Competitors in $75,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier CSI4* to Earn Money for 10 Charities

Bridgehampton, NY – July 30, 2018 – The Hampton Classic Horse Show is continuing its tradition of giving back to local non-profit organizations and equestrian-related causes by hosting its third annual Jump for Charity presented by Sea Shore Stables at this year’s 43rd annual event, August 26–September 2 in Bridgehampton, NY.

The Jump for Charity program was initiated and developed by the Hampton Classic staff. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization in its own right, the Hampton Classic also works to support other charities’ efforts. Thanks to the generous support of Sea Shore Stables, the expenses have once again been completely underwritten, enabling 100% of the monies collected by Jump for Charity to go to the winning charities!

The top three (3) riders in the $75,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier CSI4* win money for their assigned charity. Funds are distributed as follows: $1,000 to the third place charity, $2,000 to the second place charity and the remaining funds will go to the charity of the highest-placed rider. Only the top placed rider for each charity will qualify for the cash award for their charity.

All 10 charities chosen to be part of the Jump for Charity have a direct connection to either the Hamptons or equestrian community and all are dear to the hearts of Hampton Classic staff. The 10 charities are randomly paired with Team Captains and Team Riders.

Ten world-class riders have been selected as Team “Captains” and have been randomly paired with one of the chosen charities. The pairings took place during a live announcement on the Hampton Classic Facebook page earlier this month.

The 2018 Team Captains & Charities are:
· Georgina Bloomberg & HEART Equine Ambulance
· Daniel Bluman & Pal-O-Mine
· Beezie Madden & SPAT (Suffolk Project Aquaculture Training) and initiative of Cornell Cooperative Extension
· Callan Solem & CTREE (Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End)
· Adrienne Sternlicht & ReRun Thoroughbred Rescue
· Shane Sweetnam & Group for the East End
· Jimmy Torano & Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue
· Catherine Tyree & Equestrian Aid Foundation
· McLain Ward & Bridgehampton Childcare and Recreational Center
· Andrew Welles & East End Arts

All other riders entered to compete in the $75,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier CSI4*, which takes place on Friday, August 31 at 2:00 p.m., will be allocated to a team via a drawing on Thursday, August 30. This will enable every rider competing in the Qualifier to have an opportunity to win money for a charity.

Funds are raised through the sale of uniquely designed caps while supplies last. Hats can be pre-purchased online through the Hampton Classic store and onsite for $50.00 each and they are available both with and without specific charity names. If all 300 hats sell, a total of $15,000 will be raised. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the hats, as well as a percentage of select other souvenir items, make up the prize money that will be awarded to the top three (3) charities. Pre-purchased hats may be picked up during show hours at the show’s Souvenir Booth or Information Booth.

A new addition to the Jump for Charity this year are scheduled autograph sessions with riders that will take place on Thursday, August 30 from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 noon in the Boutique Garden and on Friday, August 31 in the Grand Prix Ring Grandstands following the $75,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier. Jump for Charity hats and other souvenir items may be brought to one of the autograph sessions for a meet-and-greet with the Grand Prix riders. Only Jump for Charity hats or Hampton Classic merchandise will be signed.

Also, each purchase of a Jump for Charity hat that takes place before Friday’s $75,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier class on August 31 provides one drawing entry to win a chance to walk the course with a Grand Prix rider! Additional drawing chances may be purchased. The Course Walk winner will be announced on Thursday, August 30 at 5:00 p.m. and the Course Walk will be held on Friday, August 31.

“We are really looking forward to our third annual Jump for Charity as all of us at the Hampton Classic feel very strongly about giving back to the community,” said Shanette Cohen, Executive Director of the Hampton Classic. “We’d like to thank Sea Shore Stables for its continued support and sponsorship of this program as well as all the riders that will be competing for their paired charities. It will make for an even more exciting Friday afternoon event!”

The charities in the Jump for Charity offer aid to a variety of causes including animal welfare and rescue, equine emergency relief, environmental preservation, medical research, poverty and childhood education, and community volunteer programs. This initiative adds to the excitement and allure of the already elite equestrian event. To learn more about the charities and their missions visit the Jump for Charity page on the Hampton Classic’s website and click through each charity website or follow them on their social media platforms.

“It does add meaning to know that my win earned money for my designated charity,” said Daniel Bluman after his victory in last year’s Jump for Charity class, “but the truth is that no matter who won some charity was going to benefit. The one who really deserves the credit is the Hampton Classic for putting together a program like this.”

“The Hampton Classic does a wonderful job supporting so many charities and HEART is delighted to be a selected charity again this year,” said Robin Sweely, President of HEART Equine Ambulance. “We are really looking forward to watching the riders and horses compete in the $75,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix Qualifier and we will be rooting hard for our team captain, Georgina Bloomberg!”

The Hampton Classic Horse Show showcases more than 1,600 horses competing in 200 hunter, jumper and equitation classes in six show rings. The Classic, which also hosts classes for riders with disabilities, offers five FEI classes, culminating with the $300,000 Hampton Classic Grand Prix CSI4* Presented by Douglas Elliman on Sunday, September 2 after which the winner of the $30,000 LONGINES Rider Challenge will also be presented.

In addition to its world-class equestrian competition, the Hampton Classic features a phenomenal Boutique Garden that hosts over 80 vendors that boast a diverse selection of wares as well as a wide variety of gourmet dining options. There are also kid-friendly activities including pony rides, petting zoo animals, daily special attractions and more, so there is something for the whole family.

Further information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show is available at the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or by calling 631-537-3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.