Friday, January 22, 2010, at Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington, FL. JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping children from impoverished communities.

With 575 people in attendance, the gala raised double the amount brought in last year. This year’s sold-out fundraiser featured a Latin Fiesta theme, complemented by a Mariachi band and professional tango and salsa dancers. Latin-inspired cuisine was prepared by Chef Chris Paul from Wild Orchids Café using ingredients donated by Whole Foods Wellington. Delray Wine Cellars provided the beverages including the signature drink of mojitos. Additional event sponsors included Chez Gourmet, Sportfot Photography, and Dazzle Creative Event Producers, who brought the Latin theme to life with a colorful design palette and signature touches ranging from piñatas to sombreros. JustWorld Rider Ambassadors and volunteers spent countless hours making 250 intricate paper flowers that adorned the tables as centerpieces.

A who’s who of the Wellington social scene gathered together for the cause, with Olympic Champion Eric Lamaze offering to play a game of golf with the winning bidder in the live auction. Skip Eaman placed the winning bid of $7,000 to play 18 holes with the Canadian Individual Gold Medalist, who is also a long-time JustWorld Rider Ambassador. American Team Gold Medalist Will Simpson offered an auction item so popular it was sold twice – Leslie Howard, herself an Olympic Team Gold Medalist in 1984, paid $5,700 to have Simpson cook his famous barbeque ribs for her and 20 of her closest friends, as did Julia Harrison Lee.

“The ribs are tasty and have been a hit west of the Mississippi, so it is great that they have taken off in the east as well,” said Simpson, who cooks the ribs with help from his son, Ty. “I am impressed with the work that Jessica has done, and with the organization. My daughter is involved with the ambassadorship program, and I think it builds a strong sense of community.”

Other live auction items included a one-week stay at the Land family’s beachfront house in Costa Rica, won by Joan and Ernie Kalman, and a three-week RV Sales of Broward rental bought by Guido Klatte. Ashley Yanke was the winning bidder on a one-week stay at the Dello Joio family’s house in the Florida Keys, while Karen Sparks and Patty Overland successfully bid on a VIP table at the 2010 Hampton Classic Horse Show. Bidding in the live auction was especially fierce this year thanks to the unique style of fun-loving master of ceremonies Allan Donnan.

Among the special guests were JustWorld ambassadors and horse show managers who had held events to support JustWorld and who traveled great distances to be in attendance. JustWorld Technical Official Ambassador Phil Rozon, who hosted a JustWorld benefit golf tournament, flew in from Bromont, Canada, while Jane and Stephanie Tidball, organizers of JustWorld’s partner show at Thunderbird Show Park outside of Vancouver, also traveled to Wellington specifically for the event. JustWorld Rider Ambassador Juan Andres Rodriguez and JustWorld Technical Official Ambassador Rodolfo Godoy Beltranena came all the way from Guatemala, where they host events at the El Cortijo horse shows to raise funds for Los Patojos, the local JustWorld project that acts as a community center for more than 250 children.

“This year’s fundraiser, which truly exceeded all our expectations, was a direct result of the commitment and dedication of all of our Rider Ambassadors, staff, and volunteers,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “Our success is a reflection of the heart and soul put into the event by all involved, and it truly was the embodiment of everything that JustWorld stands for. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who went above and beyond to ensure that the evening was nothing short of amazing.”

Gold Medal sponsors included Cloud Hill Farm, Belle Herbe Farm, and Bonnie and Natalie Johnson. Silver and Bronze Medal sponsors included Joan and Ernie Kalman, Michael Stone, Spy Coast Farms, Bur Oak LLC/Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, and the Rockafellow family/Sea-Aire.

“The event was absolutely spectacular. It was so much fun, and it was great to see the amount of people that came out to support JustWorld and all that they do,” said Lauren Belinsky, Marketing and Community Relations for Whole Foods Wellington. “When I met Jessica last year and worked with her and learned more about the charity, I wanted to do all we could to help her meet her goals. We are really proud to be involved with such an amazing charity that connects two worlds, the equestrian community with the impoverished communities around the world.”

Special thanks to Maria Newman of Belle Herbe Farm for hosting the annual JustWorld fundraiser for the seventh year. Including this year’s fundraising event, JustWorld International has raised a total of more than $3 million to provide basic needs for desperately poor children at project sites in Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Senegal.

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.