WELLINGTON, FLORIDA – December 8, 2003 – The fourth annual Outback/Sidelines Equestrian Triathlon scheduled for December 27, 2003, at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club show grounds in Wellington, Florida, will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southern Florida. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. A wish come true provides a special kind of magic that helps sustain these children through their extremely difficult times.

Launched in 1980, Make-A-Wish is the largest wish granting organization in the world with 77 chapters in the US and 27 affiliates across five continents that have granted more than 110,000 wishes. The Plantation Junior Woman’s Club started the Southern Florida chapter in 1983, growing it from granting two wishes then to more than 485 wishes in 2003. A 30-member Board of Directors governs the chapter and over 500 volunteers assist in the work. To date, the Florida chapter has granted 4,000 wishes of a wide-ranging variety – a treehouse, a prom fantasy weekend, meetings with celebrities, and visits to Disney World.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida finances its endeavors through corporate sponsorships, special events, foundation grants and individual contributions. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all contributions are deductible to the extent permitted by law. Net proceeds from the December 27, 2003, Outback/Sidelines Equestrian Triathlon will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida.

Outback/Sidelines Equestrian Triathlon®

Gates at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club open at noon and the Outback/Sidelines Equestrian Triathlon kicks off with a parade at 1pm. The Triathlon will feature competition in dressage, show jumping, and polo, plus activities for the whole family including a silent auction, a children’s fair, and shopping at vendor booths. Festivities in the arena will wrap up with an Olympic-style awards presentation for the athletes. In closing, a member of a family that has been granted a wish will speak to the audience about the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

General admission tickets are $10, with children 12 and under admitted free. VIP tables in the Jockey Club overlooking the Internationale Arena are $750, which includes seating for six and the Outback Steakhouse lamb-and-shrimp buffet. Non-reserved seating in the Jockey Club is $150 per person and includes the buffet. Outback/Sidelines Equestrian Triathlon sponsorship packages are available.

For tickets/tables, contact Mason Phelps, Jr. of Phelps Wilkes & Associates, Inc. at (561) 753-3389 or at info@phelpswilkes.com

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