🐴 Wellington Season Wrap Up 🌏
JustWorld hosted a whirlwind of activities in Wellington this year. Join us as we look back at the busy winter season.
Carnival Gala
On Sunday, January 19, guests donned masks and bright colors for the JustWorld International 22nd annual gala, which featured a Carnival theme. Live and silent auctions, speakers and entertainment made for a night to remember.
An Evening With Reed Kessler
JustWorld alumni ambassador Reed Kessler, an Olympic show jumper who now works as Associate Director of Policy at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Washington, DC, joined JustWorld at Belle Herbe Farm on February 7 to share her experiences as an ambassador and how they impacted her path to public service.
WEC Clear the Jump
JustWorld enjoyed a “Clear the Jump” sponsorship with Equine 74 during WEC Ocala on February 22, raising $2,600 for JustWorld projects while also increasing visibility for JWI and sponsor Equine 74’s gastric support products.
Fit for a Cause Fundraiser
On March 3, JustWorld Ambassadors hit the field at Belle Herbe Farm to get fit and raise hundreds of dollars for JustWorld with Mike Barthelemy, owner of Limitless Performance elite training center.
Project Visits to Pioneer Park & Pahokee Elementary Schools
On February 10, JustWorld Ambassadors brought Hailey Hak’s miniature horse, Jets, to Pioneer Park Elementary School, one of JustWorld’s partner schools in Belle Glade, Florida. In collaboration with StoryBook Treasures, the JustWorld team introduced the students to Jets, showed how he can jump (to great fanfare!), and then visited a classroom to read to students and deliver them books about horses.
On March 10, JustWorld Ambassadors arrived for their first visit to Pahokee Elementary School, another StoryBook Treasures partner school. Juan Andres Rodriguez of Rodriguez Equestrian rode Matrix, Maria Newman’s horse, and then allowed the children to pet him, while Ambassadors answered countless questions about horses. The morning ended in a first-grade classroom, where Ambassadors read to students and presented them with a new StoryBook Treasures book kit, courtesy of StoryBook Treasures founder Denise Corbo.
Book Packing Event
On March 11, JustWorld Ambassadors gathered at Belle Herbe Farm to assemble a StoryBook Treasures book kit with SBT founder Denise Corbo. The kit included “The Chocolate Touch,” a book by Patrick Skene Catling, chocolate-shaped pencil sharpeners and erasers, bookmarks with questions for parents, and a lesson plan for teachers.
Pony Island Presence
You may have seen JustWorld staff on-site at Wellington International’s Pony Island this season, sharing information about the organization and its events, selling baked goods, and connecting with those interested in the opportunity to #RideForACause.
Lunch & Learn With Anne Caroline Valtin
On March 18, Great Charity Challenge Executive Director Anne Caroline Valtin sat down with JustWorld International Global Programs Associate Tori Repole at Palm Beach International Academy to discuss her professional journey and answer questions about marketing, fundraising, and developing ideas.
Asado
Maria Newman hosted the Newman Family’s annual Asado to thank JustWorld friends and supporters on March 27. More than 100 people enjoyed a beautiful evening, and the Newmans extend a heartfelt thank you to Pablo Calandroni for bringing the flavors of Argentinian cuisine to Wellington.
BACK AGAIN: FACEBOOK FUNDRAISERS
Show your support of JustWorld by designating it as your chosen charity with a FaceBook fundraiser. Go to Create/Fundraiser, and select JustWorld International. Then, set your goal, and share with friends and family.
PROJECT UPDATES
Guatemala
Grant Blair of Public Consulting Group donated funds for a new playground at El Patojismo’s School No. 1.
Belle Glade
Pioneer Park was awarded the highest iReady growth scores in the Glades Region. “This is a fantastic achievement!” Denise Corbo, founder of JustWorld International’s partner, StoryBook Treasures, said.
Cambodia
PIO students hard at work in the classroom, creating a better future for their families and communities
Honduras
Asociación Compartir reaches children in their communities, in the countryside, and at educational centers, with books, snacks, and educational materials.
