For Immediate Release
Wellington, FL – December 20, 2023 – As an exciting 15th edition of the Great Charity Challenge (GCC), sponsored by Fidelity Investments®, approaches, it is with great pleasure that we introduce the first thirty (30) Palm Beach County non-profits to benefit from the largest night of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
With a dazzling history of redistributing a staggering $19.4 million to 318 Palm Beach County non-profit organizations, the GCC doesn't just talk about change; it catalyzes it.
Originally scheduled to take place the evening of Saturday, December 16, 2023, this year’s drawing process was rescheduled to Wednesday, December 20, 2023 due to hazardous weather conditions over the weekend.
For transparency purposes, the selection process was videoed and shared via the event’s social media pages (Facebook and Instagram), inviting eager non-profits to sit on the edge of their seat for a chance to participate in the 2024 GCC event. At stake? A chance to receive up to $100,000 on Saturday, February 3, 2024!
The first twenty nine charities were randomly drawn by the team at Wellington International, during their holiday party, highlighting some of the behind-the-scenes individuals who ensure the success of the event year after year.
Here is a list of the charities chosen to participate in the 2024 edition (to date):
“We had to quickly adapt the drawing process following the unexpected weather conditions over the weekend” commented Kelly Arani, GCC’s Event and Marketing Coordinator. “We are truly grateful for the continued support of our donors and sponsors who make it all possible.”
The 2023 edition inspired many to be the change, raising $1.7 million dollars that would directly impact some of the most vulnerable populations in Pam Beach County. The event’s relationship with the community has evolved over the past 14 years, bringing even more interest, support, and dedication towards its mission. This year we aim to raise an additional $2 Million that will benefit these 30+ selected organizations; we look forward to making more dreams come true locally.
Wellington International donates the facility, staff, and infrastructure to ensure the success of the charitable event and guarantees that 100% of the funds raised are redistributed in the community. Its team is proud to have played a crucial role in creating the long lasting and ever-growing impact the event has had in the Palm Beach Community.
Additional drawings as well as smaller grants will also be awarded during the first weeks of the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival, leading up to the actual event on Saturday, February 3, 2024, via a random selection process for non-profits who passed the GCC’s vetting. Grants will range between $1,000 and $10,000.
The GCC competition will offer free general admission and will be held Saturday evening, February 3, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Wellington International during WEF's "Saturday Night Lights." Free parking will be located at 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414, home to the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival show grounds.
Interested in joining the event? Donations and sponsorships from local families, foundations, businesses, vendors, exhibitors, and spectators, ranging from $50 to $100,000, are what make the event reach its fundraising goal of over $1 million every year. Customized sponsorship opportunities start at $500, while donations of all levels are welcomed. Please click here for additional information on how to become part of this community movement and #BeTheChange.
For the latest event information, application process, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com and follow the event on Facebook @greatcharitychallenge and Instagram at @great_charity_challenge.
About the Winter Equestrian Festival
Situated in the heart of Wellington, FL, the iconic "Winter Equestrian Capital of the World", Wellington International is the proud host of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). This internationally recognized 13-week event stands as the world's largest and longest-running hunter/jumper horse show in the world. Every year, WEF opens its gates to thousands of riders from all 50 U.S. states and over 34 countries, cementing its reputation as a global equestrian hub. Spanning more than 111 acres, Wellington International is equipped with 18 competition arenas, over 400 permanent equine stalls, dedicated horse trails, pedestrian paths, and golf cart tracks. Beyond the equestrian sports, WEF offers an all-encompassing experience, featuring VIP services, unmatched hospitality, versatile event spaces, and world-class shopping opportunities. With an annual contribution of more than $351 million to Palm Beach County's GDP and the creation of over 3,300 jobs, the festival's impact extends well beyond the facility. The Winter Equestrian Festival is a flagship event operated by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC. For more information or to experience the equestrian excellence firsthand, visit www.wellingtoninternational.com
About Fidelity Investments®
Fidelity’s mission is to strengthen the financial well-being of our customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses we serve. With assets under administration of $11.7 trillion, including discretionary assets of $4.5 trillion as of June 30, 2023, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers. Privately held for over 75 years, Fidelity employs over 70,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/our-company.
