Each year during the last weekend of September, Abigail and Leslie Wexner open their home in New Albany to the community for them to enjoy the New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix & Family Day event. On Sunday, September 24, more than 15,000 guests attended the event – and what’s even more special about this year is that it marked the 20^th anniversary.

Since its inception in 1998, 100 percent of The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix & Family Day proceeds have benefited The Center for Family Safety Healing (TCFSH). To date, it has raised more than $32 million. The mission of TCFSH is to break the cycle of family violence and restore hope for those who have been physically, emotionally and sexually abused.

“I am proud of the impact The Center is having on families every day in central Ohio and I’m humbled by the generosity of so many who continue to make this work possible,” said Abigail Wexner, founder and host of the event.

This year, attendees lucked out with nearly perfect weather, a sunny day where temperatures peaked in the high 80s. Guests could cool off on the ice skating rink, or with a frozen treat from the many food truck vendors. The family-friendly fun day included carnival rides, face-painting, a petting zoo, COSI tent, and live characters from story books and movies, such as Snow White and Chewbacca from Star Wars.

Kids and adults also got to enjoy Grammy-nominated musical artist Nick Jonas at The Concert at the Classic, where he hit the stage at 3:30 p.m.

A major part of the event is the world-class horse jumping competition, where top riders from all over the world compete for a grand prize of $125,000. Kent Farrington and his horse Voyeur claimed first prize this year, marking Farrington’s third win at the event to date.

This day would not be possible without the dedication of its 350+ volunteers. Many thanks to all who prepared for weeks ahead of time to ensure this was a successful and enjoyable event for the community.

New Albany Classic volunteers are pictured below wearing red and white “Where’s The Line?” t-shirts. “Where’s The Line?” is a first-of-its-kind bystander campaign created by The Center for Family Safety and Healing, where it encourages bystanders to intervene if they’ve witnessed abuse. Individuals can call 844-234-LINE (5463), text 87028 or chat at www.WheresTheLine.info to get anonymous answers and advice, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Thank you to all who came to this year’s 20^th anniversary event, and for supporting the work of TCFSH. We are one step closer toward breaking the cycle of family violence in our community, because of you!