Brooke USA's Divertimentos & Dressage returns to Wellington with freestyle dressage and live symphony

Six freestyle dressage performances accompanied by live music from the Palm Beach Symphony at Brooke USA's Divertimentos & Dressage fundraiser. [Photo by Frank Koester]

Brooke USA Foundation presents its signature fundraising event, Brooke USA's Divertimentos & Dressage on Feb. 12 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center's Covered Arena. The event, presented by The S.K. Johnston Family and Margaret H. Duprey, combines elite freestyle dressage with live symphonic music to support the organization's global mission to improve the welfare of working equines and the communities that depend on them.

Following a sold-out 2025 event that drew more than 400 guests and raised a record $185,000, organizers have set a fundraising goal of nearly $250,000 for this year's event.

Ad

The evening features six freestyle dressage performances accompanied by live music from the Palm Beach Symphony, creating what organizers describe as an immersive experience that blends athleticism and artistry. The 2026 lineup includes four U.S. Team members: JJ Tate, Laura DeCesari, Ashley Holzer, and Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, along with Jennifer Williams and a special pas de deux performance by Molly Maloney and Judy Sloan.

New for 2026, the evening begins with a cocktail reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m., featuring passed hors d'oeuvres and grazing tables by Chez Gourmet, a full bar sponsored by GettheCook.com / Meat N' Bone, and a signature welcome cocktail—the Ono Wellington Sour—by Sake Ono. Guests have access to a silent auction and a travel auction presented by charity partner AmFund.

Live dressage and symphony performances run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., accompanied by a plated dinner and dessert catered by Chez Gourmet. The silent auction closes at 9 p.m.

Judy and David Sloan serve as honorary chairs, with Jennifer Burger and Ashley Wimmer as committee co-chairs.

Ad

Brooke USA Foundation works internationally and domestically to improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules. The organization focuses on sustainable economic development by reducing poverty, increasing food security, ensuring access to water, providing means to education and raising living standards through improved equine health.

Although registration for the event is closed, donations can be made at brookeusaevents.org.