Friends and supporters of the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) 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.
For more than 15 years, the EAF has helped those in the horse community who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses and injuries.
“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 old National Horse Show photos. The launch party was generously sponsored by R. Bruce Duchossois, Missy Luczak Smith and Doug Smith, and friends of the EAF.
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.
Donations to the Charlie Weaver Legacy Fund can be made online at the EAF website www.equestrianaidfoundation.org or by mail.
About the Equestrian Aid Foundation:
In 1996 the Equestrian AIDS Foundation was established to assist those with HIV/Aids. Recognizing a broader need, the organization changed its name to the Equestrian Aid Foundation and revised its mission. Its mission is to build a membership-based organization to assist anyone in the equestrian world suffering from life threatening illness, catastrophic accidents or injuries by providing financial assistance for their medical or other basic needs.
It is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization that provides grant recipients funding for medical, healthcare, rehabilitation and essential expenses, such as housing and food, throughout their time of need. To learn more about the EAF, visit
http://www.equestrianaidfoundation.org, facebook http://www.facebook.com/EAF.Ride4Hope or twitter @ride4hope.