American Grand Prix rider Francie Steinwedell-Carvin meeting the children at a JustWorld project site in Honduras during a recent Rider Ambassador visit. Photo credit - none required

January 16, 2009 – Wellington, Florida – The popular JustWorld International Annual Fundraising Dinner will be held Friday, January 23, 2009, at Belle Herbe Farm in Grand Prix Village in Wellington, Florida. JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping underprivileged children.

This year’s event, generously underwritten by the Lourie Family Foundation, will feature a Polynesian-themed seated dinner and exotic island entertainment including fire dancers and a dj. Bidding is sure to be fierce as both the silent and live auctions feature highly coveted items such as the use of a beachfront house at Ocean Reef in Key Largo, two VIP tickets, including opening and closing ceremonies, for the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, a micro-mosaic horse head ring, and a signed Rolling Stones guitar. The who’s who of Wellington will be in attendance including several Olympians as well as local dignitaries.

“We appreciate that JustWorld directly aids children in need and gives its Rider Ambassadors, who are typically so fortunate, the opportunity to be exposed to those that are not,” said patrons Lisa and Robert Lourie who are generously underwriting the fundraising event so that all money raised can go directly to aiding underprivileged children.

Tickets and tables are selling fast and will soon be sold out. Individual tickets are $195 each while reserved tables of 10 are available for $2,500. For a variety of perks, donors may also choose to become a Gold Supporter for $15,000, a Silver Supporter for $10,000, or a Bronze Supporter for $5,000. To buy tickets or tables, please call (561) 333-9391 or send an e-mail to jwinfo@justworldinternational.org.

Funds raised at the JustWorld International Annual Fundraising Dinner will go directly to helping educate impoverished children at JustWorld project sites in Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Senegal.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. There are currently more than 170 Rider Ambassadors, ranging from nine-year-old pony riders to Olympic medalists, who help bring attention to JustWorld International’s cause. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.