Wellington, FL (March 20, 2016)— The Challenge of the Americas was once again an impressive success this year, having so far throughout the years raised over $3 million for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) through its partner, Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate Diagnosis, New Technology, and Knowledge). A highlight of the Wellington, Florida winter social calendar, this year’s sparkling lineup of fine equestrian entertainment and equally excellent cuisine was held Friday night, March 11 at the International Polo Club-Palm Beach.
Terri and Devon Kane, the mother/daughter duo who own the Wellington dressage training facility Diamante Farms, returned to support the Challenge of the Americas, this year as a Gold Sponsor. Diamante Farms, home to USDF Gold medalist and Grand Prix trainer Devon Kane, has been a part of making this equestrian fundraiser possible for many years.
“Breast cancer is something everybody should be aware of, and the Challenge is a wonderful way to express support for a very good cause,” explained Terri Kane. “I have had several family members and friends who have faced breast cancer. We have sponsored the Challenge of the Americas before and have attended the event for many years. Even though it is a competitive event, it’s very fun and entertaining, and the riders really feed off of the audience’s energy,” said Kane, whose daughter, Devon, has performed in several of the Challenge’s quadrilles over the years.
This season marked the twelfth anniversary of The Challenge of the Americas and its battle against breast cancer. Competing riders include a Who’s Who of international dressage and show jumping champions, who united to Play for P.I.N.K. and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and dedicate their choreographed musical performances to finding a cure in our lifetime. The 2016 winner was Team Back on Track, which included riders Jim Koford, Marcus Orlob, Allison Kavey, Katie Hiller, Kaitlin Blythe, and Heidi Degele.
The generosity of the Kane family has reverberated throughout the dressage world all winter season. In February, Devon Kane, who has served as Chair of the Young Professionals Committee for the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, led the coordination of its Annual Auction and Dinner. Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center serves children and adults with developmental, physical, and psychological disabilities, and in her tenure as Chair, Devon has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit its riders. This year marked its 28th Annual Auction and Dinner. Terri Kane is also a member of Vinceremos’s Host Committee, and is a board member for Vinceremos. The Kanes also support dressage riders by sponsoring the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, the Under 25 division of the show series, and the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships (being held this weekend).
Diamante Farms is an ideal facility for riders to achieve their goals in dressage. With indoor and outdoor arenas, world-class footing, and a spacious facility, Diamante Farms offers top-quality training, clinics, boarding, and sales, and is dedicated to bringing out the best performance possible from riders and their horses.
For more information about Diamante Farms, visit www.DiamanteFarms.com or call 561-307-2831. Learn more about the Challenge of the Americas at www.ChallengeoftheAmericas.com.
-30-
Photo 1: Devon Kane (left) and Terri Kane (right), owners of Diamante Farms, enjoy the 2016 Challenge of the Americas as Gold Sponsors (Photo courtesy of JRPR— no photo credit necessary)
Photo 2: The 2016 Challenge of the Americas in Wellington, Florida raised funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play for P.I.N.K (Photo courtesy of JRPR— no photo credit necessary)
