Gala Raises $275,000 for Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s Capital Campaign
Equestrian News Release

Wellington, FL – February 26, 2007 – Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s annual benefit, “Stars Unite,” was wonderfully successful and greatly contributed to the organization’s Capital Campaign “Cover Our Kids.”

Almost 500 supporters turned out for the sit-down dinner and silent and live auctions at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, FL. Among the guests were numerous grand prix riders, including Georgina Bloomberg, co-chair Candice King, Beezie Madden, Alison Robitaille and Margie Engle.

Awards were given to riders and volunteers to celebrate their success and contributions to the program, which now serves more than 130 students each week. Riders of the year were Zachery Boneta, age 4, and Steve Carroll. Volunteers of the year were Brenda Wells, Louise Legato and Jack Cohen.

Vinceremos Executive Director Ruth Menor noted that the event brought in a net income of about $275,000 for the organization, which is about $25,000 more than last year. In addition to a $50,000 grant from the Harding Foundation for the “Cover Our Kids” initiative, the organization has raised a total of $450,000 for the project to date.

“This year’s benefit surpassed those in the past, and we couldn’t be happier with the result,” Menor commented. “The evening will directly affect our Capital Campaign. I can’t thank everyone enough for their support and contributions, which have the power to touch many lives.”

The live auction, composed of a variety of luxury gifts and packages donated by numerous supporters, generated a huge response from the audience. Two items, a deep sea fishing trip with host of Reel Adventures TV fishing program, Dr. Scott Lund, and a week-long stay in a Paris apartment from Bob and Judy Behren, sold for $9,000 each. Other high sellers included a customized golf cart from Wellington Golf Cars and a Lazcar International Equine Air Transport package.

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, based in Loxahatchee Groves, FL, is a nonprofit organization that provides recreational and therapeutic riding instruction to people of all ages with varying developmental, physical and psychological disabilities in an energetic and nurturing setting. The organization has assisted more than 1000 adults and children to gain a sense of accomplishment, greater independence and a higher quality of life. The recently launched Capital Campaign “Cover Our Kids” will raise money to build a covered arena and expand VTRC’s reach of service

PHOTO CREDIT: Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center stars and attendees. Photo courtesy of Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center.