Sonja Johnson, Chris Burton and Megan Jones were three of the squad to benefit from the Cantering Towards Kentucky Fundraiser Ball in 2010
Sorry, couldn’t resist the title! Now we have your attention..... Rumour has it that a follow up to the highly successful Cantering Towards Kentucky Fundraiser Ball held in 2010 will be taking place leading up to London 2012.
Stuart and Karen Tinney
Cantering Towards Kentucky, the brain child of the hard working trio Karen Tinney, Cheryl Sing and Gendy Parry-Okedon, was a huge success in September 2010 when they raised over $50,000 for the six designated members of the Australian Eventing squad travelling to Kentucky for the World Equestrian Games; Megan Jones, Sonja Johnson, Chris Burton, Sam Griffiths, Stuart Tinney and Paul Tapner. Held at the Crowne Plaza Norwest near Sydney, it was a sell out night with food, fun and dancing for all. Some incredible prizes were donated for auction which helped raise the $50,000.
What am I bid for these lovely boots?
The items auctioned last year were not only the usual horsey items from great supporters of the sport such as a saddle of choice from Bates Saddles and a pair of top boots from Brighton Saddlery but also some wonderful “experiences “ such as a holiday at Hamilton Island and the main prize which normally money cannot buy. This was the opportunity to ‘Be a Skipper for a Day’ on board the 28m racing yacht Yuuzoo - a Sydney to Hobart winning Super Maxi racing yacht (formerly known as Nicorette). The lucky winning bidders got to spend a few hours on board the yacht in Sydney Harbour and enjoy the hospitality of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia courtesy of the boat’s owner, Ludde Ingvall.
"On the Couch" with Chris, Sonja, Stuart and Megan
The dinner, dancing and auction were enjoyed by a wide range of eventing supporters who were intent on a good time. Eighty helium balloons were an instant sell-out and the auction saw some fast and frenzied bidding. The MC’s Hamish Cargill and David Cameron not only ran the auction but also kept the diners entertained with interviews “on the couch” with the Australian based riders – Megan, Sonja, Chris and Stuart. Even Sonja’s body parts were up for auction – or at least a fake dismembered finger in an esky! Stay tuned for more details, get ready to book your table and maybe start thinking about donating some great prizes to help fund our Australian Olympic eventing team. You’ll have a ball! To view more photos from the 2010 fundraiser, seehttp://www.an-eventful-life.com.au/fundraisers/ctk-fundraising-dinner-photos Here's a reminder of what our riders can do at these major championships
