The Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® and Equestrian Sport Productions Launch “A Week of Giving” Initiative

For Immediate Release

Wellington, FL – April 28, 2020 – The Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) was officially launched by father-daughter team, Mark and Paige Bellissimo, following the 2008 economic crisis. The initiative came forward as a way to increase funding to local non-profits at a time where donations were scarce. Through the support of the equestrian industry and the community, the GCC has acted as a catalyst for charitable giving over the last 11 years, distributing $14.8 million to 255 Palm Beach County non-profit organizations.

The impact of today’s COVID-19 on non-profits replicates the situation of 12 years ago; the community’s need for services and goods provided by these organizations has sky-rocketed, but many have had to cancel their major fundraising initiatives and are doing their very best to mobilize resources and donations.

In an effort to further unite the community, Equestrian Sport Productions and the GCC will be collaborating to highlight the crucial goods and services that are being provided by charitable organizations, between Tuesday, April 28^th and Tuesday, May 5^th, 2020.

The impact of today’s COVID-19 on non-profits replicates the situation of 12 years ago; the community’s need for services and goods provided by these organizations has sky-rocketed, but many have had to cancel their major fundraising initiatives and are doing their very best to mobilize resources and donations.

While many have heard of Giving Tuesday, a global effort to mobilize funding which typically happens the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, a new initiative called #GivingTuesdayNow was announced to take place on May 5, 2020. This movement is “a way to focus the world’s generosity on the often-forgotten organizations working behind the scenes to support those fighting the COVID-19 crisis.” For more details on the national movement, please click here.

In an effort to further unite the community, Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) and the GCC will be collaborating to highlight the crucial goods and services that are being provided by charitable organizations in Palm Beach County, between Tuesday, April 28 and Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Every day, at least one organization will be featured on social media and at PBIEC.com leading up to #GivingTuesdayNow on Tuesday, May 5 in an effort to help those closest to home. These one-minute videos will emphasize the crucial work that these organizations are doing with the help of selfless volunteers. Organizations were selected based on those included in Palm Beach County’s Emergency Giving Guide, which can be viewed here.

Currently, the following charities will be featured, with the hope that more will join our week-long movement and 24-hour initiative next Tuesday, to raise awareness and funds for their incredible work:

* Wellington Cares: Wellington Cares is a 501(c) (3) community-based, not-for-profit organization committed to coordinating volunteers of all ages to assist, in a time exchange format, in enabling persons over the age of 65 to remain in their home with the support of the Wellington community residents and local organizations.

* Place of Hope: Place of Hope is dedicated to providing stable and loving family environments for children and youth who are hurting and their families. We are committed to meeting desperate needs in our community by sharing God’s love and placing hope in their lives – one child and family at a time.

* Feed the Hungry Pantry: This volunteer-run charity gives away donated meat, produce, bread and canned goods for more than 1.1 million nutritious meals a year to our hungry neighbors in Palm Beach County.

* Families First of PBC: This charity’s mission is to advance the well-being of children and families through high-quality programs in prevention, early intervention, child development, behavioral health, education, and advocacy.

* HomeSafe: Since 1979, HomeSafe has been a nationally accredited non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Palm Beach County’s and South Florida’s most vulnerable residents – victims of child abuse and domestic violence. Our mission is to create safer, more productive lives for infants, children, young adults and families.

* Quantum House: Quantum House is a caring and supportive home that lessens the burden for families whose children are receiving treatment in Palm Beach County for a serious medical condition. Quantum House is the only hospital hospitality house serving children and their families between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida.

* Center for Child Counseling: The Center for Child Counseling is building the foundation for playful, healthful, and hopeful living for children and families in Palm Beach County. Our programs focus on preventing and healing the effects that adversity and toxic stress have on developing children.

* Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies: Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies is dedicated to improving birth outcomes and promoting healthy families by providing access to care, education and support to those facing the physical, emotional, economic and social challenges of pregnancy and infant care.

* Chasen’ tailz Foundation: Chasentailz is a tax-exempt nonprofit dedicated to changing the lives of needy children and their families battling life threatening illness’s by providing financial and emotional assistance.

* Education Foundation: The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County is the nexus of Palm Beach County public-school system, the private sector, and the community. The Education Foundation facilitates student achievement by supporting high-quality public education through partnerships, grants, events, and public awareness.

If you or someone you know is currently working with a local charity that you believe should be highlighted, please contact us at marketing@equestriansport.com.