Lexington, KY (December 7, 2022) – Brooke USA Foundation (Brooke USA) celebrates a milestone this year with the success of two signature programs, Divertimentos & Dressage and Ponies & Pearls, both setting a benchmark in advancing the nonprofit organization’s mission, raising over $80,000 and $25,000 respectively. The annual events, with plans to tour in key cities across targeted states, aligns Brooke USA with the equestrian community bringing together unique that engage supporters, while raising funds to alleviate the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules, and the people they serve in vulnerable communities worldwide.
“We are so grateful for the work conducted by our Regional Advisory Councils (RACs),” states Emily Dulin, CEO of Brooke USA, and creator of the organization’s RACs, grassroots community extensions dedicated to increasing awareness and raising funds for the mission. “Our Councils in Aiken and in The Foothills, each developed something truly memorable in their respective market, that also aligns with equestrian communities nationwide.”
The 3rd Annual Divertimentos & Dressage presented astonishingly gifted dressage riders including Julio Mendoza, Jim Kofford, Carrie Kimmel, Ashley Perkins, Trayce Doubek, Ashley Parsons, Alexandra Reid-Naranjo, and a special guest Olympian eventer Doug Payne, performing with their Grand Prix horses to live classical music presented by the Spartanburg Philharmonic. The audience was captivated by an orchestral repertoire provided by the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra that included works by Dvorak, Handel, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Rossini, Brahms, Strauss II, Coleridge-Taylor, Bernstein, and Bruno Mars. Held October 20, 2022, at the Tryon International Equestrian Center, the event was conceptualized by equestrian and flutist, Sally Frick, who served as Chair of the Foothills Advisory Council and now, as a member of the Board of Directors of Brooke USA will advise on taking the event nationally.
In Aiken, South Carolina, the 2nd Annual Ponies & Pearls: A Women’s Empowerment Event presented by Malvern Bank showcased women competing in the challenging sport of polo during the New Bridge Women’s Challenge 14 Goal polo tournament, which included fourth generation polo player and Brooke USA Ambassador, Hope Arellano. Held on September 18 at the New Bridge Polo & Country Club, the program was developed by Katie Roth, Chair of the Aiken Advisory Council. The event, which also welcomes men, counted on participation by Brooke USA Equine Friend, Kate the Black Burro, all dolled up in pearls.
“By aligning with these extraordinary women already entrenched in their communities, we can seamlessly bring together occasions that offer an experience like no other, while celebrating with friends old and new, and all for an amazing cause,” affirms Dulin.
In addition to Aiken and The Foothills, Brooke USA Regional Advisory Councils include Southern Pines, North Carolina; Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas; Northern California; and Bluegrass.
-30-
ABOUT BROOKE USA FOUNDATION
The mission of Brooke USA is to significantly improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival worldwide. We are committed to sustainable economic development by reducing poverty, increasing food security, ensuring access to water, providing a means to education, and raising basic standards of living through improved equine health and welfare. We accomplish this by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need.