The Event at TerraNova Partners with Local Charities for a Next-Level Philanthropic Event
Photo by Lisa Madren
Myakka, Fl. - Sept. 27, 2021 - The Events at TerraNova organizing team is excited to announce a community charity equestrian competition unique to Southwest Florida during its inaugural event. The Event at TerraNova will showcase three-day eventing competition from Starter through CCI4*S level at Florida's newest state-of-the-art facility Oct. 22-24, 2021. As part of TerraNova Equestrian Center's core values to positively impact the local community, they have launched the #WeCareAtTerraNova initiative featuring the charity-rider competition. #WeCareAtTerraNova creates an opportunity for riders of all levels to get involved.
"We wanted to do something to make a difference in our community," 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
The Event at TerraNova's initiative will include three local nonprofits for competitors to represent. Participating athletes will select the nonprofit in whose name they will compete. Final scoring at the end of the weekend will determine the grant awarded to each organization. The partnering charities have distinctly different missions, giving the competitors the option to stand behind a cause that most resonates with them. Each nonprofit will have an equal number of competitors and scoring will be calculated by the riders' combined scores at the end of the weekend.
The nonprofits include Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, the Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy and Southeastern Guide Dogs. These three organizations were chosen for their impact on the community, integrity, transparency and dedication to bettering the lives of their constituents.
The first-place charity will be awarded $10,000, second place will receive $7,500 and third $5,000. TerraNova Equestrian Center is proud to cover all costs associated with #WeCareAtTerraNova and 100% of donor and sponsor proceeds can be distributed directly to the cause.
Photos courtesy of Meals On Wheels PLUS of Manatee
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.
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.
"We are thrilled to be included in this inaugural event at TerraNova Equestrian Center," said Maribeth Phillips, president and chief executive officer of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. "We continue to see high rates of food insecurity in Manatee County, and as a beneficiary of this event, we will be able to continue our mission of feeding those in need."
Photos courtesy of SMART
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.
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 our partnership with TerraNova to create awareness of the true meaning of horsemanship and building relationships in the community," said SMART Executive Director Rebecca Blitz.
Photos courtesy of Southeastern Guide Dogs
Southeastern Guide Dogs transforms lives by creating and nurturing extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. The organization operates advanced training facilities where its experts breed, raise and train elite working dogs, including guide dogs, service dogs and skilled companion dogs. The nonprofit provides life-changing services for people with vision loss, veterans with disabilities and children with significant challenges.
Since 1982, Southeastern Guide Dogs has successfully created thousands of guide dog and service dog teams throughout the United States and currently oversees the wellbeing of over 1,200 puppies and dogs.
"Southeastern Guide Dogs receives no government funding and 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."
CONTACTS
Sponsorship - Ainsley Hayes, Sponsor@TerraNovaEquestrian.com
VIP Concierge - Adam Lamb, VIP@TerraNovaEquestrian.com
Facility - Michale Belisle, Mike@TerraNovaEquestrian.com
Vendors - Terri Stevens, Vendors@TerraNovaEquestian.com
Philanthropy - Anne Caroline Valtin, Give@TerraNovaEquestrian.com
Volunteers - Samantha Herrig, Samantha@TerraNovaEquestrian.com
Media - Carrie Wirth, Carrie@EQMedia.agency
TerraNova Equestrian Center is Florida’s newest equestrian competition venue. Tucked into the picturesque countryside of Myakka City, in Manatee County, just east of Bradenton and Sarasota, TerraNova is a welcoming setting for all levels of horse enthusiasts to enjoy equestrian sports.
TerraNova Equestrian Center is the vision of equestrians Hannah Herrig Ketelboeter, her husband Zach Ketelboeter and the Herrig family. The couple manages and trains at their private facility on the 225-acre site and have been leading a top-notch organizing committee for The Event at TerraNova, hosting Starter Level through CC14*-S Oct. 22-24 and a hunter/jumper series in 2022 with USEF A-rated hunters and Level 4 Jumpers.
An amenity-rich real estate development is planned with multi-acre lots. The property has the feel of old Florida with giant Spanish-moss-covered oak tree hammocks, lush green grass lanes and native wildlife.
For more information about TerraNova Equestrian Center, click here.