FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2001

4TH ANNUAL NEW ALBANY CLASSIC INVITATIONAL GRAND PRIX AND FAMILY DAY RAISES OVER $1 MILLION TO HELP END FAMILY VIOLENCE IN CENTRAL OHIO

(New Albany) - The Fourth Annual New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and Family Day held amid sunny blue skies, rolling green hills and acres of white fencing on Sunday, September 23, raised over $1 million dollars for the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence, a private, non-profit organization dedicated to ending family violence in Central Ohio.

More than 9,000 attendees watched 26 of North America’s top riders, including the entire U.S. 2000 Olympic team, urge their best horses over 13 elaborately landscaped jumps as high as 5'3.”

This year’s winner of the USA Equestrian, Inc., sanctioned show jumping event was Olympic rider Lauren Hough on nine-year-old Windy City. As the first place winner, Ms. Hough rode off not only with $15,000 in cash, but also with a two-year lease on a new 2002 Land Rover Freelander.

Families at the 2001 Classic enjoyed the perfect weather to watch entertainment by The Russian American Kids Circus; Celtic dancers and singers from the General Guinness Band; the Yumbambe calypso band; Hillbilly Idol bluegrass band; The Ohio State University mascot Brutus Buckeye, OSU cheerleaders, OSU Alumni Band; Columbus Blue Jackets mascot Stinger; and exotic animals from the Columbus Zoo. They also took part in fun activities by COSI on Wheels; the Wexner Center for the Arts; and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

“We are extremely pleased at the community support shown for this cause,” said Abigail Wexner, Coalition founder and Board President. “In light of the recent terrorism attacks, we were unsure whether or not to proceed with the event, but being here is a statement not just about hugging your own children, but about hugging your neighbor's children as well."

The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and Family Day is hosted by Mrs. Wexner every fall to benefit the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence, which she founded in 1998. The Coalition’s mission is to create a community culture with no tolerance for family violence.

“One hundred percent of the Classic proceeds will be used to fund initiatives to break the cycle of violence in our homes, schools, workplaces and neighborhoods,” said Karen Days, Executive Director of the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence. “Last year, over 6,000 cases of domestic violence were reported. Police make up to 40 arrests daily.”

Current initiatives of the Coalition include the expansion of services and staff at the Capital University Law School Family Advocacy Clinic; the development of emergency department protocols by all Franklin County hospitals; the creation of a faith-led task force to address family violence issues in congregations; and a massive educational session on family violence for over 200 police and prosecutors called “Confronting the Crime.”

The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence is organized around five task forces each focused on strategies designed to create systemic change. These task forces are: Business/Public Education, Faith Community, Health Care, Legal Justice System and Victim Services.

The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence is comprised of leaders from businesses and organizations in Central Ohio committed to reforming our systems and improving our response to family violence. The Coalition is located at 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio, 43205, (614) 722-5985.