then flooding, and then it was hit by Hurricane Tomas. The school we built was the only building left standing in the village and became a refuge for 167 families who were homeless after the storm. Now with the outbreak of cholera, the school is being used as a temporary hospital for the sick.” Liliane continues to combine her passion for horses
relief efforts. “The event was planned to help finish the Tipa Tipa elementary school, but after the quake we wanted to offer as much assistance as we could,” says Liliane. The who’s who of the equestrian world showed their support that night, including Olympic show jumping veterans Chris Kappler, Jimmy and Danielle Torano, international course designers Anthony D’Ambrosio and Olaf Peterson, and a slew of riders, trainers and stables. When the final hand had been dealt and all cards were laid on the table, the evening had raised over $100,000! Stransky’s will join forces once again with 10-time
American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year Margie Engle at the second annual “All in for Charity” poker tournament and benefit dinner, featuring entertainment, fine dining, gaming and auctions, at PBIEC on Sunday, March 13, 2011. “The equestrian community is an international one, and we hope they come out en force. We want to support children from all countries who need our assistance, especially children with disabilities,” states Liliane. Funds raised this year will assist those left homeless by Hurricane Tomas and will stop the spread of cholera in Haiti. In March of 2010, Margie Engle took on another role
for the Step By Step Foundation. The Olympian anchored the charity’s three-rider relay team in the FTI Great Charity Challenge, a relay style show jumping competition that offered $560,000 in prize money. Aboard three Warmblood jumpers on loan for the event, Engle and amateur competitor Jennifer Waxman and junior rider Christina Kelly bested 24 other charity teams to win the $150,000 first place check that went to Haitian relief. The team will return to defend their Step By Step Foundation title against 30 charities during this year’s 2011 FTI Great Charity Challenge, which will offer nearly a million dollars in prize money. The event will be held in the International Arena during the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington. “We are thrilled about all that we achieved last
year during WEF (Winter Equestrian Festival). Through our efforts at the horse shows we were able to open the Tipa Tipa School in October 2010, giving 596 youngsters a chance for a proper education,” reports Liliane. “But the country has had ongoing, truly terrible troubles this past year. First the earthquake,
Opposite top: Liliane Stransky and daughter Daniela show off their backpack at benefit luncheon (photo by Kathy Andersen). Opposite bottom: Daniela pilots Vasco V in the Junior Jumpers (photo by Jack Mancini/Mancini Photos). Tis page top left: Step By Step’s Tipa Tipa elementary school in Lahaie, Haiti. Top right: Daniela and a young Haitian child during mission to Haiti (photo by Kathy Andersen). Just above: Winning the Great Charity Challenge Check (L to R): Jennifer Waxman, Christina Kelly, Liliane Stransky, Mr. & Mrs. Bellissimo, Kathy Andersen, Margie Engle (holding side of check in riding clothing in front) and Ilany Lev.
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and raising funds for the poor in numerous ways. The Miami Beach resident has hosted a variety of equestrian fundraisers and sponsored numerous events, including the “Helping Haitian Riders with Special Needs” luncheon as well as Grand Prix and Junior Jumper competitions at A-show competitions across the country. The family plans on returning to Haiti to assist in efforts
this year and continue to bring in top prizes to assist in relief efforts. In addition, Liliane will be establishing a therapeutic riding program at Stransky’s Mission Farm in order to help disadvantaged children close to home. Her efforts are tireless, her enthusiasm unrelenting, her goals inspirational. Step by step, jump by jump, Liliane, her family, friends and horses are all working together to make a difference.
To learn more about the upcoming “All In For Charity” Poker Tournament & Charity Benefit and/or the Step By Step Foundation, visit
www.stepbystepfoundation.com
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