Surpassing a remarkable $24 million in total donations, the 2025 Great Charity Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC), supported over 80 nonprofits and 12 schools in Palm Beach County. Hosted on the evening of February 1, 2025, at Wellington International in Wellington, FL, the event united more than 120 generous benefactors, distributing over $2 million in a single night with the goal of positively impacting 187,307 lives.
This year's Global Music theme honored the enchanting bond between riders and their horses, fostering unity across cultures and bringing people together. The unwavering support from donors and sponsors along with the community's eagerness to contribute mirrors a collective dedication to positive change—a sentiment deeply appreciated by the Wellington International team. The GCC prides itself on transparency as 100% of donations go directly to the selected charities, ensuring a significant impact on various community-focused programs.
In the coming weeks, an additional $150,000 in grants will be allocated to address underfunded areas with a primary focus on combating hunger as well as improving access to the arts in local public schools.
The GCC remains a highlight of the Winter Equestrian Festival's Saturday nights by uniting equestrians and locals alike for a common cause. To date, the initiative has allocated over $24 million to 370 nonprofits in Palm Beach County.
“The success of the GCC underscores the collective effort to create lasting, meaningful change, as it continues to raise vital funds for causes ranging from education to healthcare, homelessness prevention, and beyond. It is a living example of how, when the equestrian world unites with philanthropy, extraordinary things happen,” expressed Anne Caroline Valtin, GCC Executive Director.
We extend an invitation to witness firsthand the impact of the funding across 60+ deserving organizations. For a detailed report on the intended use of the funds, please visit: https://bit.ly/2025GCCIntendedImpact
Highlighted impacts of the funding include:
- The Arc Of Palm Beach County will use the $100,000 received to provide vocational training for 175 adults with disabilities, ensuring the continued on the job-training opportunities for their clients.
- Fuller Center’s receipt of $65,000 will replace outdated kitchen equipment, enabling the center to continue preparing over 2,300 meals daily for children from low-income families.
- Stand Down was randomly selected the day before the event and received $27,500. The funds will directly support 80 veterans with supportive housing services while residing at Stand Down House.
- Project LIFT’s $200,000 grant will provide transportation and stipends to 700 at-risk youth, ensuring they can access mental health services and vocational training. Participants receive training in skilled trades, along with financial incentives for staying drug-free and engaged in the program.
The GCC emphasizes the importance of sustainable non-profit operations by providing unrestricted funding, allowing organizations the flexibility to allocate resources where they are needed most. This approach ensures that a minimum of 75% of all distributed funds directly benefit the local community, reinforcing long-term impact and organizational stability. Before funds are released, each benefiting non-profit undergoes a rigorous evaluation of its intended fund use plan. To maintain transparency and accountability, quarterly reports are issued, offering donors and the public ongoing insights into the progress, challenges, and achievements of the supported initiatives.
Stay up to date with the latest news, event details, the 2025 application process, and sponsorship opportunities by visiting www.greatcharitychallenge.com and following the event on Facebook @greatcharitychallenge and Instagram at @great_charity_challenge.
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 $15.1 trillion, including discretionary assets of $5.9 trillion as of December 31, 2024, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a broad and growing customer base. Privately held for 78 years, Fidelity employs more than 77,000 associates across the United States, Ireland, and India. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/our-company.
