Events at TerraNova to Distribute $100,000 Through #WeCareAtTerraNova During The Event at TerraNova CCI 4*-S and TerraNova Dressage II CDI4*/CDI-W
Representatives from Southeastern Guide Dogs, including therapy dog Levi, SMART and Meals on Wheels Plus at the check presentation at the inaugural The Event at TerraNova in October 2022. Photo by EQ Media
Myakka City, Fla. - Sept. 23, 2022 - The Events at TerraNova organizing team is stepping up their commitment to community giving through the #WeCareAtTerraNova initiative. In 2022, the program will donate a minimum of $100,000 to area charities, a significant increase over last year. During the second annual The Event at TerraNova CCI4*-S and the inaugural TerraNova Dressage II CDI4*/CDI-W, Oct. 21-23, 2022, #WeCareAtTerraNova will pair three area nonprofits with competitors of all levels. TerraNova Equestrian Center's core values are to impact the community positively and the #WeCareAtTerraNova charity-rider competition creates an opportunity to participate and give back.
"It is important to us to create and cultivate a giving-back mentality," said Hannah Herrig Ketelboeter, one of the founders of TerraNova Equestrian Center and a leader of the organizing team for The Event at TerraNova. "It adds so much meaning to have our competitors ride for a cause and it takes the event to another level."
How #WeCareAtTerraNova Works
All eventing and dressage competitors will select to represent one of the three partner nonprofits on a first-come, first-serve basis. Riders without a preference will be randomly assigned a charity by the management team. To ensure fairness, each nonprofit will be assigned the same number of competitors.
Scoring of the charity rider competition will be calculated through all riders' combined scores at the end of the weekend.
For eventing, the lowest combined score will take the top call. Final scoring will determine the grant received by each nonprofit – first place will receive $25,000, second place $20,000 and third place $15,000.
For dressage, the highest combined score will take the top call. Final scoring will determine the bonus received by each nonprofit – first place will receive a $5,000 bonus, second place $3,000 and third place $2,000.
New for 2022, the TerraNova Equestrian Foundation gave each of its nonprofit partners the opportunity to participate in a donation matching challenge, matching every dollar raised up to $10,000, leading up to the end of the weekend.
A minimum of $100,000 will be distributed through this year’s event. TerraNova will share the impact of the funds at work following the event.
TerraNova Equestrian Center is proud to cover all costs associated with #WeCareAtTerraNova and 100% of donor and sponsor proceeds will be distributed directly to the cause.
Meet Our Non Profit Partners
Southeastern Guide Dogs was the winning charity at the 2021 The Event at TerraNova, receiving a check for $10,000.
“We are so grateful to be included again as one of the local charities for the 2022 The Event at TerraNova,” said Andy Kramer, vice president, philanthropy at Southeastern Guide Dogs. “We share a love of animals and serving people who need us, including those who cannot see and those who have seen too much. Our missions are a great fit and it’s a pleasure to celebrate such a successful charitable event.”
Photos courtesy of Southeastern Guide Dogs
Southeastern Guide Dogs transforms lives by creating and nurturing extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. They breed, raise, and train elite guide dogs, service dogs, and skilled companion dogs and provide life-changing services for people with vision loss, veterans with disabilities, and children with significant challenges. The organization offers premier dogs and lifetime follow-up services at no cost. Since 1982, they have successfully created thousands of guide and service dog teams throughout the U.S. and currently oversee the well-being of over 1,200 puppies and dogs.
"Southeastern Guide Dogs relies on the generosity of the community for its programs," said Titus Herman, Southeastern Guide Dogs chief executive officer. "Thanks to sponsors such as TerraNova Equestrian Center, we can continue our mission to provide our superhero dogs to the visually impaired and veterans with disabilities at no cost."
Founded in 1972 to provide hot, nutritious meals to elderly and disabled residents of Manatee County, Meals on Wheels of Manatee expanded their services in response to community needs. The "PLUS" was added to the organization's name to represent the many other services offered. The mission of Meals on Wheels PLUS is to assist individuals to live independently by providing nutrition and caring, supportive services. The nonprofit offers comprehensive care and essential programs, including meal delivery to the elderly and disabled, The Food Bank of Manatee, Daybreak Adult Day Center and Friendship Dining.
Photos courtesy of Meals On Wheels PLUS of Manatee
Since 1985, The Food Bank of Manatee has been the largest hunger-relief agency based in Manatee County. In 2020, the program distributed over 3 million pounds of food to children and families in need through the 100+ partner agencies and food pantries that receive food directly from The Food Bank of Manatee.
“Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is proud to partner for the second year with TerraNova Equestrian Center to raise vital funds to help feed Manatee County Residents,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “The many impacts of inflation are making it hard for families to access basic nutrition. The funds raised for Meals on Wheels PLUS during this event will stay in Manatee County to feed babies, children, families, and seniors in need."
The Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) empowers lives through the healing power of horses. Through therapeutic horse-related programs and activities, SMART riders and their families experience significant improvement in quality of life. Since 1987, SMART has provided over 47,152 therapeutic riding/driving and equine-assisted learning program hours to over 5,626 individuals.
Photos courtesy of SMART
The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) named SMART a Premier Accredited Center and EQUUS Foundation lists SMART as a Guardian for their commitment to transparency. SMART provides participants with safe, therapeutic, and fun programs adapted to each rider's individual needs and emphasizes all elements of horsemanship with physical, emotional and cognitive benefits. Many participants see an increase in self-esteem and empowerment by fostering a respectful partnership with their equine companions.
“We are so excited about this amazing partnership with TerraNova Equestrian Center," said SMART Executive Director Rebecca Blitz. We are thrilled for this opportunity to help so many families and individuals through equine therapy.”
CONTACTS
Sponsorship - Crissa Gillette, Sponsor@TerraNovaEquestrian.com
VIP - VIP@TerraNovaEquestrian.com
Facility - Michale Belisle, Mike@TerraNovaEquestrian.com
Vendors - Vendors@TerraNovaEquestian.com
Philanthropy - Anne Caroline Valtin, Give@TerraNovaEquestrian.com
Volunteers - Samantha Herrig, Samantha@TerraNovaEquestrian.com
Media - Carrie Wirth, Carrie@EQMedia.agency