The Great Charity Challenge at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida raised over $2 million for local charities, benefiting 12 area schools and 44 non-profits. The competition featured 35 teams of three riders each, with this year’s theme being “Global Music” and competitors wearing costumes inspired by musical traditions from around the world. The winning team, the Spice Girls, earned $100,000 for The Arc of Palm Beach County.
The second-place team, riding for Friends of Palm Beach, Inc., earned $90,000 for their charity. Canadian Olympian Amy Millar participated in the event, trading her team coat for a mariachi outfit while supporting Bella’s Promise Pet Rescue. The event is a huge team effort, with Wellington International absorbing all administrative costs so that 100% of the funds raised go directly to local organizations.
Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone praised the event for bringing the community together and raising money for charity. Various teams participated in the event, with themes ranging from samba to disco to Taylor Swift. The Great Charity Challenge is a beloved tradition that continues to make a positive impact on the community year after year.
