Grand Prix Equestrian Event Honors R4 Alliance to Benefit Military Veterans on August 29th

DEL MAR, Calif. - Aug. 18, 2015 - PRLog -- The Grand Prix Equestrian event hosted by Blenheim EquiSports on Saturday, August 29, 2015 beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Del Mar Horse Park located at 14550 El Camino Real in Del Mar, CA, will honor all U.S. Military veterans who benefit from the services provided by R4 Alliance member organizations (www.r4alliance.org), a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charity that facilitates the rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), TBI (traumatic brain injury) and MST (military sexual trauma) through recreational therapy. A highlight of the event will include a ceremonial demonstration by the Frontier Army of the West, 2^nd U.S. and 8^th Illinois Cavalry Regiments  (www.2ndcavalry.org) and a vocal performance by Mercedes Martin-Raya of the National Anthem. A customized jump featuring the American flag will be included in the $50,000 prize money course, as a tribute to the 155,000 veterans served by the R4 Alliance members. The event is free and open to the public and parking is complimentary on a first come, first served basis. Visit www.showpark.com for event details or call (949) 234-1695.

According to Bill Potter, R4 Alliance Chairman of the Board, “We’re extremely grateful to our partners for the opportunity to highlight the work we are engaging in to benefit our U.S. military veterans and their families; we refer to them as ‘Our Military Family’. R4 Alliance representatives will be in attendance at the event to answer questions regarding the organization’s vision mission and accomplishments; we’re delighted to be the honored charity of choice. Of particular significance is the ceremonial demonstration by the U.S. Cavalry Regiment; the Calvary played a significant role in the history of U.S. military service and is a precursor to the equestrian sport that has evolved into a unique American athletic tradition.”

There are more than 650,000 veterans or members of the military suffering from battle-related (PTS), traumatic (TBI) and (MST) resulting in a reported 22 suicides per day. This statistic mandates not only alternative forms of support for the veteran population, but also a national, private sector consciousness that will help guide it. The current Veterans Administration’s approach, which relies predominately on the use of pharmaceuticals, is not delivering the desired results. In response, a group of dedicated organizations and individuals utilizing input from representatives from the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of the Army and the Veterans Administration, created the R4 Alliance, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose members provide community-based therapeutic recreational therapy (RT) programs including equine-related therapy for veterans struggling with the aforementioned afflictions. The Alliance’s 4 “R’s” represent Research, Recreation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration.

The R4 Alliance is supported by the Century Club of San Diego, the Schultz Family Foundation, Northern Trust, Higher Ground Sun Valley, Sierra Club, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Project Sanctuary, Northeast Passage, Georgia Aquarium, Ride 2 Recovery, Team River Runner, and many more located at the website. San Diego programs include Operation Game On and the Veterans Research Alliance. Visit www.r4alliance.org for additional information or call 855-474-2554.