‘Jump
for a Just World’ Sees Top Riders Support a Worthy Cause
Wellington,
Florida – JustWorld International kicked off its first fundraising
event by organizing a ‘Jump for a Just World’ Training
Show on Saturday, January 24, 2004, in Wellington, FL.
Hosted
by Belle Herbe Farm, the ‘Jump for a Just World’ Training
Show saw some of show jumping’s biggest names take advantage
of the opportunity to ride on the grass grand prix field, designed
by Olympic course designer Robert Jolicoeur, in support of JustWorld
International, a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization founded
to prepare and empower students to become visionary leaders and
work for social justice.
Candice
King takes the JustWorld International fence riding her grand prix
mount, Tarco.
Photo Credit – Andrew Robitaille
During
the day, riders including Alison Firestone, Candice King, Laura
Kraut and McLain Ward, as well as Eric Navet and Yann Candele of
France, and Eric Lamaze and Keean White of Canada, trained a total
of 150 horses in the three divisions offered. Following the day’s
jumping action, over 250 guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner as
well as both a silent and live auction. By day’s end, over
$97,000 had been raised in support of JustWorld International.
“I
grew up in the horse industry and wanted to find a way to connect
my love of the sport with the ability to fundraise in support of
JustWorld International,” explained former grand prix rider
Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “As
a student, my life was transformed after I spent a semester working
with street children in Honduras. I founded JustWorld International
in order to give other students the opportunity to change their
own lives by helping those in need and, in turn, become ethical
global leaders. I am pleased that so many members of the horse community
came out to support our cause and we had the opportunity to educate
and raise awareness within the industry.”
Grand
Prix Rider and ‘Jump for a Just World’ spokesperson, Ray
Texel, at the inaugural event.
Photo Credit – Andrew Robitaille
Two-time
World Cup Finalist and ‘Jump for a Just World’ spokesperson,
Ray Texel of Bedford, NY, has taken a strong interest in the humanitarian
efforts of JustWorld International and many other riders have followed
suit. Through a variety of initiatives, including donating a portion
of their prize money or giving a clinic to benefit JustWorld International,
riders are able to support the organization. Based on the success
of the initial effort, additional ‘Jump For a Just World’
events are currently being planned.
Founded
in 2002, JustWorld International offers fellowship programs for
students from around the globe to learn leadership skills, the tools
that they can use to make a positive difference in the world. With
seven project sites already located in such underprivileged nations
as Cambodia, Rwanda and Chile and several other project sites awaiting
funding, students have the opportunity to work for change in a wide
variety of environments on behalf of JustWorld International.
For
further information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org
.
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