Charitable partnerships, student experiences and support for local programs put Highlands’ broader vision into practice
Amenia, N.Y. – November 13, 2026— Highlands Hudson Valley’s 2026 Autumn Invitational brought together charitable organizations, local schools and community partners through fundraising initiatives and educational experiences, raising over $50,000 in cash and in-kind donations. These efforts reflect Highlands’ ongoing commitment to supporting its neighbors and giving back to the Hudson Valley.
Through collaboration with nonprofits, educational institutions, local businesses and civic leaders, Highlands seeks to celebrate regional culture, expand opportunity and contribute to the community’s long-term vitality. Its community initiatives connect stewardship of the property with investment in the people and organizations around it.
“The landscape and the community are what make this place special,” said Juan Torres, Vice President of Highlands Horse Show. “As Highlands evolves, we want those relationships to thrive alongside us. Our events give us an opportunity to bring people into that effort and to support local organizations while being thoughtful about how we care for the land.”
The Highlands Charity Challenge invited local organizations and their supporters to raise funds, share their missions and compete for $15,000 in awards through donations, attendance and social sharing. Eight organizations participated: Angels of Light, Millbrook Early Childhood Education Center (MECEC), Pony Up Rescue Collective, Vibrant Emotional Health, The Good Dog Foundation, The Piston Foundation, Amenia Fire Department and Lucky Orphans.
Angels of Light earned the top honor, the People’s Choice Award, raising $8,376 through its participation. Amenia Fire Department received the Biggest Turnout Award and raised $3,350, while Pony Up Rescue Collective received the Social Sharing Award and raised $3,567.
Each organization was also paired with a rider, giving supporters someone to cheer for and connecting the competition in the arena with local fundraising effort. Mark Bluman’s Grand Prix victory triggered an additional $1,000 contribution to his partner organization, Angels of Light. The challenge raised nearly $20,000 while introducing participating organizations to new audiences.
“Philanthropy is about more than giving. It is about bringing people together around a shared purpose and creating meaningful change in the lives of others,” said Danielle Mollica-Whiteley, Executive Director and Founding Board Member of Angels of Light. “We are incredibly grateful to Highlands for fostering a community that leads with generosity, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference. Receiving the People’s Choice Award was such a special honor, and we are proud to be part of a community that reminds us what is possible when people come together for good.”
The community focus continued on October 10 with The Pursuit of Purpose, an evening of conversation, music and giving benefiting Angels of Light, The Person First and Road to the Top. Moderated by NBC News entertainment correspondent Chloe Melas, the program brought together tennis champion Ivan Lendl, racing driver Butch Leitzinger, Olympic equestrian McLain Ward and contemporary artist Bradley Theodore to explore achievement, mentorship and purpose. A performance by acclaimed musician Marcus Miller and a live auction rounded out the evening, which raised over $25,000 to support families facing hardship, youth development and opportunities for promising young equestrians.
Alongside its charitable initiatives, the Autumn Invitational offered students opportunities to learn directly from equestrian and automotive professionals. Members of the Kent School Equestrian Team toured the facilities, collected autographs and met riders competing in team and individual classes. Highlands board member Becky Conway led a guided course walk, discussing how riders develop a plan for their horses and adjust their strategies for different jumping classes. The students also met with the Trelawney Trailblazers’ team manager to discuss team strategy, enjoyed lunch in the VIP area and met several Grand Prix riders before watching the Trailblazers claim victory.
“Walking the course is where the ride really starts,” said Conway. “I wanted the Kent School riders to see how a first round, jump-off, or speed class needs its own plan—and that doing it well comes down to preparation, focus, and trusting your horse and team. They were super engaged, asked great questions, and really wanted to understand the strategy behind the sport.”
At Bridlemont Concours, approximately 20 students from Dover High School’s Legacy Racing Club served as car docents and vehicle guards, learning about the collection while assisting owners and engaging with visitors. Five students also helped select the recipient of the Next Gen Award, giving young enthusiasts a role in recognizing the vehicles on display.
Through the Winners Circle Project, a nonprofit educational initiative, the students build a high-performance Factory Five sports car over an academic year while gaining experience in engineering, marketing, communications and project management. Their participation at Bridlemont extended that learning through conversations with collectors and enthusiasts about automotive history, craftsmanship and career opportunities.
“Our collaboration with Dover Legacy Racing reflects Bridlemont’s commitment to inspiring the next generation through automotive passion and education. These students are not simply learning about cars; they are developing the skills, confidence, and relationships that can shape their futures,” said Maria Jannace, Curator and Co-producer of Bridlemont Concours.
Highlands is also finalizing contributions to Webutuck Central School District, Webutuck Little League, the Town of Amenia’s Recreation Commission and the Webutuck Youth Soccer League. These contributions will support education, youth development and recreation opportunities for local families.
Highlands thanks the participating organizations, riders, donors, volunteers and partners who helped make this year’s initiatives possible.
About Highlands Hudson Valley
Highlands is a 1,000-acre destination in New York’s Hudson Valley where world-class equestrian competition, luxury hospitality, automotive culture, art, and philanthropy come together. Home to The Autumn Invitational, a collection of signature events including the Discovery Land Company Masters, Highlands Cup, and Bridlemont Concours, creates immersive experiences that celebrate sport while supporting meaningful community impact throughout the Hudson Valley. Highlands activations include The Gallery Experience, curated by acclaimed artist Brendan Murphy, as well as a Kid Zone, Fan Zone, The Shops at Highlands, and more. Highlands Horse Show Inc. is a New York 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. To learn more, visit www.highlandshudsonvalley.com.