Having distributed $19.4 million to 318 Palm Beach County non-profit organizations over the past 14 years, it is safe to say the Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) has left a significant mark on the surrounding community.
Founded by the father/daughter team of Mark and Paige Bellissimo in 2009, the GCC is an exciting show jumping event that combines equestrian sports and philanthropy, bringing hope to more than 50 Palm Beach County charities every year. Impact reports following the 2023 edition determined that with support from 100+ donors and sponsors, 90 Palm Beach County Non-Profits made a positive impact on the lives of 462,408 people.
This could be you!
A chance to win up to $100,000!
The event will return for its 15th year on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Wellington International, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, with the new goal of distributing an additional $2 million dollar to local charities, furthering the lasting legacy the GCC has had on the local community.
If you know of a deserving Palm Beach County-based charity, please invite them to visit
for additional information regarding application requirements and the event’s unique selection process.
The application process for the 2024 GCC is exclusively open from Monday, October 16, 2023 through 5:00 PM on Monday, October 30, 2023.
“Year after year, the event continues to thrive, thanks to our many donors and sponsors who join forces, creating a genuine impact for local non-profits and the clients they serve” said Anne Caroline Valtin, Executive Director of the GCC. “Looking back on the last 14 years and the tie this event has created between PBC and the equestrian community, we can’t help but be proud of what we’ve done, and ecstatic for what’s to come”.
Charities will be randomly selected on the evening of Saturday, December 16, 2023. The selection of non-profits will be done 100% on a random basis, with all qualifying charities assigned a "lottery ball" that is thrown into a raffle drum. The event will be live-streamed and we welcome sponsors, donors as well as locally elected officials to participate in the process. Additional smaller grants will also be awarded via a random selection process to non-profits who pass the GCC’s vetting. These grants will range between $1,000 and $10,000.
To be eligible to participate, applicants must, at a minimum, demonstrate that they are a 501c3, serve residents of Palm Beach County, have a physical presence, commit to spending a minimum of 75% of funding received in the County, and have a non-discrimination statement and/or policy.
Introducing this year’s theme!
Our favorite TV shows are a testament of time, and so is that of the impact from GCC! Whether it be Friends, or Game of Thrones, on the night of February 3, 2024, the entire community will come together for an iconic representation of your favorite TV shows in Wellington International’s International Ring.
Interested in applying on behalf of an organization?
Visit: https://bit.ly/2024gccapplication to apply today!
For additional event information, including information about the application process, donations, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com. We also invite you to join us onFacebook and Instagram to stay up to date with our latest news and happenings via Facebook and Instagram.
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.
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
