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Hundreds Attend Fundraiser for Olympian Darren Chiacchia; Equestrian Aid Foundation Continues to Raise Funds

Release: April 17 2008

Author: severs

By Christine DeHerrera

Hundreds of people attended a fundraiser last week in Tallahassee, FL, for critically injured Olympic event rider Darren Chiacchia. Well-wishers not only raised funds, but gave much needed support to Chiacchia's family who flew in from Buffalo, NY, for the event that featured a video tribute, silent auction and a musical freestyle performed by Robert Dover on Chiacchia’s Pan American Games Gold-medal partner Windfall. In addition to the incredible fundraiser orchestrated by Carol Dover at her WC Dover Farm, more than 400 contributions have been made to the emergency fund designated for Chiacchia at the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF).

“As a community, we are taking care of our own during a time of need,” explained EAF President R. Scot Evans. “The outpouring of donations and well-wishes demonstrates the generosity of the equestrian community and shows the necessity for an organization like the EAF.” All of the donations received by the EAF on Chiacchia’s behalf go directly to him. Evans continues, “The EAF works not only to distribute funds for medical expenses, but also living expenses, which is absolutely critical during a crisis such as this. During a tragic or life changing event, people with passion truly come together and make a difference.”

One of those passionate people, Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, revealed what can be accomplished with energy and enthusiasm for a heartfelt project. In no time at all, Dover devised a fundraiser that included state senators, equestrians from around the country and local business people.

Evans and the EAF team were impressed with the support of the local, non-horsey community. “They wanted to help since this tragedy occurred in their community and they know how important [the Red Hills Horse Trials] are to their community,” he said.

Carol Dover, a longtime friend of Chiacchia’s, has been involved in numerous fundraisers in her career, but felt that this event was incredibly special. “I’m not sure I’ve been involved in any fundraising event that has made more of an imprint on my life than this one has,” she recalled. “We had people from as far away as California, hunter/jumper, dressage and even reining folks, that came together for Darren.”

EAF Director of Grant Recipients Janise Gray was humbled by the support. “I’m overwhelmed by the responses and contributions for Darren,” she said. The Pan American Games Gold medalist was injured cross-country on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Red Hills Horse Trials. After several weeks in the intensive care unit at a Florida hospital, Chiacchia was moved to a rehabilitation center near his home in Buffalo. Not only has Darren been a tremendous athlete, he has also been a member of the Board of Governors of the Equestrian Aid Foundation for several years and serves on the Ambassador Committee. His great energy and ideas have been of tremendous value to the EAF and equestrian sports in general.

Six-time Olympian and EAF Chairman Emeritus Robert Dover said, “Darren is battling valiantly with the amazing support of his family and all who love him. While we hope the worst is over, this fight has just begun! Darren and his family have a very long road ahead of them that will surely see many ups and downs. Through this fundraiser and the donations at the EAF, we can all show our love and support by reducing one of the greatest points of stress they are encountering—the huge financial burden. Our equestrian community is full of generous, wonderful people. With this knowledge and Darren’s spirit, anything is possible.”

You can make donations to Chiacchia on a secure link on the EAF website at www.equestrianaidfoundation.org, or send checks and well wishes to EQUESTRIAN AID FOUNDATION, c/o Janise Gray, 228 Phillips Terrace, Union, NJ 07083. Please indicate Ch

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