Friday, February 9th lite-bites, Wolfer wine, and a buffet dinner were served to over 400 highly esteemed guests at the Baran Hunt Ball at Wellington International’s equestrian ring benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach. Originally titled the $100,000 Stake Class & Hunt Ball, the newly named event was sponsored by Kristen Baran of Wellington, Southampton, Canada and beyond. The ball will benefit the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County, and summer camps in Wellington.
The event was Co-Chaired by Georgina Bloomberg and Jenny Oz LeRoy. During the buffet dinner, guests were able to view equestrians perform under the lights for the grand prize of $100,000. There was also a live auction and an awards ceremony. The event will provide life-changing programs for the youth of our county.
“It is rare that an inaugural event goes so well and smoothly, but because of the hard work of Georgina, Jenny, and Kristen, the Baran Hunt Ball was nothing but a triumph. Not only was it a fun and exciting night, but the funds raised will have life-changing impact for so many of our families of the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club,” said Jaene Miranda, CEO & President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
“For a first event, the Hunt Ball was a smashing success that was so well supported by the equestrian community. It was a magnificent night watching these athletes, as both horse and riders performed under the lights for the title and $100,000 in prize money. It was an honor to be title sponsor and a special thank you goes out to our chairs Georgina Bloomberg and Jenny Oz LeRoy. We can’t wait to do this again next year,” said Kristen Baran.
The Baran Hunt Ball featured an exciting equestrian team format with innovative competitions for significant prize money. The teams consisted of a professional, an amateur, and a junior rider who had competed in at least one rated hunter division with jumps 3’3” or higher at any competition held during the ESP Holiday Series or the Winter Equestrian Festival. A minimum of ten obstacles will simulate riding over hunt country and transition between the classic hunter style and the handy style. The prize money of $100,000 was split according to the finish of the top twelve teams.
The winning team was comprised of three riders: Professional: Brianne Goutal; Amateur: Grace Debney and Junior Rider: Clara Prop. Sponsorships included:Title Sponsor: Kristen Baran; Presenting Sponsor: Sebilion; Platinum Benefactors: Georgina Bloomberg and Pamela Walkenbach; Gold Benefactors: Jenny Oz LeRoy and GLDN Events LLC; Silver Sponsor: The Jacobs Family Foundation and Ovando Palm Beach
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County
Founded in 1971, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is a not-for-profit youth development organization dedicated to promoting the educational, vocational, health, leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe, nurturing environment. The Clubs provide more than a safe, fun, and constructive alternative to being home alone – they offer a variety of award-winning developmental programs to help youth build skills, self-esteem and values during critical periods of growth. The 20 Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Palm Beach County serve more than 13,000 children ages 6-18. For more information, please visit www.bgcpbc.org or call 561-683-3287.
