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Sunday, June 29, 2008

Olympic Riders Help USET Foundation Raise More Than $250,000 to Help Send U.S. Dressage Team to the 2008 Olympics

Olympians Robert Dover and Guenter Seidel helped the USET Foundation raise money the easy way – by taking it off. Not all of it, but stripping off their shirts raised $80,000 for the USET Foundation at its 'A Salute to Hong Kong' fundraiser held Saturday evening during the final weekend of the 2008 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions.

The two riders both have five Olympic rings tattooed on their bodies and in an effort to up the bids for a portrait session with photographer Elma Garcia, "auctioneer" Brian O'Connor told bidders if they offered enough cash, Seidel just might remove his shirt to show his tattoo. Seidel responded that "no one over 40 should remove his shirt in public," at which point, fellow Olympian Robert Dover was called upon to show his tattoo causing Jane Clark to quip, "I'll pay $30,000 to see this."

Dover responded that he'd take it off for $50,000 and that was all it took to set off a hilarious bidding war. A compromise was reached when Garcia offered to do two portrait sessions and when two bidders offered $40,000 a session for a total of $80,000, Seidel and Dover disrobed to wild cheers and a standing ovation for the two veteran Olympians who showed good sportsmanship and a whole lot more.   

Another $35,000 was raised when two people bid $17,500 each for a custom bronze by artist Randee Crisman who then agreed to do a bronze for each bidder. Event sponsors Collecting Gaits Farm's Shereen and Jeff Fuqua were in a bidding war with Ravel's owners, the Yamazaki family. And a bid to be a character in the next Tami Hoag novel went for $20,000.

Another popular item was a gourmet dinner prepared by celebrity chef Sean O'Keefe. The dinner comes ready made with four dinner guests – Guenter Seidel, Debbie McDonald, Steffen Peters and Sue Blinks. McDonald lured bidders by ensuring them that the group "is a lot of fun." And Seidel said he'd even "do the dishes and set the table." The dinner went for $12,000.

A signed painting by Oscar-winning actor Jack Palance, donated by his wife, Elaine, went for $7,500 after McDonald ran about the room with the painting encouraging bids while Dover added his own plea – "Please be generous. Have another drink and bid higher."

The evening of dancing, drink and fabulous Asian-themed food prepared by the BeachFire team led by chef Cathy McKnight came to a close with the USEF Foundation adding around $250,000 to its fund to help send America's Olympic Team to Hong Kong. Thanks much to those who gave.