First Charity Luncheon
Hosted by the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic
South Hamilton, MA - September 8, 2007
Today was a sizzling day weather-wise and the City to Saddle Luncheon hosted by the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic was cool and comfortable. City to Saddle is a non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to provide a diverse population of economically disadvantaged children access to the many benefits of horsemanship programs. Co-Founded in 2003 by Barbara Zenker and Kim Summers, City to Saddle has a grown from a single idea to a grass roots organization seeking an opportunity like the newly established relationship with the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic in order to grow their donor base.
"We are so thankful to Alexandra Cherubini, Owner of EquiFit, Inc., equestrian competitor and one of our largest supporters who connected us to Melissa Lovasco, President of the Jumper Classic," said Barbara Zenker, Co-Founder of City to Saddle. "The caliber of an event like the Jumper Classic gives us and our children amazing opportunities. Our dream is to one day to have one of our kids competing out there at the Jumper Classic." Zenker added.
City to Saddle began with Kim Summers, a Dana Hall School Teacher, instructing her novice equestrian adult student, Barbara Zenker. Both of them wanted to create a program that gave inner city children the opportunity to ride horses and be exposed to the wonders of the equestrian community.
"Our first success was a fundraising effort to place 6 children at the Dana Hall School Equestrian Camp, located in Wellesley, by teaming up with local churches to benefit children in need," said Kim Summers, Co-Founder of City to Saddle. "We have been successful in expanding our reach by collaborating with many local youth organizations in addition to well-established barns that are safe and reputable in order to ensure that these children have a very positive experience," added Summers.
City to Saddle has grown from their original placement of 6 children to 130 children at 9 different equine facilities throughout New England.
"We are so pleased to have City to Saddle on board," said Melissa Lovasco, President of the Jumper Classic. "I was awestruck by the mission of their organization and was pleased to be in a position to help them gain access to members of the Jumper Classic equestrian community," Lovasco added.
The 2007 Jumper Classic has brought in the largest number of horses, riders and spectators in the history of this internationally renowned equestrian competition. This year marks the seventh year that Fidelity Investments has been involved as their Title Sponsor. It is estimated that in excess of 12,000 people have been in attendance at this event over the course the week. Now in its eighteenth year, the Jumper Classic is one of only 33 AGA (American Grand Prix Association) Grand Prix's held in the United States. This year the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated that the value of this event exceeds $14.4 million in spending impact on the Boston and North Shore economies. Sunday's Jumper Classic will feature the $10,000 Mohegan Sun Speed Stake and the $75,000 Fidelity Investments AGA Grand Prix.
