Wellington, FL – February 7, 2016 – Following a successful debut last year, Partners for Pink, a group of individuals and business owners who are passionate about finding a cure for breast cancer, has returned to the 2016 Challenge of the Americas (COTA). Breast cancer has touched everyone and Partners for Pink is an opportunity to support breast cancer research while enjoying an evening of equestrian entertainment.
COTA raises funds to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through their partner Play for P.I.N.K. (Preventing, Immediate Diagnosis, New Technology, Knowledge). The evening is an annual highlight of the Wellington equestrian season and it provides much-needed funding for lifesaving research.
Members of Partners for Pink enjoy VIP seating for two for the Challenge Gala dinner and ringside cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the competition, as well as six general admission tickets. They will also receive a half page advertisement in the event program and be promoted in online, print and social media. Membership for this group is set at $1,500, and spaces are quickly filling as the March 11 event, held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, approaches. If you are interested in becoming a Partner for Pink please visit the website or call Mary Ross at 561-433-0988.
Team Purina, winners of the 2015 Challenge of the Americas. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.
Among those who have already signed up to support the Challenge through Partners for Pink is first time sponsor Joyce Brown from the Flamingo Clay Studio. The studio is a nonprofit artist cooperative operating the popular Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery in downtown Lake Worth. Its mission is to provide affordable studio and gallery space to 3D artists in Palm Beach County. From one meaningful organization to another, Brown is excited about the opportunity to get involved with such an important cause.
“We just lost one of our studio members to breast cancer,” Brown said. “My sister also died of breast cancer 30 years ago. I think it is a critical need; it’s about time we stop this. We can’t keep losing people to this terrible disease. We are in a unique position here in our studio that we can make these donations.”
Brown added, “We have lost so many people, and we don’t want future generations to suffer from this illness.”
Returning as a Partners for Pink sponsor is The Tackeria, a Wellington landmark founded in 1975 by Tony Coppola. The Tackeria is the go-to source for equipment, supplies, fashion and gifts for the hunter/jumper, dressage and polo disciplines. As a local company, The Tackeria is thrilled to sponsor a community event with a charitable focus.
“This is a great cause that affects a lot of people,” Lou Cuthbertson, manager of The Tackeria, said. “This disease has affected almost everybody.”
Cutherbertson emphasized the dedication of COTA founder Mary Ross to supporting this cause and making the event accessible and community oriented.
“You want to support events that are done by the right people for the right reasons and where the money is going straight to the cause,” he said. “I feel that Mary really embodies this through her efforts. It’s a tremendous event with a great venue. The riders put on a great show, and it’s very enjoyable.”
Suzanne Dansby, a dressage competitor who owns and operates Dancing Horse Farm in Atlanta, Georgia, has also stepped up as a member of Partners for Pink. Dansby has been a supporter and fan of the Challenge for many years and participated in the event in 2007, performing an exhibition ride.
“This cause hits close to my heart,” Dansby said. “My half-sister had breast cancer when she was only 29. She is now 49 and in remission. My step-sister passed away due to breast cancer. This organization funds great research that directly benefits people. I know someone who has personally benefited from one of their grants.”
She added, “Besides supporting a wonderful cause, watching all the horses and riders is really a highlight for me.”
With an exciting lineup of top dressage riders and horses preparing some of the most advanced quadrilles to date, as well as a talented group of show jumping athletes, the 2016 Challenge of the Americas on March 11 is not to be missed! The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails for VIP guests, followed by the competition at 6:00 p.m. Dinner and dancing at the VIP Challenge Gala complete a memorable evening. General Admission tickets can be purchased at the gate on the night of the event. For more information, contact Mary Ross at , email Anglot@aol.com, or visit http://www.challengeoftheamericas.com.
Fast Facts: 2016 Challenge of the Americas
When: Friday, March 11, 2016
5:30 p.m. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
6:00 p.m. Opening ceremonies
6:10 p.m. Challenge of the Americas Competition
7:30 p.m. Award Presentation
7:45 p.m. The Challenge Gala: Dinner and Dancing
Where:
International Polo Club Palm Beach
www.internationalpoloclub.com
3667 120th Avenue South
Wellington, FL 33414
Ticket Information:
Mary Ross
Anglot@aol.com
Challenge of the Americas website
Ticket Prices:
VIP Tables of 10: price includes competition and gala dinner and dancing
Gold Patron: $6,500 per table
Silver Patron: $4,500 per table
Bronze Patron: $2,500 per table
Partners for Pink: $1,500 special sponsorship package that includes two VIP tickets along with advertising and media promotion
Individual seating: $250 per person
General admission seating: $20 per person at the gate
General admission is free for children 12 and under
Source: Annan Hepner/Phelps Media Group