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MIDA Babington Benefit Reaches New Heights
Incredible Riders, Hundreds of Guests, One Powerful Community Impact
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wellington, FL – Feb. 20, 2026
The Kevin Babington Foundation (KBF) proudly celebrates the outstanding success of the 2026 MIDA Babington Benefit Classic, held on February 17, 2026, at the iconic MIDA Farm in Wellington, Florida. The event was a powerful testament to the unity, generosity, and reach of the show jumping community.
With an exceptional lineup of riders navigating a beautifully designed course by Leopoldo Palacios, set over the striking 1.20m Dalman Jump Co. fences, and hundreds gathering for the awards ceremony and reception, the MIDA Babington Benefit Classic truly embodied the heart of the Foundation—uniting the show jumping community through sport to create meaningful, lasting impact for athletes affected by life-altering spinal cord injuries.
Congratulations to Pieter De Brabander on taking the win, and thank you to every rider who entered, every supporter who attended, Rood & Riddle for the winners prize and everyone who helped make this event such a success. Together, you proved the true power and reach of the Kevin Babington Foundation.
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Class Results – 2026 MIDA Babington Benefit Classic
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First Place: Pieter De Brabander
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Second Place: Olivia Sweetnam
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Third Place: Darragh Kerins
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Fourth Place: Thaisa Erwin
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Fifth Place: Kelli Cruciotti-Vanderveen
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Sixth Place: Olivia Johnson
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Seventh Place: Sofia Bruny
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Eighth Place: Andrea Belofsky
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Ninth Place: Bellen Guarderas
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Tenth Place: Amellia Tredinnick
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Eleventh Place: Paul O’Shea
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Twelfth Place: Matt Williams
The competitive spirit on course was matched only by the sense of purpose shared by every rider who entered the ring.
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A Community United for a Cause
Each entry in the MIDA Babington Benefit Classic directly supported the mission of the Kevin Babington Foundation—helping provide financial assistance, access to care, and pathways to recovery for show jumping athletes navigating life after spinal cord injury.
“The MIDA Babington Benefit Classic continues to prove how powerful this community truly is,” said Jeff Papows, Chairman of the Kevin Babington Foundation. “From the riders who entered the class to the supporters who filled the reception, this event showed what happens when sport and compassion come together.”
A Celebration of Impact
Following the conclusion of the class, riders, owners, trainers, and supporters gathered at MIDA Farm for a vibrant awards ceremony and reception with hundreds of members of the equestrian community in attendane. The evening served not only as a celebration of sport, but as a reminder of the lives changed through collective generosity.
Looking Ahead: Live Oak International
The momentum continues.
The Kevin Babington Foundation is excited to announce the next Babington Benefit Class, taking place during Live Oak International, March 11–15, where the Babington Benefit Class will serve as the Welcome Prix.
Riders and supporters are encouraged to join the Foundation at Live Oak International and continue building on the incredible impact created at MIDA.
Join Us
Together, the show jumping community continues to demonstrate that when everyone comes together, the impact is stronger—and the mission moves forward.
For more information about the Kevin Babington Foundation, upcoming events, or ways to get involved, please visit:
www.KevinBabingtonFoundation.org
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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
🗓 Sunday, March 8, 2026
📍 Eyecandyland Farm, Wellington, Florida
🎉 Cocktails, Cuisine, and the Best Night of the Season
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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.
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Women’s: Don’t Stop Believin’ Next Level Tri-Blend T-shirt
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| Purchase Here |
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SAFEFIT Airbag Vest – Kevin Babington Foundation Edition
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| Purchase Here |
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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.
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