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Friday, April 4, 2008

Fundraiser for Darren Chiacchia Raises over $200,000

A fundraiser Wednesday night for Olympian Darren Chiacchia raised an estimated $200,000 for his medical care and rehabilitation, just as word came from the hospital in Tallahassee Chiacchia had been cleared to fly home to Buffalo NY to a treatment center.

About 500 people attended the event at W.C. Dover Farm in Midway. "Tonight is about celebrating Darren's recovery," said Carol Dover, who hosted the event with her husband Walt. "It's a humbling experience to be able to do this for the Chiacchia family." Carol and Walt Dover have been hosting the family in their guest house since their arrival from Buffalo, New York following Darren’s accident.

Founder of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, five-time Olympian Robert Dover (no relation to Carol and Walt) flew in from Wellington Florida, along with the Equestrian Aid Foundation Director of Grant Recipient Services, Janice Gray, and President R. Scot Evans, and newly appointed Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of EAF, Mary Phelps.

Janice Gray worked with the staff organized for the event where two separate tents were set up for collecting donations. “This is the best organized event I have had the pleasure of participating in.” said Gray. “Carol Dover’s staff had everything done and organized; all I needed to do was sit here to collect money for Darren!”

The Equestrian Aid Foundation has a 501c3 fund to help injured and sick members of the equestrian community in need of aid.

A special fund has been set up in Darren’s name to help continue to raise funds for what will be an ongoing expense as Darren faces months of recovery. You can click on our secure link to donate or checks and well wishes can be sent to EQUESTRIAN AID FOUNDATION, c/o Janise Gray, 228 Phillips Terrace, Union, NJ 07083. Please indicate Darren's name in the memo section of your check. We will forward all well wishes to Darren and his family.

Windfall Brings Robert Dover Out of Retirement