R. Scot Evans, Missy Luczak Smith, Doug Smith, Katie Whaley and R. Bruce Duchossois. Ginny Green, Gretchen Hunt, Sheryl Kursar and Pam Vance. Becky Gochman, Lyn Pedersen, Mimi Tashjian.

Friends and supporters of the Equestrian Aid Foundation gathered last week at the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Ky., to launch the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund. Named for legendary horseman Charlie Weaver, who passed away in 2010 from injuries sustained in a riding accident, the endowment fund will ensure the EAF's mission continues to help those in dire need for decades to come.  

The launch party was generously sponsored by R. Bruce Duchossois, Missy Luczak Smith and Doug Smith, and friends of the EAF. 

"Creating an endowment fund is necessary to ensure long-term benefits exist and our commitment to help those in need is steadfast," said R. Scot Evans, president of the Equestrian Aid Foundation. "Charlie was admired and respected by so many and it is an honor to remember him with the Charlie Weaver

Legacy Fund.

"Launching the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund during the Alltech National Horse Show was an obvious choice, as he was the hunter rider that broke all the records at the National Horse Show held at Madison Square Garden."

Alltech National Horse Show's Gracie Street Garden, designed by M. Douglas Mutch of Gracie Street Interiors in West Palm Beach, Fla., created a storied ambiance using reclaimed wood from thoroughbred barns, antiques, art and archival photos of the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden.  

See all the photos here.    

Creating the legacy for a better future -

Your donation to the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund will create the financial safety net needed to ensure that our mission to help others lives on for many years to come. With support from caring people like you, we will continue to offer a helping hand, a kind word and a promise of hope during a difficult time.

Donate Now!      

Mimi Tashjian, Jenny Dunion, Ken Berkley, Georgina Bloomberg, Janise Gray.

About Charlie Weaver -

Charlie Weaver, a successful horseman and rider, passed away on June 7, 2010 from injuries sustained in a riding accident. His stellar career as a hunter rider and trainer was highlighted by his induction into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame in 2002 and the championship ribbons and awards too numerous to count. Those who knew Charlie describe him as a true gentleman, an inspiration in and out of the ring, and larger-than-life in the sport he loved. His accident and injuries brought to light the need to support those in the equestrian community during a medical crisis. The Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund will enable the Equestrian Aid Foundation to assist horsemen in need today, tomorrow and always. 

Photo credits: PhelpsPhotos.com®  

Michael Taylor, Bill Weeks, R. Bruce Duchossois.	Jacquie McCutchan, Janise Gray, R. Scot Evans, Sheryl Kursar, Mason Phelps.	Nick, Jeanie and Norman Dello Joio.

Kudos! Special Thanks: 

Support the EAF this holiday season by shopping online and dining out (it even works for take out)! What could be easier? 

GoodShop.com  

Thousands of companies are listed with GoodShop and will donate 1-6% of your sale to the charity of your choice. Percentages depend on the retailer and coupon. Here's how it works -

1. Go to GoodShop.com
2. Register as a supporter of Equestrian Aid Foundation (Wellington, FL)
3. Search more than 100,000 coupons - everything from popular department stores, home improvement stores, airline travel sites, pet supplies, etc.  
4. Buy your item through the GoodShop portal using your coupon and you'll be making a direct donation to the EAF. 

GoodDining.com 

Similar to GoodShop, but you register first and the percentage for charity is determined by how much you've donated through GoodDining.  

1. Go to GoodDining.com
2. Register - this includes putting your credit card on file
3. Check out all the terrific participating restaurants
4. When you go to eat or order take out at a participating restaurant, use your registered credit card.
5. GoodDining will donate 2.5% of your purchase to EAF!
6. Post a review within 30 days of your dining experience and GoodDining will donate another 1%. (Once you've spent $750 during the year at participating restaurants - you become a VIP and earn 5%, with 1% for the review.)