KBF Celebrates the Season of Gratitude, Community, and Hope

KBF Shares Holiday Thanks and Looks Ahead to an Inspiring 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wellington, FL – Dec. 25, 2025

As the holiday season fills homes and communities with warmth, reflection, and gratitude, the Kevin Babington Foundation (KBF) extends its heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays wishes to the entire equestrian community and beyond.

This season offers a meaningful opportunity to pause and give thanks — and KBF does so with immense appreciation for the donors, horse shows, partners, riders, volunteers, and supporters who continue to stand beside the Foundation’s mission. Your generosity and belief make it possible for KBF to provide critical support, resources, and hope to show jumping athletes navigating life after spinal cord injury.

A Community That Gives with Heart

Throughout 2025, the Kevin Babington Foundation has been reminded time and again that this community is defined not only by sport, but by compassion. From horse shows that proudly host benefit classes, to donors who quietly and consistently give, to participants who show up in every season — your collective impact is profound.

Every contribution, every shared moment, and every act of kindness helps carry forward Kevin’s spirit of resilience, optimism, and determination.

Looking Ahead: Events That Unite Purpose and Impact

As KBF looks toward the new year, the Foundation is excited to highlight several upcoming fundraising events that continue to blend sport, community, and meaningful impact:

    • MIDA Benefit ClassicFebruary 25, 2026

    • Kevin’s Rockstars – March 8, 2026

    • Live Oak International Benefit Classic – March 12 – 15, 2026

 

Each of these events represents more than a date on the calendar — they are moments where the equestrian world comes together with purpose, transforming generosity into tangible support for athletes and families facing life-changing challenges.

A Special Thank You to Erica Hatfield

The Kevin Babington Foundation would also like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Erica Hatfield for her extraordinary generosity and leadership in support of Kevin’s Rockstars.

Erica’s commitment, passion, and belief in the mission of KBF have helped elevate Kevin’s Rockstars into something truly special — a night where music, meaning, and community intersect to create lasting impact. Her support exemplifies the very best of what this season represents: giving from the heart and lifting others along the way.

Gratitude That Carries Us Forward

“This time of year reminds us just how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such an incredible community,” said Jeff Papows, Chairman of the Kevin Babington Foundation. “Every donor, every horse show, every participant, and every partner plays a role in keeping this mission moving forward. We are deeply grateful, and we head into the new year filled with hope and purpose.”

As the Kevin Babington Foundation looks ahead to 2026, it does so energized by the compassion of those who continue to believe in this mission — and inspired by what can be accomplished together.

From all of us at the Kevin Babington Foundation, we wish you and your families a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a New Year filled with health, hope, and gratitude.

For more information about the Kevin Babington Foundation or to get involved, please visit KBFEvents.com.

Kevin’s Rockstars 2026 Tickets LIVE!!

The cost of spinal cord recovery has never been higher, and insurance rarely covers the extensive rehab, travel, equipment, and home modifications required for long-term recovery.

That’s where KBF steps in — and why fundraising efforts like Kevin’s Rockstars 2026 are more important than ever.

“The support has been incredible this year,” said Jeff Papows, Chairman of the Foundation. “But as we go into the winter season, when equestrian sport is at its peak, continued fundraising is essential. Your support helps save lives — and we need you.”

🎟️ Tickets are now live for Kevin’s Rockstars Lip Sync & Fundraiser 2026.
Last year’s event sold out — don’t wait to be part of something that changes lives.

🎟 Tickets Now Available

Don’t wait. This event WILL SELL OUT!
Reserve your spot today: Purchase Tickets Here

VIP and General Admission options available.

📅 Event Details:
Kevin’s Rockstars Lip Sync and Fundraiser
🗓 Saturday, March 8, 2026

📍 Eyecandyland Farm, Wellington, Florida
🎉 Cocktails, Cuisine, and the Best Night of the Season

Lip-Sync-2026-Promo

Other Ways to Donate

Your support powers our mission to protect, uplift, and empower riders through recovery assistance, safety advocacy, and education. Here’s how you can help:

💻 Donate Online

Make a secure one-time or recurring donation via our website:
👉 https://kevinbabingtonfoundation.org/donations/

✉️ Mail a Check

Checks can be made payable to:
Kevin Babington Foundation

10 Edgewood Rd.,
Westwood, MA 02090-3136 USA

💼 Corporate or Matching Gifts

Many companies will match your donation. Ask your HR department if your employer participates—or contact us and we’ll help facilitate the process.

🏅 Sponsor an Event

Become a sponsor of one of our upcoming 2026 events (MIDA Farm Classic, Kevin’s Rockstars, or Live Oak International).
To learn more, email us at: contact@kevinbabingtonfoundation.org

Benefits of Giving Before December 31st

Giving before the end of the calendar year provides significant tax advantages and directly fuels our winter programming.

Tax Deduction

The Kevin Babington Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 85-2059430). All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Timing Matters

Donations made on or before December 31st, 2025 may be claimed on your 2025 tax return—providing potential savings while supporting a great cause.

🔁 Recurring Gifts Multiply Impact

Consider making your donation a monthly recurring gift to sustain our mission year-round with less effort and greater long-term impact.

Explore KBF Merch

Official Ride For Kevin Hat White

Purchase Here

Official Ride For Kevin Hat Black

Purchase Here

Don’t Stop Believin’ Next Level Tri-Blend T-shirt

Purchase Here

Women’s: Don’t Stop Believin’ Next Level Tri-Blend T-shirt

Purchase Here

“Ride for Kevin” Handmade Leather Belt

Purchase Here

SAFEFIT Airbag Vest – Kevin Babington Foundation Edition

Purchase Here

About Kevin Babington Foundation:    

In late August 2019, Kevin experienced a life-altering moment when he suffered a complete spinal cord injury following a fall during the 2019 Grand Prix at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY, United States. In early September, Kevin underwent a critical surgery to stabilize the vertebrae in his neck. By mid-October of that same year, he had made significant progress, transitioning from relying on a ventilator for breathing to facing the challenge of being paralyzed from the neck down. Remarkably, just two months later, Kevin began teaching from his wheelchair. Today, he remains on a determined journey, actively participating in experimental stem cell therapy, holding onto the hope of regaining movement below the neck.

This life-altering event marked the inception of the Kevin Babington Foundation, which was established in 2019. Kevin Babington Foundation (KBF) has been created to provide funding and support for Equestrian Show Jumping Athletes who sustain spinal injuries. In addition to providing financial assistance the foundation will also strive to educate riders, trainers and show organizers about the most current safety measures designed to reduce the risk of serious injuries which can occur while riding.

Kevin Babington Foundation Links

Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Links