Brooke USA Foundation together with Robin Greenwood host an exclusive gathering for the local Carolinas communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.
One of the premier breeders and trainers of pony hunters in the nation, Robin Greenwood will lead Brooke USA’s fundraising in Southern Pines for the local Carolinas communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. During the private, VIP garden reception and cocktail, guests will experience an amazing backdrop with local influentials gathering for such a worthy cause for the equestrian community and humankind.
Bobby Costello, local resident and Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe for the United States Olympic Eventing Team in Paris, will serve as the guest of honor and will talk about experiences and anecdotes from the 2024 Olympics. He will also be on hand to answer questions from guests.
After the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Helene on western North Carolina, Brooke USA has activated Brooke USA’s Hurricane Relief Fund intended to raise money in support of the equestrian community – human and equine – who have suffered the devastating effects of the storm. The hurricane has displaced people and animals, disrupted health and veterinary systems and left families and their beloved equines in desperate need of services and supplies.
As Americans in the storm-battered North Carolina begin to climb out of the damage, Brooke USA is rallying support efforts and partnering with Equestrian Aid Foundation, EQUUS Foundation and Fleet of Angels to provide first aid, food, clothing and other supplies to equestrian families as well as to equines in need of veterinary care as well as feed and hay. 100% of the funds raised will be distributed to the partner organizations. During the reception, guests will have the opportunity to donate to Brooke USA’s Hurricane Relief Fund and help neighboring communities in North Carolina.
In this time of emergency, Brooke USA is counting on the support of the Southern Pines community based on the area’s successful track record. Just last year, Brooke USA hosted the premiere of the award-winning movie “EO”, the story of an innocent donkey who travels the Polish and Italian countryside and encounters an array of people – good and bad. The fundraiser yielded over $40,000 to support Brooke USA’s fight against the importation and sale of ejiao, a gelatin derived from boiling the hides of donkeys and used in traditional Chinese medicine and luxury cosmetics. An estimated five million donkeys are unnecessarily slaughtered every year to meet the growing demand for ejiao.
“As a resident of Southern Pines and an equine vet, I am so proud of the difference my community is making in the lives of people and animals, especially among those who need it most – whether in the developing world or right here in the United States,” stated Jim Hamilton DVM, Chairman of the Board of Brooke USA. “And, during these times when our state is facing the worst catastrophic event in our history, I am thrilled that Brooke USA can help provide food and supplies for families and their equines; shelter for people who have lost their homes or for equines who require stabling, and medical and veterinary care and other essential services to those – animal or human – injured or sick,” added Hamilton.
Those interested in joining Brooke USA at the garden reception can contact Kim Shipp, Community Outreach Officer, at Kim.Shipp@BrookeUSA.org or 803.207.0499 to purchase tickets at $100 per person or $150 per couple. Or, to make a donation to Brooke USA’s Hurricane Relief Fund, visit www.BrookeUSA.org/hurricane-relief.