Meet An Ambassador: Gabi Caicedo
Gabi Caicedo of Hollywood, Florida, joined JustWorld last spring after learning about it from her equestrian friends.
“When I learned about how the organization helps kids with education and nutrition, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” she said. “I love horses, and it’s really special to use that passion to make a difference in other kids’ lives.”
The 10-year-old is proud to be part of JustWorld. “I know that even small actions can help others, and being part of this community means a lot to me,” she said. “Horses have taught me so much, about patience, teamwork, and caring for something bigger than yourself. I hope to keep growing as a rider and as a person, and to show that young equestrians can be strong, kind, and make an impact too.”
Tell me about your pony, riding, and showing goals.
I’ve been leasing Rosmel Zephyr (“Jeff”) for a couple of months now, and he’s been awesome. He’s super sweet, really tries his best, and I’ve learned a lot from him already. I’m working on building a good partnership with him, and my goals are to keep improving, keep learning new things, and just have fun whether it’s at the barn or in the show ring.
Tell me about the book you wrote!
I just finished writing my first book, it’s called “Chosen by a Pony.” The inspiration came from my first pony, Milan. He was more than just a pony; he was my partner and my best friend. Sadly, like Caramel in my story, Milan injured one of his hind legs. I decided to pause my riding goals so I could take care of him for the next two years. Even though he didn’t fully recover, the experience taught me so much about love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond we share with our animals.
Writing this book helped me express everything horses have taught me, not just about riding but about life. They show us how to be strong, kind, and loyal.
I think a lot of kids, especially 8-12 year olds who love horses, will connect with my story. It’s about friendship, believing in yourself, and never giving up on your dreams, even when things get tough.
My goal is that “Chosen by a Pony” inspires other young riders to dream big and to trust in the special bond they have with their horses. Through my book, I also want to share the message that with love, determination, and a little bit of courage, incredible things can happen.
How did you feel about your visit to Pioneer Park with JustWorld in February?
The visit to Pioneer Park was really special. It helped me see how JustWorld is making a real difference for kids. Everyone there was so kind and welcoming, and I felt proud to be part of something that brings hope and new opportunities to other kids.
My favorite part was reading a horse book. I loved sharing a story that connected reading and horses, two things I really care about! It was also fun bringing a miniature pony to the school, and the kids were so excited. I think it helped them connect with the story and feel curious about horses.
I really hope I get to come back one day and read my book to them. That would be such a dream come true!!
What JustWorld activities have you most enjoyed?
I’ve really loved being part of the StoryBook Treasures program since reading and writing are two of my favorite things. It’s so cool to know that we’re helping other kids discover the magic of stories. I also really enjoyed the Fit for the Cause activity. It was a fun way to stay active while supporting something meaningful. And one of the best parts has been meeting other Ambassadors who care about making a difference. It makes me feel like I’m part of something really special.
What else would you like to do with JustWorld?
I’d love to stay involved and be part of something that brings young equestrians together to make a difference. I think a lot of kids who ride really care and want to help others, and it would be awesome to work on projects that support other kids, education and people in need. I’d love to help come up with fun ideas to show that riders can do more than just compete. We can also use what we love to spread kindness and support important causes.
Whether you’re a junior, amateur, professional, official, judge, owner of fan, we want YOU to join JustWorld International as an Ambassador.
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JustWorld International
Established in 2003, JustWorld International was created to connect equestrians with a direct way to help fracture the cycle of poverty through education, healthcare, nutrition, and leadership programs benefiting children around the world. Ambassadors from more than forty countries have since committed to “Ride for the Cause” and transform the lives of children through equestrian sport. JustWorld has united the international equestrian community and become the Official Charity Partner of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body of equestrian sport. Envisioning a more just world, the non-profit organization cultivates strategic, project partnerships in a collaborative approach to impact the lives of nearly 10,000 children around the globe annually.
To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.
JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.