January 30, 2007

Bowling For Equestrians (And For Dollars)

AHJF’s Emergency Relief Fund Strikes a Bowling Boost

Wellington, FL – January 23, 2007 – If bowling, horses and helping fellow horsemen in need are high on your priority list then we’ve got the perfect event for you. “Bowling for Equestrians” will be a fun-filled evening of strikes and spares to benefit the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation’s (AHJF) Emergency Relief Fund (ERF). The benefit event will be held 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Greenacres Bowl (6126 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres, FL) on February 18, 2007.

"This should be a great night that will include everyone from the horse show. A real family and barn oriented party. The fact that it will benefit the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund is an awesome bonus,” commented AHJF President, Geoff Teall.

All proceeds will go to the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund, an account that assists equestrians in their time of monetary need. The AHJF ERF is perhaps the most important program of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc. Established in 1995, the program assists those in the sport in a time of financial crisis. The Board of the AHJF reviews urgent situations, (medical emergency, accident disability or death in the family, drug or alcohol abuse, fire or a disaster) and makes a determination in accordance with the need. T

The monies come from the AHJF, private gifts and from other donations such as The Capital Challenge Horse Show and each WCHR horse show member event. All donations are tax deductible as charitable contributions. Over the past 11 years the ERF has assisted 50 equestrians and has distributed close to $170,000.

The concept for a bowling event was the creation of the Event Chair Katie Robinson. Katie came up with the ideal because of a successful fundraiser she helped with last year for an organization that she volunteers for called the Center for Children in New York City. “One of their fundraisers was a bowling event and it was just so much fun to be able to do something other than another gala dinner. It was nice to be able to interact on a different level. It was a great family event,” she explained.

Come enjoy a night with your family or friends. The evening will include food, beverages, bowling, karaoke and more. Golden, Silver and Bronze sponsorships are available and families, barns or individuals can purchase a lane or individual tickets. Lanes can be purchased for $5,000 or $2,500 and Individual tickets for $350.

The AHJF was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider and show jumping competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition. Other programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF BSA Inc. 401k and Profit Sharing Plan. The AHJF also hosts the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular in Florida (February 24, 2007), the Legacy Cup (May 9-20, 2007 in Kentucky) and the Monarch International's Show Circuit Magazine Professional WCHR Finals (October 5, 2007 in Upper Marlboro, MD).

This year a WCHR World Cup Hunter Challenge will be showcased for the second time at the World Cup in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 21.

For more information about “Bowling for Equestrians” or to make a tax donation to the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund to help fellow horsemen call 508-835-8813, e-mail AHJF@earthlink.net, visit their web site: www.ahjf.org or write: AHJF Relief Fund, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583.