For Immediate Release

Wellington, FL – February 5, 2014 – The FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (FTI GCC) was a huge success this past weekend and raised a record $2.25 million that was distributed to 47 charities in Palm Beach County. Held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, the pro-am show jumping competition brought together equestrian sport and philanthropy. Thanks to the donations of a group of dressage owners and sponsors, the FTI GCC was able to meet and surpass this year’s fundraising goal.

Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo reached out to the dressage community to have them participate in the FTI GCC. While the FTI GCC is based around show jumping, the love of equestrian sport is not bound to one particular discipline. As leaders in the dressage world, 10 families stepped up to join the fundraising effort and help the FTI GCC this year.

Leading the effort from the dressage world were Kim Boyer of the Van Kampen Foundation, Betsy Juliano of Havensafe Farm, and Suhail and PJ Rizvi. They were soon joined by Tim and Susie Dutta, Dave and Tuny Page, Rose Peslar, Carol Cohen, Terri and Devon Kane, Mike Davis, and Michael and Roz Collins.


In total, these leaders in the dressage community contributed over $265,000 to FTI GCC fundraising and brought together both disciplines of equine enthusiasts into one joint effort of philanthropy for the local community.

Bellissimo said, “I greatly appreciate Kim, Betsy, Suhail, and PJ for leading the way in this effort. We are all fortunate to enjoy this lifestyle and this was a great way to take a moment and give back. The energy and philanthropy of the dressage community was immediately evident, and I thank all those that participated. I am confident it will immediately impact thousands of lives in this community during very difficult financial times for many charities.”

For dressage sponsor Betsy Juliano, her first time at the FTI GCC left her with a favorable impression. “It was well organized and not only did it accomplish its goal of raising funds for these programs, but it also provided a fantastic evening for those who attended. I think that what I appreciate about it is that it has direct and meaningful impact on charities in our area. For those of us who are privileged to be here for the winter, I feel it’s our obligation to also support our community. This provides that opportunity.”

She continued, “I felt that it was a very good idea because the dressage community is also invested in this community as a whole. All of us in the equestrian world need to come together to support these charities and this environment. My impression of the event was extremely favorable, and I anticipate that I will be a part of it in the future.”

Third place team with their Sponsors, Musicares and the Dressage Owners. Photo copyright to Sportfot.

The dressage owners were the Team Sponsor of the Musicares -Hunter Hayes team, which placed third in the competition. The team riders were Brazilian Olympian Alvaro de Miranda, Paige Bellissimo, and Alexandra Crown. They won $112,500 for Musicares in Friday night’s competition.

Those who would like to participate next year should speak with Anne Caroline Valtin at 561-784-1133 or annecaroline@equestriansport.com.

Winning the event was the Speak Up for Kids team, led by Team Sponsor Lothlorien, corporate sponsors Bass/Bolfo/Newlands/Rowland, and team riders Canadian Olympian Ian Millar, Kelly Soleau, and Emily Kinch. Speak Up for Kids doubled their yearly operating budget by winning $150,000.

The Wellington PTO/PTA/PTSA won $125,000 thanks to team riders Ken Berkley and Cloe and Lilli Hymowitz, Team Sponsor EnTrust Capital/Rose Hill Farm, and corporate sponsors Rosenbaum Mollengarden PLLC.

For more information on the FTI GCC, please visit www.ftigreatcharitychallenge.com or www.equestriansport.com.

About FTI Consulting, Inc.

FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 4,100 employees located in 25 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.58 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2012.

For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter (@FTIConsulting), Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About Fidelity Investments

Fidelity Investments is one of the world’s largest providers of financial services, with assets under administration of $4.6 trillion, including managed assets of $1.9 trillion, as of December 31, 2013. Founded in 1946, the firm is a leading provider of investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing and many other financial products and services to more than 20 million individuals and institutions, as well as through 5,000 financial intermediary firms. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit www.fidelity.com.