Phelps Media Group takes responsibility for and apologizes for all errors in the previous press release.

WELLINGTON, Fla. - FEB. 11, 2020 - Brooke USA is proud to announce the honorees of the annual Crystal Awards, presented by South Florida PBS, which is bestowed upon outstanding champions of the organization who have gone above and beyond in support of its mission to significantly improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys, mules and the people they serve in the developing world. Brooke USA confers the honor to Antonia Ax:son Johnson, Richard Schechter, and Hazel and Michael Schultz.

South Florida PBS (WPBT2 and WXEL) will honor the recipients of the Brooke USA Crystal Awards in a 30-second public service announcement that will air on South Florida Public Television during prime-time through March 20, the date of Brooke USA's Sunset Polo® & White Party at the Wanderers Club in Wellington, FL. Dolores Sukhdeo, the President and CEO of South Florida PBS will present the awards on February 20 at a special gathering hosted by Lugano Diamonds, presenting sponsor of the 2020  Touch of Orange Dinner  taking place amidst Brooke USA's Sunset Polo® & White Party.

Antonia Ax:son Johnson was first introduced to Brooke USA in 2017, and since has supported numerous Brooke projects, including building shade shelters and health posts in Ethiopia. Johnson, a fourth-generation entrepreneur, has reformed Axel Johnson, the family company, and rebuilt it with a focus on values and sustainability. It is Brooke USA's commitment to sustainable change that drew her to the charity and has made her an avid supporter. Her love for horses began at a young age. She has ridden since childhood, put in her time as a "pony mom" and followed her own dream of riding dressage. Johnson also owns and operates Lövsta Stuteri, the leading horse training and competition center, as well as stud farm, in Sweden. It is the world's first environmentally certified facility, and has been since the full-scale venture in 2011.  Johnson stated, "This is where we express our love and respect for the horses-these magnificent, magical animals." She has also made a 10-year commitment to the United States through her farm, Lövsta South, located in Wellington.  Her love of equines is apparent in her continued support of Brooke USA's mission as a donor and member of the Brooke USA's Sunset Polo® & White Party Honorary Committee.

Chairman and CEO of The Bainbridge Companies, Richard Schechter, has supported Brooke USA since 2016 when he attended the inaugural Brooke USA's Sunset Polo® & White Party. A devoted equestrian, Schechter rides almost every day. His horses also compete at the Wellington Winter Equestrian Festival and other horse shows. Schechter and his Bainbridge Farm and other Bainbridge companies have also been supporters and sponsors of the Winter Equestrian Festival and other equestrian events for over 20 years. His fiancée Jennifer Magee serves on the Honorary Committee of the Brooke USA's Sunset Polo® & White Party. His generosity and support of Brooke USA has assisted in raising funds for various projects in Guatemala, the brick kilns in India and the construction of water troughs in Ethiopia.

STAY CONNECTED WITH BROOKE USA: