It was a perfect fall day on Saturday, September 21st, as approximately 500 spectators gathered at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve to cheer on horses and participate in a lively Calcutta where riders were “auctioned off”. Proceeds supported MANNA FoodBank in Asheville and The Hunger and Health Coalition in Boone. One-hundred percent of auction funds and ticket sales were donated to the two charities. The winning “bidders” of the top 6 finishing horses received prizes valued at over $20,000; including a week’s stay on the Caribbean Island of Bonaire.
Sponsored by the
James H. Fisher Memorial Foundation, the event was produced by the family in
memory of their son and brother, a young and popular horseman who grew up
riding Grand Prix Show Jumpers. The
Fisher Memorial Grand Prix was begun two years ago in Marshall, NC, on one of
many Fisher family Preserve Community developments. The Fisher Memorial Foundation serves as the
giving arm for the company, and James’ father Jack is the guiding hand of both
the company and the Foundation. This is the first year the competition has
been held in Blowing Rock.
Jack Fisher
said, “After raising over $50,000 at last year’s event, we knew we had outgrown
our venue. When Vick Russell suggested we consider moving the event to Blowing
Rock, I knew immediately the event would be successful, but I am truly amazed
by the outpouring of support we have received from the Blowing Rock Charity Horse
Show Foundation and the town of Blowing Rock as a whole. Seeing so many of
James’ friends from the horse world come together to raise money in his honor
is amazing and helps his memory live on.
James was an avid horseman and a lover of the mountains, so having this
event here is fitting.”
Charlie Sellers, Mayor of Blowing Rock was among the many
dignitaries attending the event. He
said, “My wife and I attended the Grand Prix on Saturday and were so impressed with
how well organized and fun the event was. I am so pleased to see another
event at the Broyhill Preserve. Many
thanks to Jack, Libba, and the whole Fisher family for bringing this wonderful
event to Blowing Rock. We hope you have
found a permanent home here in the High Country.”
The Grand Prix
itself offered $50,000 in prize money, the largest purse ever offered at the
Broyhill Equestrian Preserve. 24 horses
representing 6 countries competed in the event. First place went to Venezuelan
Luis Larrazabal and his horse Cassini Mira Flores. American Christina Kelley
was second on Shining de Reve and German rider Christoph Schroeder was third.
It was Larrazabal’s first time in Blowing Rock and he was grateful to be invited
to participate. “It was my first time
here and we are very happy we came. The Preserve is a beautiful place, it is a
great venue. I loved the atmosphere and people; we are very happy.”
Larrazabl is a
young but accomplished rider. He was
nervous about drawing first in the early round because that is rarely a good
placing, but he and Cassini left all the rails up and got no time-allowed
faults. In the second round, he knew
going in it would be fast round, but he planned and executed the blistering pace
perfectly to take the top prize and the winner’s share of the $50,000
purse.
Along with MANNA
in Asheville, the Proceeds of this event support the Hunger and Health Coalition. Elizabeth Young, Hunger and Health Director
said: "The
Hunger and Health Coalition team extends their profound gratitude to the Fisher
family for bringing this extraordinary event to Blowing Rock. There was
such an incredible pulse of excitement that extended through the whole day.
Our Food Assistance Programs and Free Pharmacy are helping
thousands of local residents each month to create a more stable environment for
themselves and their families. This funding will
help to ensure that all residents of the High Country can access their most
basic needs; nutritious foods and life-sustaining medications. In an area where
1 in 4 children are food insecure, this funding will make all the difference in
so many lives”.
Based in Asheville,
MANNA FoodBank was the original beneficiary of the first two Fisher Grand Prix
events. Mary Nesbitt, Chief Development Officer said: “MANNA FoodBank is extremely grateful for our
extraordinary partnership with Jack Fisher, his family and the Fisher Foundation.
Their generosity will provide enough
food for 180,250 meals and serve many who do not know where their next meal is
coming from or how to feed their families that day”. We cannot thank the family, The Blowing Rock Charity
Horse Show Foundation and all of the participants enough for all their generous
support.”
SOURCE: Press release