Step aside Randy, Paula, Simon and Kara. Mark Leone, George H. Morris, Mason Phelps Jr. and Susie Schoellkopf have signed on again as judges for the 2009 Equestrian Idol Musical Talent Show to benefit The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.
New this year, the event will take place at the International Polo Club Palm Beach’s Grand Marque Tent at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6 in Wellington. The Newman’s Own Foundation is this year’s host.
Featuring musical performances by talented equestrians, including returning performers, Heather Caristo, Hillary Dobbs, Patricia Griffith, Casey Hodges, Brian Lookabill and Chad Watridge, and encore performances by Taylor Blauweiss, the 2007 Idol, and Ki-Juan Minors, 2008 Idol, The EQUUS Foundation also issued an open call to add some new performers this year.
The attire is casual and the event includes a reception, buffet dinner, and silent auction in addition to the talent show.
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, based in Connecticut, is a nonprofit residential summer camp where children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses come each summer for an unforgettable experience, free of charge. The EQUUS Foundation awards a grant annually to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp to help underwrite its horseback riding program.
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is one of 50 charities that received grants from The EQUUS Foundation last year. More than $300,000 was awarded to charities that use the horse to benefit the public, promote horse welfare, and elevate the equestrian sport, bringing the total to more than $1.1 million since 2003. The grants were made possible almost entirely from event participation.