For Immediate Release — The 2025 Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) and hosted at Wellington International continues to prove that community collaboration can create extraordinary change. Through this year’s event, an additional $2 million in grants was distributed to 90 Palm Beach County nonprofits, impacting more than 150,000 lives to date.
Founded in 2009 by Mark and Paige Bellissimo, the GCC brings together the thrill of equestrian sport and the power of community giving. Thanks to the generosity of local donors, sponsors, and Wellington International’s commitment to covering all event costs, 100% of donations go directly to nonprofit organizations serving Palm Beach County residents.
“Every year, the GCC reminds us of what’s possible when people unite around a shared goal: to create a stronger, more compassionate community,” said GCC Executive Director Anne Caroline Valtin. “This year’s recipients showcase innovation, heart, and resilience across every sector—from youth development and education to animal rescue, veteran support, and environmental sustainability.”
Nonprofits at Work: Real Stories of Hope and Change
To view the final report of the funds at work, please click here. Below are just a few highlights of the benefiting organizations:
The Arc of Palm Beach County
175 adults with disabilities gained employment and dignity through vocational training and job placement programs.
Friends of Palm Beach
Removed over 15,700 pounds of marine debris, employing individuals seeking independence and mobilizing 150 volunteers.
The George Snow Scholarship Fund
Supported nine scholars through four years of college — providing mentorship, supplies, and a 90% graduation rate.
Fuller Center
Installed critical kitchen equipment to serve 900 children daily with nutritious meals in a safe and efficient environment.
Villages of Hope
Expanded its housing and life-skills program, helping foster youth and young parents transition toward independent living.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Rehabilitated 100 sea turtle patients, monitored 20,865 nests, and removed nearly 1,900 pounds of marine debris, strengthening coastal conservation.
Chasin A Dream Foundation
Provided direct assistance to 57 local families of children battling critical illnesses — and launched the Mindful Haven program to support parents’ mental health.
Grey Team
Delivered transformative therapy programs for veterans, helping them regain emotional balance, health, and family connection.
Community Impact by the Numbers
- $2+ million distributed locally in 2025
- 90 nonprofit organizations supported
- 150,000+ lives positively impacted
- 100% of donations returned to the community
- $20+ million raised to date, benefiting over 300 local charities
Join Us for the 17th Annual Great Charity Challenge!
The movement continues in 2026! Together, we’ll create even greater impact — uniting riders, donors, sponsors, and community members to change lives one jump at a time.
Your support makes this possible — from corporate sponsorships to personal contributions, every gift helps a local nonprofit thrive.
Become part of the story. Join us in championing Palm Beach County’s next chapter of giving. Please click here to learn more & get involved.
About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity’s mission is to strengthen the financial well-being of our customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses we serve. Fidelity’s strength comes from the scale of our diversified, market-leading financial services businesses that serve individuals, families, employers, wealth management firms, and institutions. With assets under administration of $16.4 trillion, including discretionary assets of $6.4 trillion as of June 30, 2025, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a broad and growing customer base. Privately held for 79 years, Fidelity employs more than 78,000 associates across the United States, Ireland, and India. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/our-company.
About the Winter Equestrian Festival
Situated in the heart of Wellington, FL, the iconic “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World”, Wellington International is the proud host of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). This internationally recognized 13-week event is the world’s largest and longest-running hunter/jumper horse show. Every year, WEF opens its gates to thousands of riders from 50 U.S. states and over 34 countries. Beyond equestrian sports, WEF offers an all-encompassing experience featuring VIP services, unmatched hospitality, versatile event spaces, and world-class shopping opportunities. With an annual contribution of more than $536 million to Palm Beach County’s GDP and the creation of over 4,800 jobs, the competition’s impact extends well beyond the facility. For more information or to experience the equestrian excellence firsthand, visit www.wellingtoninternational.com
