The inaugural Children’s Charity Classic will help 10 local nonprofits further their goals in supporting Marion County children in the areas of education, financial stability and health.

“While visiting Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, United Way staff and volunteers tried to corral the horse-shaped balloons they carried as they walked inside,” notes Beth Nelson, vice-president for community impact with United Way. “They were ready to surprise the staff and board members with the announcement that they were one of the agencies selected to participate in the Children’s Charity Classic, however, a stunning portrait of Kimberly Boyd, the center’s namesake, with her arms wrapped around her horse, Jitterbug, made them pause. The portrait captured a beautiful connection and served as a poignant reminder of the mission they were there to launch.”
The nonprofit center was formed by a task force of law enforcement, prosecutors and child protection leaders in 1996 to find a better way to care for children and teenagers in the aftermath of child abuse allegations. Thad, Chris and Snow Boyd’s sister, Kimberly, had lost her life in a car accident in 1994 and the task force asked to honor her legacy by naming the nonprofit for her. Out of that came Kimberly’s Cottage, now Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection. The nonprofit was awarded 501(c)3 status in 1999.
Boyd told the group this was a “full circle” moment for him, reflecting on his sister’s legacy, her love of horses and the impact of the Children’s Charity Classic’s goal of harnessing the strength of collaboration and community spirit to improve the lives of children in Marion County, Nelson offers.
“We love this creative new fundraising event that will help to connect the nonprofit sector to the equine community that brings so much benefit to Ocala/Marion County,” says Kimberly’s Center Executive Director Dawn Westgate.
Two years ago, Niki Tripodi, United Way’s vice president of resource development, saw an equestrian event that combined a love of horses and philanthropy, and felt this was something fit for Ocala.
“I was convinced that many equestrians are dedicated and giving. My passion for children drove me to create the Children’s Charity Classic,” Tripodi shares. “This is sure to be a fun and meaningful event that absolutely belongs in Marion County, the Horse Capital of the World. This legacy event will embody big team spirit and be a vision for change.”
Each participating organization in the classic, selected from a pool of video grant applicants, was recognized for innovative programs to support children and families. SMA Healthcare, for example, presented a video proposal aimed at helping mothers stay with their children during treatment. This initiative underscores the importance of family-centered care, fostering stronger bonds and enhancing the overall effectiveness of treatment, Nelson offers.
This was the first time UWMC utilized this grant format, which led to tough decisions by vision council members in narrowing down the agencies, Nelson explains. The agencies were graded on: How will the funds be utilized? What gap does your organization fill? What is your organization’s unique or different approach to services?

UWMC CEO Robert Haight notes that, according to the Asset Limited, Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) report, 51% of families in Marion County live in poverty versus 40% statewide.
“Many of our 23 funded partner agency programs and United Way initiatives focus on children’s nutrition, education, financial stability and physical and mental health,” he shares, adding that the charities selected for the classic “are poised to make a lasting difference, ensuring no child is left behind and that families receive the support they need during difficult times. Our vision is that this event will become a destination with a lasting legacy of providing opportunities for children in our community to succeed.”
Local celebrities will randomly draw riders’ names to be paired with the charities and each organization could receive between $10,000 and $30,000, based on how well the horse representing them performs in the classic, Nelson notes.
“Together, we can change the world,” Tripodi offers. “We cannot do this alone and implore individuals and businesses to join us. We believe love takes action.”
“Many of our 23 funded partner agency programs and United Way initiatives focus on children’s nutrition, education, financial stability and physical and mental health,” he shares, adding that the charities selected for the classic “are poised to make a lasting difference, ensuring no child is left behind and that families receive the support they need during difficult times. Our vision is that this event will become a destination with a lasting legacy of providing opportunities for children in our community to succeed.”
Local celebrities will randomly draw riders’ names to be paired with the charities and each organization could receive between $10,000 and $30,000, based on how well the horse representing them performs in the classic, Nelson notes.
“Together, we can change the world,” Tripodi offers. “We cannot do this alone and implore individuals and businesses to join us. We believe love takes action.”
To learn more, go to uwmc.org/childrens-charity-classic and find the event on social media.