On Friday evening, 230 supporters of the Australian World Equestrian Games eventing squad enjoyed a great evening at the Cantering Towards Kentucky fundraising dinner held at the Crowne Plaza Norwest in Baulkham Hills near Sydney. The organisers of the event, Karen Tinney, Cheryl Sing and Gendy Parry-Okedon were delighted with the outcome of the fundraiser – over $40,000 raised for the squad members Megan Jones, Sonja Johnson, Chris Burton, Sam Griffiths, Stuart Tinney and Paul Tapner. “It was such a great evening” said Karen Tinney, whose husband Stuart is currently listed on the squad with two horses “Everyone had a wonderful night out and we must thank the many generous sponsors and gift-givers for the amazing auction items which raised so much money” The items were not only the usual horsey items from great supporters of the sport such as a saddle of choice from Bates Saddles and a pair of top boots from Brighton Saddlery but also some wonderful “experiences “ such as a holiday at Hamilton Island and the main prize which normally money cannot buy. This was the opportunity to ‘Be a skipper for a day’ on board the 28m racing yacht Yuuzoo - a Sydney to Hobart winning Super Maxi racing yacht (formerly known as Nicorette). The lucky winning bidders will spend a few hours on board the yacht in Sydney Harbour and enjoy the hospitality of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia courtesy of the boat’s owner, Ludde Ingvall. The dinner, dancing and auction were enjoyed by a wide range of eventing supporters who were intent on a good time. Eighty helium balloons were an instant sell-out (“I wish we’d had hundreds” laughs Karen) and the auction saw some fast and frenzied bidding. The MC’s Hamish Cargill and David Cameron not only ran the auction but also kept the diners entertained with interviews “on the couch” with the Australian based riders – Megan, Sonja, Chris and Stuart. Even Sonja's bodyparts were up for auction - or at least a fake dismembered finger in an esky! Although much of the cost for attending the WEG is covered by Equestrian Australia, there is no doubt that competing at such an event incurs additional expenses for the riders. It is not only direct expenses that need to be covered but the cost of being away from their business. As Stuart Tinney points out in the book An Eventful Life “It is a hard thing because success at a major championship or Olympic Games is what I personally strive for ...... but while you are actually away you are losing business” Thanks to the efforts of Karen, Cheryl and Gendy plus the amazing support of both auction item givers and buyers, this fundraiser will go a long way to help meet some of additional expenses for the six riders and their horses. Let’s hope the riders also fulfil their personal goals and return from Kentucky with the medals they deserve. We’ll be creating a photo album of the evening on The Eventful Life website under Cantering Towards Kentucky so check back in the next few days to see photos of all the fun! The photos from the evening will also be available for purchase by contacting Karen Tinney [email protected]
