Wellington, Florida – September 19, 2003 – The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the “ASPCA”) has announced that it will hold its first, annual Family Luncheon at the The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington on Sunday, February 1, 2004 beginning at noon. The event will benefit the ASPCA’s Equine Fund.

The Luncheon will take place during the first grand prix of The 2004 Winter Equestrian Festival. The Festival, heading into its 32nd year, is the preeminent U. S. horse show for the equestrian disciplines of hunters, jumpers and dressage. The Festival, which stays in Wellington for eight weeks and then goes on to Tampa for the last two weeks, brings over 4,000 horses and over 6,000 people to Palm Beach County.

ASPCA Luncheon guests will have the opportunity to sit ringside over lunch for premium viewing of the equestrian activities that will take place in the adjacent International Arena. The highlight of the afternoon will be The Wellington Classic Grand Prix, where some of the world’s finest grand prix horses and riders will jump over a truly breathtaking course of obstacles in hopes of making it into the winner’s circle.

As a Family Luncheon, children of all ages are welcome. There will be a series of supervised, play activities and games for their entertainment.

The Luncheon will be chaired by Frances G. Scaife of Palm Beach, Leslie M. Clarke of Wellington and William Secord of New York City. Ms. Scaife is a well-known philanthropist. Mrs. Clarke is a prominent owner of some of the top show hunters in the U. S., as well as a recognized horticulturalist. Mr. Secord, a director of the ASPCA, is a noted author and owner of the William Secord Gallery, Inc. in New York City, which specializes in 19th century dog paintings.

The ASPCA’s Equine Fund’s mission is to protect horses from cruelty and neglect. Areas of concern include urban carriage horses, mares and foals used in the production of Premarin, show horses, wild horses and horse slaughter. The Equine Fund has provided support for a wide variety of efforts such as caring for abused and neglected equines and aiding wild horses in adverse conditions.

Tickets to the Family Luncheon are $150 for adults and $50 for children. Reserved tables of 6 are available from $1,000, depending upon level of sponsorship.

For more information or ticket reservations, call Arden Hess at the ASPCA at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4652. Or, contact either Mason Phelps, Jr. or Beverly Lake Wilkes of Phelps Wilkes & Associates, Inc. at (561) 753-3389 or at info@phelpswilkes.com.