Calling All Palm Beach County Charities! Participate in the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge Presented by Fidelity Investments®

The FTI GCC is an exhilarating pro/amateur event where amateurs are paired with world-class riders and randomly assigned with charities to compete for prize money raised by equestrian families and corporate donors. In its first three years, the event raised over $2.7 million dollars for over 50 Palm Beach County charities. The goal this year is to raise over $1 million with 100% of all proceeds being donated to 32 local charities. These will be randomly selected from a pool of applicants at Wellington’s annual WinterFest, on the grounds of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, on December 1, 2012. The winning charity will be awarded $150,000 and every participating team will receive a minimum of $10,000.

Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions, co-founder of the event with his daughter Paige, commented, “This event allows the equestrian community to showcase and to financially support the broad missions of 32 randomly selected Palm Beach County charities. The people that run these charities are amazing and we need to support them during these difficult times. Including so many different charities in one single event and having each one of them come out a winner is unique. This event is not about a specific charity, but the spirit of giving while celebrating the heroes in our community.”
Dennis Shaughnessy, Chairman of FTI Consulting, the Title Sponsor of the FTI WEF and the FTI GCC, added, “Through our sponsorship of the annual FTI WEF, our firm is able to extend our support into the local Palm Beach community, where our executive headquarters are based, and contribute to the success of this important fundraising effort. This event continues to grow and it is fantastic to be part of the equestrian world’s initiative to give back to the community that supports it.”

To apply, please visit www.equestriansport.com and click on the red button labeled “Apply FTI GCC”. Once the questionnaire is filled out, please send the necessary documentation along with a copy of your charity’s 501(c)(3) letter of determination and Consumer’s Certificate of Exemption from the Florida Department of Revenue to Anne Caroline Valtin at annecaroline@equestriansport.com. Applications are due by November 26, 2012 at 5 p.m. EST. The drawing of charities will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

The FTI GCC will follow the format of FTI WEF’s “Saturday Night Lights” at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. This family fun event will feature a child’s fair, live band and many dining options.

Don’t miss out on the excitement and come join us to support your favorite participating team and charity on Saturday January 26, 2013 at 6 p.m. The FTI GCC is free to attend. If you would like to help or participate in this wonderful event, please contact Anne Caroline Valtin at 561-784-1133 or annecaroline@equestriansport.com.

More on the 2013 FTI GCC, including sponsor and charity information, and other exciting news will be announced throughout the fall via our website: www.ftigreatcharitychallenge.com and Facebook page (FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge).

About the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival
The 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) has 12 weeks of world class competition running from January 9 through March 31, 2013. The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions and Wellington Equestrian Partners and held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. All 12 weeks are “AA” rated and Jumper Rated 6, with approximately $7 million in prize money awarded.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations protect and enhance enterprise value in an increasingly complex legal, regulatory and economic environment. With more than 3,800 employees located in 24 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges in areas such as investigations, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory issues, reputation management, strategic communications and restructuring. The company generated $1.56 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2011. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity Investments is one of the world’s largest providers of financial services, with assets under administration of $3.8 trillion, including managed assets of $1.6 trillion, as of October 31, 2012. Founded in 1946, the firm is a leading provider of investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing and many other financial products and services to more than 20 million individuals and institutions, as well as through 5,000 financial intermediary firms. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit www.fidelity.com.

For inquiries about the FTI GCC, please contact Anne Caroline Valtin at 561-784-1133 or annecaroline@equestriansport.com.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.