September 7, 2006

The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation's Emergency Relief Fund Receives a Grant from Equus

The AHJF’s ERF Program Provides Emergency Financial Support to those in Need

The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation’s Equine Emergency Relief Fund was recently awarded a $5,225 grant from the EQUUS Foundation, Inc. AHJF was one of many benevolent organizations that were in total awarded $250,000 in grants.

EQUUS, an all volunteer foundation, awards grants to charitable organizations that have a beneficial impact on the community, with special emphasis on programs that promote the positive use of the horse for the benefit of the general public; improve the quality of life of horses; contribute to the welfare of the participants in the equestrian sport; and elevate the equestrian sport and profession as a whole. The group raises money from benefit luncheons whose proceeds are earmarked specifically for these worthy causes.

AHJF Executive Director Michele Perla was appreciative of the grant which will be used to help people in need. “The AHJF is both honored and humbled by the generosity of the grant made to us by the EQUUS Foundation,” noted Perla. “It is gratifying to know that other equestrian non-profit organizations recognize the importance of the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund. This grant money will help us assist those in the hunter/jumper sport during their time of need.”

The AHJF Emergency Relief Fund was established in 1995 to provide emergency financial support to individuals and families involved in the hunter and jumper sport. The Board of the AHJF reviews emergency situations, (medical emergency, accident disability or death in the family, drug or alcohol abuse, fire or a disaster) and makes a determination in accordance with the need. The monies come from the AHJF, private gifts and from other donations such as The Capital Challenge Horse Show and each WCHR horse show member event. All donations are tax deductible as charitable contributions.

The ERF Program is only part of what the AHJF offers. The organization was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider and show jumping competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition. Other programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF BSA Inc. 401k and Profit Sharing Plan. The AHJF also hosts the Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional WCHR Finals (October 6, 2006 in Maryland), the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular in Florida (February 24, 2007) and the Legacy Cup (May 9-20, 2007 in Kentucky).

For more information contact the AHJF, 335 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, Phone: 508-835-8813, www.ahjf.org, ahjf@earthlink.net.

The deadline for the EQUUS 2007 Grant Program is October 1, 2006. The Grant Application can be downloaded from the website at www.equusfoundation.org. For additional information, contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, or telephone (203) 259-1550, or email to equusfoundation@aol.com.