Promoting Excellence in Dressage
 

Applewood Foundation Provides Financial Support for High Level Competitors in the Sport of Dressage

The Applewood Foundation, a charitable 501(c)(3) Georgia corporation, was developed by Applewood Farm to underwrite the training of individuals exhibiting extraordinary talent in sport of dressage. Individuals could make tax-deductible contributions to the foundation in an effort to support the future Olympic competitors from this region.

Incorporated in 2000, the foundation played an active role in supporting Olympian Michelle Gibson at the time when she purchased her Hanovarian stallion, World of Dreams. Through the work of volunteers, the foundation organized successful fund raising activities.  While the main focus of fund raising was in the local Atlanta area, we had some contributions that came in from across the USA.

We are proud to have sponsored the international air-transport for World of Dreams between the USA and Germany, his stabling in Wellington, and his insurance for several years.  These were exciting times for all of us who worked on the foundation projects, the most successful ones being the riding exhibition fundraisers at Applewood Farm featuring Ms. Gibson and World of Dreams.

After a successful run for several years, with Ms. Gibson no longer operating in the Atlanta area, alternative fundraising activities such as national mailing and phone campaigns were beyond the scope of the foundation volunteer staff.  The business expenses of keeping the foundation open could not be justified when there was not a steady stream of contribution coming in.  The foundation was closed and dissolved December of 2003.  Applewood Foundation sincerely thanks the volunteers and contributors who participated during its years of operation.

Please go to the Applewood Newsletter Archives to read more about the foundation activities and see photos from the fund raisers.  Questions about the foundation may be directed to Brad Thatcher, via email at brad@applewood-farm.com.