OUR GOAL FOR 2026:
distribute an additional $2 million in one evening.
- $2+ million to be distributed to Palm Beach County Charities -
The Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) is an annual equestrian relay event that unites the equestrian and Palm Beach County communities to drive meaningful change through philanthropy . Founded in 2009, the GCC at Wellington International (WI) was created with a single mission: to support and empower nonprofits serving the local community.
Now entering its 17th year, this high-energy event has become a celebrated tradition, blending world-class equestrian sport with purposeful giving. Thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors, donors, and participants, the GCC has distributed an impressive $24 million to 370 local nonprofit organizations, directly benefiting individuals and families in need throughout the county.
Join us for the 2026 Edition
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind celebration of creativity, community, and charitable giving.
With the objective to raise and distribute an additional $2+ million in one evening, Wellington International will host Rhyme Without Reason on Saturday, January 31, 2026 — an unforgettable evening that fuses equestrian sport with imagination and impact.
This whimsical charity competition will feature over 30 costumed teams to represent local nonprofits in a themed relay where the only rules are for the jumps to stay up and that the costumes rhyme. At stake? A chance for the winners to present $100,000 to their randomly paired organization.
Thanks to the generous support of Wellington International for covering ALL costs associated with the event, 100% of the donations received are re-distributed to Palm Beach County non-profit organizations.
For additional information and ways to get involved, please contact Anne Caroline Valtin, Executive Director, at 727-678-8677 or acv@greatcharitychallenge.com
Join this Community Effort as a Non-Profit
The application process for the 2026 edition of the GCC will be open from Monday, September 29 through Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
For additional information about the application process, including accessing the application in Word Format to get a head start, we invite you to click here.
Introducing this year's Theme: Rhyme Without Reason
This year’s GCC invites everyone to embrace the fun and creativity of our “Rhyme Without Reason” theme! Costumes and team presentations will showcase trios of things that rhyme—but have absolutely nothing in common. Picture a “bee, a ski, and some brie” or a “cat, a hat, and a bat”—the sillier and more unexpected, the better! Riders and horses will bring these playful trios to life in the ring, transforming the arena into a stage of laughter, surprise, and imagination.
Beyond the costumes, the theme captures the heart of what the GCC is all about: creating impact through unique and unexpected pairings. Just as a bee, a ski, and brie might rhyme without reason, our event unites sponsors, nonprofits, and equestrians in powerful ways that defy expectation—but deliver extraordinary results. Together, we’ll cheer, celebrate, and honor the spirit of teamwork while supporting dozens of Palm Beach County charities making a difference in the lives of thousands.