HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital rally support for Marion County nonprofits that serve children
The hospitals are sponsoring the Children's Charity Classic, a new fundraising event hosted by the United Way of Marion County.
Ocala, FL – HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital today announced the sponsorship of the first-ever Children’s Charity Classic — a fun, free, family-friendly event created by the United Way of Marion County to benefit underprivileged children in our community.
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are proud to partner with the United Way as the Grand Prix sponsor of the inaugural edition of this event, which seeks to raise $100,000 to support 10 nonprofit organizations that help our community’s most vulnerable members in time of need. The United Way selected the recipients through an application process.
The Children’s Charity Classic (CCC) seeks to generate financial support for the nonprofits by leveraging the popularity and prestige of Marion County’s equestrian community.
“Our purpose today is to rally support for the nonprofit organizations that will share in the proceeds of the Children’s Charity Classic,” said Alan Keesee, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “We at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital know that those organizations work hard to promote the health and welfare of children, which certainly aligns with our hospitals’ overall mission to care for and improve each human life above all else.”
“We are also very excited to watch the CCC, a free, family-oriented, and entertaining competition that combines these incredible horses and their skilled riders with popular children’s literature that most of us know and love,” said Keesee.
“Marion County is a community of wealth and great need. Over 51% of our families live in poverty or in an ALICE household (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed). Our goal is to create a legacy event with the equine community, business leaders, and philanthropists to improve opportunities for children living in Marion County,” said Robert Haight, president and CEO of United Way of Marion County. “HCA Florida Healthcare is a community thought leader and United Way partner that supports Community Partnership Schools, Strong Families, ReadingPals, and our 19 funded partner agencies. The Grand Prix sponsorship provides needed financial support to children’s organizations and awareness of community programs that eliminate barriers and foster the foundation for a successful life.”
As designed by the United Way of Marion County, the CCC pairs each charity with a show-jumping equestrian team. Each team will be outfitted in costumes reflecting the theme of a children’s book.
The pairings of charities and books are as follows:
- Arnette House: “Harry Potter”
- Boys & Girls Club of Marion County: “Where the Wild Things Are”
- Community Partnership Schools: “Pippi Longstocking”
- Early Learning Coalition: “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”
- Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection: “Peter Pan and Wendy”
- The Pearl Project: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
- Reading Pals: “Curious George”
- Episcopal Children’s Services: “Charlotte’s Web”
- SMA Healthcare: “Cat in the Hat”
- Strong Families: “Mary Poppins”
The Children’s Charity Classic will be held 6:00pm, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at HITS Post Time Farm, 13710 N. U.S. 27, Ocala. Gates will open at 4:30pm. The event is free, with the United Way requesting a $10 cash donation per vehicle for parking. Those proceeds will also benefit the CCC.
Seating is festival-style, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Guests are also invited to don costumes that show support for their favorite team and the book the team represents.