Welcome to the 2021 Great Charity Challenge

presented by Fidelity Investments®

Welcome to the twelfth edition of the Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (GCC).

This event was created during the financial crisis in 2008, by my daughter Paige and myself, as an effective way to give back to the surrounding community and connect with different philanthropic causes. For many non-profit organizations, the effects of COVID-19 are similar to that of the economic situation 13 years ago. Beyond their usual duties and responsibilities, staff and volunteers have stepped up to meet our neighbor’s emerging needs ranging from food insecurity, loss of housing, lack of access to basic needs and healthcare, the rising need for educational support, and more.

Based on a community needs assessment with the county, in partnership with local agencies and in direct response to the unique setting surrounding the pandemic, the event’s 12th edition committed to shifting a majority of its funding priorities towards local non-profits who are directly supporting and assisting the most vulnerable and affected populations in Palm Beach County.

While the logistics of putting on an event back in fall of 2020 were unclear, our entire team shifted quickly from “can we even do this?” to “how could we NOT do this?”

Tonight, an additional $1+ million dollars will be distributed, with 100% of proceeds dispensed in full to over 30 local charities, bringing us to over $15.8 million distributed to date.

Over 300 charities applied to be included in the 2021 GCC, and of those, 22 were randomly selected to be sponsored by an equestrian family and corporate sponsor.

Everyone has an equal chance of winning the top prize of $100,000. There is a sliding scale for the balance of the proceeds down to 22nd place, which wins $15,000.

We are in a unique and privileged position to be able to host the Winter Equestrian Festival safely here in Wellington, Florida, this winter. On behalf of Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) and Wellington Equestrian Partners, we want to thank the generous families, barns, team and corporate sponsors (many of you have been taking part in this wonderful event since the beginning), the riders, our staff here at ESP, and all of you who opened your hearts and benevolent spirit for pledging your support to the event and responding to the GCC’s approach of focusing on COVID-19 relief and recovery.

While we may not have our typical crowd to guarantee everyone’s safety, this evening remains special, radiating not only the “spirit of giving,” but also the energy of a community coming together to share its talents, resources and time for such worthy causes. For all of the charities who are joining us remotely with your supporters, we proudly welcome you to the 12th edition of the GCC at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Regards,

Mark Bellissimo Founder of the Great Charity Challenge on behalf of Equestrian Sport Productions and Wellington Equestrian Partners