Wellington, FL – March 12, 2026 — The 17th Annual Great Charity Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) once again demonstrated the extraordinary impact of community-driven philanthropy, distributing over $2 million to 87 Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations and bringing the initiative’s lifetime giving to more than $26 million.
Hosted on the evening of Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Wellington International in Wellington, Florida, the event brought together 127 donors and sponsors, top equestrian athletes, and community supporters for a unique show jumping relay competition benefiting local charities. The funding distributed during the event is expected to positively impact at least 282,765 lives across Palm Beach County.
Founded in response to the 2008 economic crisis by Mark and Paige Bellissimo, the Great Charity Challenge has grown into one of the most impactful philanthropic initiatives within the equestrian world. The event continues to stand apart through its commitment to transparency: 100% of donations go directly to nonprofits, while Wellington International covers all operational costs associated with hosting the event.
©️Lois Spatz
Each benefiting organization submits a detailed Intended Fund Use Report outlining how the grant will be used to serve Palm Beach County residents. This process ensures accountability and measurable outcomes while guaranteeing that a minimum of 75% of all distributed funding remains within the local community.
“The Great Charity Challenge continues to demonstrate what is possible when a community comes together around a shared purpose,” shared Anne Caroline Valtin, Executive Director of the Great Charity Challenge. “Each year we witness extraordinary generosity from our donors and sponsors, and it is incredibly rewarding to see these contributions translate into tangible impact for thousands of families across Palm Beach County.”
©️Cassidy Klein
Transforming Lives Across Palm Beach County
The organizations supported through the 2026 Great Charity Challenge represent a diverse network of programs addressing healthcare access, youth development, education, food security, environmental conservation, and animal welfare.
Some of the impactful initiatives supported this year include:
- Urban League of Palm Beach County – $100,000
The grant will expand long-standing summer and Thanksgiving food drives, providing thousands of families with a week’s supply of nutritious food and helping address food insecurity during critical times of the year. - Education Foundation of Palm Beach County – $80,000
Funds will support the Red Apple Supplies program, which provides classroom materials to students and teachers in Title I schools, helping reduce financial strain on educators while creating more equitable learning environments. - Farmworker Coordinating Council – $65,000
Funding will strengthen critical support programs for farmworker families, including food distribution services, case management, and economic stabilization programs serving thousands of residents annually. - Wounded Veterans Relief Fund – $60,000
This funding will provide emergency financial assistance for disabled veterans and their families, covering urgent needs such as housing, transportation, and essential living expenses. - FoundCare – $55,000
The organization will expand pediatric healthcare services by introducing vision screenings and eye exams for children in underserved communities, ensuring access to corrective care that directly supports learning and development.
Encouraging Collaboration and Community Innovation
In addition to the event grants, the GCC continues to promote collaboration through partnership grants introduced during its nonprofit roundtable event, encouraging organizations that have not previously worked together to develop innovative solutions addressing shared community challenges.
©️Lois Spatz
A Community United Through Giving
The Great Charity Challenge remains a highlight of the Winter Equestrian Festival, bringing together equestrians, philanthropists, businesses, and local residents in celebration of sport and generosity. Through its unique format and strong community support, the initiative continues to strengthen the connection between the equestrian world and the broader Palm Beach County community.
We invite the public to witness firsthand the impact of this funding across 87 deserving organizations. To view the full report detailing how funds will be used throughout the year, please visit the 2026 Intended Fund Use Report: https://online.fliphtml5.com/xotys/gzoh/
Stay up to date with the latest news, event details, the 2027 application process, and sponsorship opportunities by visiting www.greatcharitychallenge.com and following the event on Facebook and Instagram.
