Patrons attending the Fifth Annual Friends of Franklin Parks “Raise the Roofs” fundraiser, presented by Kemp Orthodontics on Saturday, August 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., will get a chance to see some of the best grand prix jumpers in the country put on an incredible display of equine athleticism.
Miguel Ventura and Christoph Schroeder are two of the most decorated equine grand prix show jumpers in America today, competing internationally on warmblood horses to cross a series of jumps reaching more than six feet high.
“This is exciting to watch, and we’ll do a condensed version of a standard grand prix jump course,” Ventura said. “We’ll get higher and higher as we go, showing the range of jumping that these horses are capable of. Christoph is now competing in million-dollar international grand prix events, so he represents the best of American jumping.”
Also on tap is a polo match, thanks to Franklin Polo Academy. A mix of local amateur and professional players will compete in an exhibition match that showcases the adrenaline-filled sport of arena polo. Combine that with great food and drink from 15 different local restaurants, and the event will offer something for everyone.
“We have more than a dozen of our favorite restaurants participating, some great auction items and a wonderful program put together for our guests,” said Torrey Barnhill, executive director of Friends of Franklin Parks. “This is an event that people look forward to each August, and it will not disappoint. The proceeds will be used to further enhance the Park at Harlinsdale Farm, and launch some other key initiatives across Franklin’s park system. We’ll be highlighting some of those projects at Raise the Roofs.”
Patrons can expect great food and drink from local restaurants including Buttermilk Sky Pie, Chuy’s, Circa, Cool Café, Granite City Brewery, Franklin Chop House, Jim ‘N Nick’s, the Juice Bar, Catering and Events by Suzette, Pueblo Real, Puckett’s Boat House, Scout’s Pub, Sperry’s, Taziki’s and Yat’s Cajun Creole. Each will provide a featured dish, with Lipman Brothers offering two specialty cocktails created by Cork & Cow, along with a selection of beer and wine.
To celebrate the end of summer, guests are being asked to wear their best seasonal whites. Tickets are $100 per person, and while front row tables are sold out, a limited number of second row tables are still available $1,100. A portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible, and tickets can be purchased online at www.friendsoffranklinparks.org.
With the support of key sponsors including Franklin Synergy Bank, Infiniti of Cool Springs and Tennessee Equine Hospital, the non-profit Friends of Franklin Parks partnered with the City of Franklin’s Parks Department to build and operate the multi-purpose Tractor Supply Co. Arena, which has hosted several large equestrian events this year. Funds from Raise the Roofs could be used to complete the warm-up arena, puRaise the ROofst a new roof on the restored mare barn, and benefit other projects across the 16-park system.
In addition to Kemp Orthodontics, major sponsors for the fifth-annual Raise the Roofs include Amy Cross Nance-Attorney at Law; Beech Creek Farm & Land Management, LLC; Bell & Associates Construction; Berry Farms – a Boyle Development; Burr & Foreman, LLP; Crab Orchard – George and Beverly Rawlings; the Franklin Noon Rotary Charitable Foundation; The Parker-McCoy Group/Morgan Stanley and Tennessee Equine Hospital.
For more information on sponsorship or other details, please call Friends of Franklin Parks Executive Director Torrey Barnhill at (615) 674-5388 or contact by email at torrey@friendsoffranklinparks.org. Tickets are available online at www.friendsoffranklinparks.org.
