Jumping to Help

Mother-daughter volunteer team demonstrate the Classic’s appeal to all ages

IIf you pay attention to the name, the New Albany Classic Grand Prix and Family Day features one very important word – “family.”

The event, scheduled for Sept. 23 and now in its 15th year, was created by Abigail Wexner as an annual fundraiser for Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence, which has since merged with the Center for Child and Family Advocacy and is now called the Center for Family Safety and Healing. The organization provides integrated child abuse and domestic violence services to families in central Ohio.

But it’s not just called “Family Day” for that reason. The Classic also features a wide variety of activities appealing to all ages, in addition to an internationallysanctioned equestrian grand prix competition. The event sold out with 18,000 attendees last year.

In accordance with the family theme, mother-daughter duo Michelle and Taylor Destefano, New Albany residents, will be spending the day together this year, just like they did last year.

Michelle has been volunteering at the Classic for 11 years. This will be Taylor’s second year as a volunteer.

Working at the Classic isn’t a chore for the Destefanos, Michelle says. “I volunteer for a lot of things. It’s one thing to give money, and that’s fine, but that’s not as satisfying as going out and volunteering time.”

Michelle’s duties in the past have included waiting on patrons in the VIP tent and selling raffle tickets – “but that’s not really my thing,” she says, laughing. Last year, Taylor took tickets and picked up trash. How did a teenager get involved in volunteering?

“From me dragging her to the Classic every year,” Michelle says. “But it really wasn’t much dragging … I like that it’s such a nice family event. We get to spend some time with the kids. It’s a nice day out of the house.”

Another benefit of volunteering is free