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February 2017
Tickets Now On Sale for the Kiawah Cup
Come celebrate a unique aspect of our state ’ s heritage and enjoy a party on the pool deck , all while supporting the work of the Kiawah Cares Foundation ( KCF ) on the Sea Islands , at the 2017 Kiawah Cup !
The event , which is a partnership between the KCF and the Carolina Marsh Tacky Association ( CMTA ), takes place on Saturday , March 25 from 11:30 a . m . - 4 p . m . and features a thrilling Marsh Tacky horse race down Kiawah ’ s beach .
“ Horse races on Kiawah ’ s beach are an important part of the area ’ s history , and are a thrilling , one-of-a-kind experience ,” said KCF Board Chair Jimmy Bailey . “ We ’ re excited to bring this unique event to Kiawah . In addition to supporting KCF ’ s work on Johns and Wadmalaw islands , the event will showcase the rare and endangered Marsh Tacky breed , the official state heritage horse .”
The day begins at 11:30 a . m . with the pre-race VIP Horsin ’ Around Cocktail Hour ( limit 120 VIP ticket holders only ) in the Sandcastle Community Center ballroom , overlooking the race field . At 1 p . m . opening ceremonies featuring the flag run and rider introductions will usher in the start of the race . Spectators can cheer on their favorite horse and rider as they take off in a flash down Kiawah ’ s pristine beach , racing towards victory !
After the race , select ticket holders will enjoy poolside fare and cocktails at the Heritage Reception . The always-popular East Coast Party Band will have guests on their feet . Local personality Tom Crawford will host an exciting live auction for chances to bid on a variety of exclusive items , as well as a Paddles Up segment to sponsor local school children .
Tickets are now on sale for the event , and four different ticket options allow you to tailor your entertainment experience . To purchase tickets , or for other information including details on sponsorship and volunteer opportunities , visit kiawahcup . org . Are you on Facebook ? Be sure to “ Like ” the Kiawah Cup ( facebook . com / kiawahcup ) for updates as the race draws near !
The Kiawah Cup is KCF ’ s primary fundraiser during the year , supporting programs for Sea Island seniors , students and the underprivileged , with a feature focus on education and the involvement of Communities In Schools in our five public schools .
“ We wanted to host an exciting event for our guests ,” said Bailey , “ while doing something that would benefit the greater community . This event will both entertain and positively impact our Sea Island neighbors .”
About the Marsh Tacky Horse and the CMTA South Carolina designated the marsh tacky ( Equus caballus ) as the official state heritage horse in 2010 . The marsh tacky is a rare colonial Spanish horse breed unique to South Carolina . These tough horses have played a pivotal role in the development and defense of the state , and were an integral part of life in early Lowcountry communities .
They were once plentiful in the Lowcountry , but these horses are now endangered . The CMTA works to preserve and promote this breed of horse throughout the state . For more information on the CMTA and their work , visit marshtacky . info .
Thank you to our sponsors and island partners for the 2017 Kiawah Cup ! Please visit these generous organizations , who are supporting the Kiawah Cares Foundation ' s mission to aid the under-served of the Sea Islands . Limited sponsorships are still available for this exciting event , visit kiawahcup . org for more info .