Philadelphia

The Thorncroft’s Annual Victory Gallop, Bejeweled, fashionable and fantastic decor by Valley Forge Flowers

April 15, 2013 by HughE Dillon

One of the premier gala events of the year is the Thorncroft’s Annual Victory Gallop which took place on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at
the historic Hyatt at The Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia. The Victory
Gallop is Thorncroft’s most celebrated and successful fundraising event
generating nearly $160,000 annually for their therapeutic riding
programs.

  Thorncroft has earned a worldwide reputation for helping
children and adults with special needs such as autism, cerebral palsy,
mental retardation, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries and
other physical, mental and emotional challenges.  (Valley Forge Flowers did the decor.)

 

Founder Saunders Dixon and wife Sallie Dixon, have been recognized as forerunners in the field of therapeutic riding. Many of their riders require financial assistance to participate in their riding programs. The Scholarship Fund, solely supported by their fundraising efforts, is the hallmark of their program and crucial in allowing their philosophy of “never turning a rider away solely due to lack of funds.” 

 Saturday May 25, 2013: The 34th Annual Presentation of the Handicapped Riders Division of the Devon Horse Show. Saturday hosted by Thorncroft and Sponsored by Brushwood Stable, Sunday
the champions compete at the prestigious Devon Horse Show grounds for
the coveted Hope Montgomery Scott Trophy.   

 Gina Prebeich and Laura Sartain from Tiffany & Co.  Tiffany & Co. donated a graduated diamond drop pendant to the Victory Gallop event and guests were encouraged to purchase a key to unlock the display box containing the pendant.

Bummer guess I didn’t win this, I ran back at 9PM to see I was still the high bidder at $300, which was a bargain as it was for the signed stick, puck and print. I probably should have bid $400. I like to get items for my charity gala which I host annual for Gilda’s Club in honor of my sister who died of Ovarian Cancer in 2009

I bought a new lens to shoot at events, it’s a bit trying as it’s a
35MM portrait lens, which means getting “fashion shots” are complex and
have to shoot from a distance, but you can shoot without a flash, which
helps me get more candids. So often people who see someone with a camera
want to pose. I like the photojournalist style of candids sometimes.
Cheers!!

 Rich and Robin Coroniti, with Susan and Dan Katzin
 Diana Plucinski and Brian Blair
 If you know of a sound, kind horse or pony
that you think would work well for Thorncroft please give a call. All
donations are tax deductible and you can be assured that your special
gift will be well taken care of and loved by many.

 Where can I get one of these? They were only $100 donation, but I couldn’t carry it around all night. So cute for my balcony.

 I love the fashion that turns out at a gala. There are gems to be found like this bag.
 Best dressed couple.
 Love that bowtie
 OMG great dress, especially for springtime
 Hmm I keep getting caught shooting candids. I love her outfit. Thoughts?
 Jill Michal, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and
 Kevin and Karen Coleman bought a Tiffany key and were looking forward to winning to bejewel Karen’s neck.
 OMG best dress of the night. So gorgeous.
 Jay and Hadia Lefavre Tolson (look for Hadia in my Philly Mag column this month, from the Opera Gala. Looking fabulous as usual.)

 Thaddeus Bartkowski and Crystal Crawford. Crystal is a regular rider at Thorncroft, which also serves the general public. Here with

 I always love Marcia Rubin’s style, simple, but elegant. Plus she has a smile that lights up the room. (Honestly she reminds me of my mother so whenever I see her I’m so happy.) Here the ladies are taking photos of a few of the riders at Thorncroft.

Before I knew it it was time for me to go and cover the other two fun events for the evening, both Young Friends events (Gatsby Gala at the Union League and the Spruce Foundation Gala at the World Cafe.) It’s wonderful to see young people get involved in philanthropy. As Rudy Flesher, Here’s My Chance said at the Spruce Foundation Gala, it doesn’t matter if you donate $5 or $500, you are involved in philanthropy and are making a difference in someone’s life.