Aiken Olympic Gala Raises Funds for USET Foundation and U.S. Eventing High Performance Program

Source: Kendall Bierer/PMG Inc.

Successful Aiken Olympic Gala Raises Funds for USET Foundation and U.S. Eventing
High Performance Program

Aiken, SC - On Friday, March 16, 2012, Phillip and Evie Dutton hosted the fourth annual Olympic Gala in Aiken, SC at their winter facility in Bridle Creek. They helped bring the Aiken community together for a night of cocktails, a catered buffet, dancing, and a silent auction. The night raised $65,000 with all proceeds going to the USET Foundation for the benefit of the U.S. Eventing High Performance programs.

Top eventing riders Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin stepped forward as the Celebrity Hosts of the evening, welcoming the crowds as everybody gathered to enjoy the open bar and hors d'oeuvres, partaking in the raffle and silent auction while enjoying the music of Preston and Weston.

"I thought the gala was great, everyone had a wonderful time," Evie commented. "We had over 300 people in attendance and there was a lot of excitement, especially with it being an Olympic year. There was great music, dancing and everyone really enjoyed themselves."

The items featured in the silent auction this year included a carriage ride and picnic lunch for four in the Hitchcock Woods donated by Jack Wetzel, a Hearth cooked dinner for six including wine at Jack Wetzel's log cabin, a Charles Owen helmet, a Dutton-RZ saddle, two Bit of Britain Bridles and a gift certificate for consulting from Aiken interior design store, Nandina.

"This event has always been close to our hearts," Evie elaborated. "We are thrilled to give back and raise money for the High Performance programs through the USET Foundation. We always want to be able to give back to the team and support the riders as much as possible. Aiken has really become the epicenter for event riders. It is a great get together for everyone."

USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins added, "The Aiken Olympic Gala has really taken off and provides tremendous support and enthusiasm for the High Performance Eventing programs. We are so grateful to the wonderful Benefit Committee who worked tirelessly on this party and to all the guests who came out for all the fun."

This benefit would not have been possible without the vision and support of Bruce Duchossois, Jack Wetzel, Joan & Carl Hampf and Meybohm Realtors, Gala Committee Co-Chairs Bruce Duchossois, Evie Dutton, Annie Jones, Tracey Turner and Jack Wetzel, as well as the Gala Committee's Amy Ruth Borun, Freddie Davis, Joan Hampf, Densey Juvonen, Fernanda Kellogg, Bonnie Stedt, Deirdre Stocker Vaillancourt, Heidi White, Sarah Wildasin and Gretchen Wintersteen.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is a non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America's elite and developing international, high-performance athletes and horses in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information about the USET Foundation or to make a donation, please call (908) 234-1251 or visit the USET Foundation website at www.uset.org.