Tryon Riding & Hunt Club (TR&HC) will hold a $5,000 Charity Jumper Challenge during the 84th TR&HC Charity Horse Show I, June 6-10 at FENCE. The jumper challenge will be held Friday, June 8 at 6 p.m.
TR&HC chairwomen Jennifer Smith and Linda Ketcham were the driving force behind the idea to create the event. With the help of Farm House owner Noreen Cothran, Ariat was secured as a sponsor. As is done in the $1 million FTI Great Charity Challenge in Wellington, Fla., area nonprofits were invited to submit an application for the opportunity to participate in the event.
Out of 23 applicants, eight were drawn out of a hat on Friday, June 1. The nonprofits selected to participate are:
• Kiwanis Foundation
• Foothills Humane Society
• Tryon Arts & Crafts School
• Children’s Theater Festival
• Tryon Elementary School PTA
• St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation
• Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Polk County
The selected nonprofits will be randomly paired with local riding teams to represent them in the jumper challenge to create an equal chance for winning. This multi-charity approach has also allowed the event to assemble a diverse portfolio of charities covering animal rescue, children’s causes, family care, medical support, equestrians, education, the arts and the environment, among others.
All eight of the randomly selected organizations will receive a portion of the prize money, from $1,500 for first place to $250 for eighth place. All of the riders will volunteer their time and skills to participate in this event.
The public is invited to bring a picnic and support a favorite nonprofit while watching a team relay event.
– article submitted
by Laura Weicker