Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington hosted the 22nd annual JustWorld International Gala on Sunday, Jan. 19, bringing the equestrian community together for an unforgettable night of fundraising for thousands of children worldwide.
Amid the dazzling Carnival-themed décor, high-energy performances and exhilarating fundraising bids, the evening remained firmly grounded in JustWorld’s mission: empowering young riders and transforming communities through education, healthcare and nutrition. At the heart of the gala were JustWorld’s four impactful projects — StoryBook Treasures (U.S.), El Patojismo (Guatemala), Asociación Compartir (Honduras) and the People Improvement Organization (Cambodia) — which were brought to life through speeches that emphasized the importance of stepping into the shoes of others.
Key sponsors included Caryl Philips, Wendy and Michael Smith, Team Eye Candy, Cherry Knoll Farm, Tara and Mark Rein, the Samuel Sanford Family, JoAnn Palazzo and Mark Alexander, Traverse City Horse Shows, Belle Herbe Farm, Christy’s Bakery, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Buffalo Wild Wings and Laura Ashley Catering Events.
Olympic dressage rider Ashley Holzer kicked off the evening with an inspiring speech about her experience visiting Pioneer Park Elementary School in Belle Glade last March. In partnership with JustWorld, Rodriguez Equestrian and StoryBook Treasures, more than 30 ambassadors participated.
“These kids were blown away seeing this horse canter around,” Holzer said. “They were mesmerized. Most of them had never seen a horse before, and seeing their eyes light up when they saw this horse was truly an incredible experience to watch.”
JustWorld ambassadors Corinne Sweeney and Tatum Anderson added to the evening’s impact by recapping their transformative trip to El Patojismo with JustWorld last November, and founder Jessica Newman gave a poignant speech reflecting on two decades of JustWorld’s work.
“We are so proud of the influence we have had on generations of young equestrians who have become committed JustWorld ambassadors,” Newman said. “They have followed the lead of all our dedicated professionals to constantly impress us the more we empower them! These individuals not only support our cause but carry the spirit of philanthropy within them, making it a cornerstone of their lives.”
The evening also celebrated honorees whose contributions have been vital to advancing JustWorld’s mission. These included gala co-emcees Steven Wilde, a five-time Olympic commentator whose engaging presence has energized the gala for years, and Hailey Hak, a professional equestrian and JustWorld ambassador who joined Wilde onstage this year.
JustWorld also honored Dr. Evan Lefsky, an education strategist who has volunteered his expertise to JustWorld’s projects in Guatemala and Cambodia, and Sydney Collier, a Paralympic athlete and JustWorld ambassador who combines her equestrian career with volunteer work.
Maria Newman, a devoted supporter and chair of every JustWorld International gala for more than 20 years, was honored for her unwavering dedication to alleviating suffering and bringing comfort to those in need. A former French actress and singer, Maria has used her talent, charisma and extensive network to drive the success of JustWorld’s fundraising efforts. She volunteers her Belle Herbe Farm for the gala each year and has visited the organization’s projects across the globe, including more than 15 trips to the school in Cambodia.
JustWorld’s impact continues with a robust lineup of events in the coming months. On Friday, Feb. 7, the organization will kick off its Leadership Development Program with Olympian Reed Kessler, who will share her journey from JustWorld ambassador to national security professional. On Sunday, Feb. 9, a book-packing event with StoryBook Treasures will prepare for school visits to Pioneer Park and Pahokee elementary schools on Feb. 10 and Feb. 24.
“When I founded JustWorld, my vision was clear: I wanted involvement in charity work to become part of each ambassador’s identity and their soul — not just a charity they think of once a year,” Jessica Newman said in her gala speech. “I wanted them to continue doing what they love — riding and competing — but also giving back to those less fortunate.”
Learn more about the Wellington-based nonprofit at www.justworldinternational.org.
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