The United Way of Marion County is set to host the second annual Children's Charity Classic on February 20, 2026, at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida. This family-friendly equestrian competition features 10 teams dressed as classic board games to raise funds for local children's charities. Last year's event generated $100,000 for beneficiaries.
On Friday, February 20, 2026, the United Way of Marion County will bring together competitive equestrians, philanthropists, and community leaders for the second annual Children's Charity Classic at Ocala’s HITS Post Time Farm. The event, starting at 4:30 p.m., pits 10 teams of three riders each—comprising juniors, amateurs, and professionals—against one another in a genuine equestrian contest. Each team represents a local children's charity, paired randomly during an invite-only Pairing Party on January 26, 2026.
This year's theme revolves around kids' board games, with teams selecting games like Clue, Candyland, or Monopoly and dressing their horses and riders accordingly. "The teams pick their [game], knowing what their horses are like, what they can do," said Robert Haight, the outgoing president and CEO of United Way of Marion County. He emphasized the event's role in giving back to the community, noting that 52 percent of local children live in households that are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or below the poverty line.
The inaugural event in 2025 featured a "Children’s Books" theme, with teams evoking stories like Harry Potter and The Wizard of Oz, raising $100,000 for 10 charities. Organizers chose the board games theme after reminiscing about childhood favorites, aiming to make costumes accessible and nostalgic. "It’s a great way for the equine community to give back," Haight added.
The competition promises to surpass last year's spectacle in costumes and fundraising, while maintaining a family-oriented atmosphere with face painting, food trucks, and charity tents. Advance tickets are available for $10. The participating charities and their themed teams include:
- CASA Marion (Clue, captain Lee Hughes)
- Community Partnership Schools (Candyland, Tracy Fenney)
- Cornerstone Ocala (Monopoly, Jamie Gibson)
- Episcopal Children (Twister, Dorrie Douglas)
- Grateful Hearts (Operation, Elizabeth Reilly)
- ReadingPals (Chess, Morgan Ward)
- Kimberly’s Center (Battleship, Emil Spadone)
- Strong Families (UNO, Jessica Grutkowski)
- SMA (Hungry Hungry Hippos, Jonathon Martin)
- The Pearl Project (Scrabble, Dana Waters)
Haight described it as "an actual competition, but it’s got a unique fun flavor," inviting families to enjoy the event in Ocala, known as the Horse Capital of the World.
