Pin Oak Charity Horse Show Raises The Bar in Support of Houston Kids; Record Donation of $110,000 Announced
RELEASE: September 6, 2007
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By Trish Morille
Ronald McDonald House of Houston and Texas Children’s Hospital will share a gift of $110,000 raised from the 62nd Annual Pin Oak Charity Horse Show held March 21-April 1 at Great Southwest Equestrian Center. It is the largest donation made in the history of the Show. Since its founding in 1945, Pin Oak has raised more than $3.5 million for children’s charities.
Pin Oak President Lynn Walsh presented the check to Dr. Zoann Dryer of Texas Children's Hospital and Naomi Scott and Mikki Donnelly of Ronald McDonald House Houston and said the unprecedented gift was a milestone in the horse show’s long history.
“Pin Oak has been rooted in support of Houston children’s charities since our founding 62 years ago,” said Walsh. “It is tremendously gratifying to see both the impact of the show’s growth on children and families here in Houston, as well as equestrian fans the world over.”
Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, the oldest horse show in the southwest, drew more than 10,000 visitors and more than 1,500 horses from the United States, Mexico, South America, Canada and Europe. This long-standing Texas tradition is as well known for its impact on Houston charities as much for its reputation as one of the most respected horse shows in the nation.
Presented by Compass Bank Wealth Management Group, the two-week equestrian extravaganza was first feted in fine fashion at a March 7 kick-off party hosted by Neiman Marcus. More than 125 guests ponied their way to the Couture Salon for "pin tini's" and a chance to meet one of equestrian's most celebrated stars, Spirit. The tiny therapy horse, decked out with body glitter, perfect nails and loads of "bling," took center stage at an event that celebrated the beginning of Pin Oak's 62nd year. In advance of the show, Spirit also delighted patients and families with a visit to Texas Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.
“This show is all about the children,” said Walsh. “From our riders and exhibitors, to our corporate partners and the entire Pin Oak board, we are dedicated to producing the best show we can and one that will directly impact children.”
The show was highlighted by several events, including Pin Oak Education Days sponsored by McDonalds, which drew over 1,000 elementary school children, a Parade of Champions, and the $30,000 Grand Prix of Pin Oak and the $30,000 Pin Oak Prix presented by RE/MAX of Texas. These grand prix show jumping competitions were presented alongside highly popular Gala Ringside Dinners. This year’s show saluted legendary horseman Colonel John Russell, a 60–year show jumping veteran and Olympic medalist, who was honored for his many contributions to equestrian sports. For complete show results, visit the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show website at
www.pinoak.org.
Sponsors of the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show include Presenting Sponsor Compass Bank Wealth Management Group, Academy Sports and Outdoors,
Cowboys & Indians Magazine, Dillard’s, Westside/Northside Lexus, KTRK ABC-13, McDonald’s Corporation, Neiman Marcus, Par Avion, Ltd., RE/MAX of Texas, Texas Farm & Ranch, Gulf States Four Star Trailers, Nordic Lights Farm, Fogarty Klein Monroe, BMC Software, Brennan’s of Houston, Ft. Bend Publishing, Frenchy’s Fried Chicken, Lansdowne Moody, and Benedettini Cabinetry.
Founded in 1945 by Houston philanthropist James S. Abercrombie and his wife Lillie, Pin Oak became a highlight of Houston’s social season, drawing Hollywood stars, entertainers and political leaders. In 1948, Pin Oak began a long-term commitment to raise funds to construct, and later support, Texas Children’s Hospital, which opened in Houston in 1954. During the next three decades, "Mr. Jim" Abercrombie, Leopold Meyer, the Junior League and a group of dedicated Houstonians established Pin Oak as one of the preeminent horse shows in the nation, attracting as many as 60,000 v