The Arc of Palm Beach County Earns $100,000 Top Prize
Edited Press Release
In its 16th year, the Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) continues to shine as an inspiring example of how sporting events can serve as a powerful vehicle for positive change. Thanks to the unwavering generosity and support of sponsors and donors, this year’s event raised over $2 million, benefitting 44 non-profits and 12 Wellington schools for a grand total of 56 organizations.
On February 1, ‘Saturday Night Lights’ at Wellington International came alive with energy, creativity and a shared spirit of philanthropy as 35 teams took part in an unforgettable night of show jumping. Each team consisted of three riders, ranging from the young, rising stars of the sport to Olympians, showcasing the incredible diversity and depth of talent within Wellington’s equestrian community.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a strong and supportive network of partners, and we are excited to continue growing with them to create even more meaningful change in the years to come,” comments Anne Caroline Valtin, GCC Executive Director. “Thank you to every donor and sponsor for your steadfast support—you are truly the reason the Great Charity Challenge keeps getting bigger and better, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.”
Each team was randomly paired with a local charity and raced to raise funds and hope for their designated organizations. As the competition unfolded, this year’s Global Music theme added a unique flair with teams donning costumes inspired by musical traditions from around the globe, infusing the event with vibrant energy and creativity. The funds raised through the GCC will go on to provide vital resources for these organizations, addressing a wide range of community needs, from education and healthcare to animal welfare and homelessness.
“The Great Charity Challenge is a huge team effort, and the team at Wellington International generously absorbs all the administrative costs, so 100% of the funds raised go right into our community, to organizations that do the most critical work,” said Paige Bellissimo Nuñez,
Co-Founder of the Great Charity Challenge. “Thank you to all the organizations here and to Wellington International and Anne Caroline. Her passion and dedication to this event is really what makes it happen year after year.”
Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone celebrated a successful and impactful evening, saying, “You saw the place packed tonight. The best part of this evening is, not only do we raise so much money for charity, but we bring the entire community out for an event. It’s opening the door to new people coming out and seeing what the equestrian community is all about. This is the crown jewel of Wellington and it’s something we’re so proud of.”
The winning team of Tony Stormanns, Taylor Cawley, and Eloise Eisner, sponsored by Louisburg Farm and Portfolio Horses earned The Arc of Palm Beach County the top prize of $100,000 in a winning time of 88.781 seconds. The team’s musically inspired costume was a nod to the early 90s British girl group, The Spice Girls.
The Arc of Palm Beach County is dedicated to changing the conversation around disabilities by defying definitions, inspiring possibilities and improving the lives of the people they serve, their families and our community.
“It’s an absolute honor to be a part of the Great Charity Challenge; we are floored by the generosity of this community,” said Charlotte Gill, Chief Advancement Officer for The Arc of Palm Beach County. “This is the most fun event that we get to experience, and we are grateful to be the winners.
“The funds that we’ve won tonight are going to go to our micro enterprises,” continued Gill. “Our clients love receiving a paycheck just like anybody else, and they work for that paycheck. We have many skilled clients who will be benefiting from the funds received tonight.”
