A lot was going on in the Equidome on September 28th at The Scottsdale Classic. Following the start of the Western Pleasure Futurities, the evening’s party was hosted by the Equine Chronicle. Once again Gordon Downey and his cohorts outdid themselves with Mardi Gras-themed fun and frivolity. A digital green screen photo booth was in place that put partygoers onto a special Equine Chronicle cover celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Scottsdale Classic.
The evening activities were the perfect backdrop for a Benefit Live Auction to raise money for Rein in Cancer. The event was in memory of Kathy Swan, who was not only well-known throughout the performance horse world, but was a friend to the Scottsdale Classic as well. Kathy lost her battle against breast cancer, but her spirit lives on, and some of her treasured things were enthusiastically bid on during the auction.
Show announcer Skip Rickert, and Kathy’s long-time friend Al Dunning kept encouraging those bidders to outdo one another. Some of the unique items in the auction were a rare Carlos Santana tour jacket paired with a bottle of Casa Noble Tequila, a gift certificate from J. Gilbert Footwear, a custom hat from Trent at Greeley Hat Works, numerous collectibles, and an absolutely adorable pony. Kathy’s custom trail saddle and her familiar wool coat also found new homes that evening. The event raised $6,210 for Rein in Cancer.