MORRISTON, FL (352today.com) – The Cat in the Hat, Curious George and Pippi Longstocking jumping over a vertical or an oxer?
The United Way of Marion County held the Children’s Charity Classic Pairing Party on Feb. 6, 2025, at HITS Post Time Farm for the inaugural Children’s Charity Classic Grand Prix. Premier sponsor HCA Florida Healthcare will benefit 10 charities, and the show jumping class will have a unique theme. The event is part of the agency’s vision for extraordinary change.
Bob Haight, CEO and president of the United Way of Marion County, opened the pairing party brunch with welcoming comments.
United Way Board Chairman and HCA Hospital Ocala President Alan Keesee gave the blessing, thanking HITS for hosting the event to support charities benefiting children in the community.
“I want to welcome everyone to this amazing event; we’ve been planning this for a long time,” said Keesee. “From the inception of the inaugural event to the moment that we’re here today, to pair their amazing charities to their riders and their horses. We’re excited to bring awareness to all of the need in our community for children’s charities, but also to do it in a fun way.”
The United Way of Marion County has deep ties to the equine community. Bonnie Heath, of D&H Stables, which owned Needles, the first Florida-bred to win the Kentucky Derby in 1956, was one of the organization’s founders over six decades ago, said Haight.
“Our mission hasn’t changed, but how we perform our mission has changed,” said Haight, noting the organization’s focus on education, financial stability, and health. However, many community members still struggle with poverty and income constraints, increasing the demand for essential services. The United Way dedicated the show jumping grand prix to children in Marion County and Ocala experiencing these hardships.
A selection process involved local celebrities randomly pairing charities with well-known children’s books. Charities did not know in advance which book their team would represent.
“This is a big, big deal for us as an agency,” said Niki Tripodi, United Way of Marion County vice president of resource development. “We think of the word united, that’s truly what’s happening to the full concept to this particular fundraiser. We’re uniting as many resources, friends, and the equine community with a philanthropic angle.”
Signature Brands CFO Kourtney Corcoran met Tripodi at a Strong Families event and was inspired by the community’s generosity and the charities’ work supporting children and families in need.
Thirty riders will compete in the Children’s Charity Classic Grand Prix, including 10 professionals, adult amateurs, and junior riders. Each team’s riders and horses will dress according to their assigned book theme, creating a fun and whimsical atmosphere for the kids, said Tripodi.
The books and charities were:
Harry Potter – Arnette House
Where the Wild Things Are – Boys & Girls Club
Pippi Longstocking – Community Partnership Schools
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – Early Learning Coalition
Peter Pan and Wendy – Kimberly’s Center
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Pearl Project
Curious George – Reading Pals
Charlotte’s Web – Episcopal Children’s Services
Cat in the Hat – SMA Healthcare
Mary Poppins – Strong Families
The goal is to raise $100,000 for the charities, with the winning team earning $30,000 for their organization. The Children’s Charity Classic Grand Prix is designed as a family-oriented event.
“The reason that we’re here is to close the gap on children’s issues,” said Beth Nelson, United Way of Marion County vice president of community impact. The 10 selected agencies submitted three-minute videos as part of their grant application, marking a first for the United Way of Marion County. “We had people from the community come in [to] judge the videos on three questions, about how are they going to impact the community with the dollars that are raised from the Children’s Charity Classic. What is innovative, what is unique with the program that they’re offering.”