The Mars Great Meadow International is pleased to partner with PEDIGREE Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping animal shelters find loving homes for dogs, and the Middleburg Humane Foundation, a local organization that provides a haven for abused and neglected animals, both large and small. The Mars Great Meadow International CIC2, 3 and 4*-S occurs in the Plains, August 22-25, 2019.
Now in its 5
th
year, the Mars Great Meadow International (MarsGMI) has been repackaged into a larger competitor and spectator-based event offering three levels of international equestrian competition. In addition to the equestrian competition, the 2019 GMI will highlight all things related to our canine companions. Leashed dogs are welcome and can enjoy amenities including a “MARS EQUESTRIAN VIP venue” – “Very Important Pet” cooling tent with swag, treat samples, and more. “Offering a space dedicated solely to the well being of our canine companions is part of our purpose to create a better world for horses, pets, and the people who love them,” said Dr. Bridgett McIntosh, Director of Mars Equestrian. Other additions to the event schedule include canine demonstrations and dog-friendly programming and educational events for the whole family.
“Committed to helping animal shelters and rescue organizations find loving homes for dogs in need, PEDIGREE Foundation is a perfect non-profit partner for the revamped Mars Great Meadow International. Now that MarsGMI is dog-friendly, we want to support this fantastic organization that does so much for homeless dogs and the shelters who take them in,” said Darrin Mollett, the organizer of MarsGMI.
“Middleburg Humane is a fixture in our community and has worked tirelessly to support dogs, cats, equine, and livestock. Thanks to generous donors, MHF has opened an expanded shelter on 23-acres on the western end of the Town of Marshall,” continued Mollett, “Through its partnership with MHF, MarsGMI hopes to bring more donations and support to this local shelter.”
A portion of MarsGMI proceeds will go to both organizations. In addition, visitors who bring donations, such as pet food or other shelter supplies to the event will receive free admission to the event, which occurs over four days.
“PEDIGREE Foundation is honored to partner with Mars Great Meadow International and Middleburg Humane Foundation on this event,” said Deb Fair, Executive Director of PEDIGREE Foundation. “This opportunity allows us to gather the community in a fun and pet-friendly way and, together, highlight the millions of dogs in search of loving homes
.”
“With a 50-mile geographic service area, we now have the accommodations to continue to meet the needs or our existing clients, while expanding our programming to serve others,” said Melanie Burch, Director of Development for The Middleburg Humane Foundation. “Partnering with MarsGMI will bring awareness to our mission, and, hopefully, bring us over the finish line with additional donations and contributions to our new shelter.”
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About PEDIGREE Foundation
We believe every dog deserves a loving, forever home. PEDIGREE Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to help end pet homelessness. Nearly 3.5 million dogs end up in shelters and rescues every year, and nearly half never find a home. The foundation was established in 2008 by Mars Petcare, maker of PEDIGREE® food for dogs, to help inc
rease dog adoption rates. We’ve awarded more than 5,300 grants and $7.3 million to U.S. shelters and rescues that help dogs in need. At PEDIGREE Foundation, we’re working toward a day when all dogs are safe, secure, cared for, fed well and loved. See how you can help:
www.PEDIGREEFoundation.org
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About The Middleburg Humane Foundation
The Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF) operates a non-profit, 23-acre farm shelter located in Marshall, Virginia. MHF’s mission is to provide a haven for abused, neglected, and “at risk” animals, both large and small. MHF specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals that come to the shelter from a vast variety of abusive situations. After much needed nurturing and medical care, the animals are placed available for adoption. MHF depends on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations, as well as funds raised at various events throughout the year. MHF operates a Grooming Salon at their shelter in addition to a Resale Boutique Shop on Main Street in Marshall.
About Great Meadow International
Established in 2015, the Great Meadow International is a three-day eventing competition held annually at the Great Meadow Foundation in The Plains, Virginia. In addition to the international equestrian competition, the event features VIP hospitality, a trade fair, beer garden, and entertainment for the whole family. The 2019 Great Meadow International will take place on August 22
nd
to August 25
th
. GMI is organized by Five Rings Eventing, LLC, an organized founded by David O’Connor and Darrin Mollett to provide exceptional competition opportunities for athletes and their equine partners to help them reach their individual goals, whether they are at the entry level to international competition or the highest level of team competition.
About MARS EQUESTRIAN
MARS EQUESTRIAN Sponsorship by MARS, Incorporated, is the link between our iconic brands and the equestrian community. For generations, Mars has celebrated a rich equestrian heritage, and through purposeful partnerships, MARS EQUESTRIAN is committed to the sport and building an enduring legacy. From world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines to stewarding the power of horses on society and sustainability, MARS EQUESTRIAN is dedicated to our purpose to improve the lives of horses, pets, and the people who love them.
