All Hands on Deck: Clip-a-Thon To Benefit EAF's COVID Fund
Wellington, Fla. — Oct. 23, 2020 — Freelance groom Tim Gaskell and lifelong equestrian and marketing professional Kayla Wright are back in action for a second round of their wildly successful Clip-a-Thon, and this time, they're bringing friends.
When the COVID-related industry shutdown wreaked financial havoc for many equestrian professionals last spring, the duo planned and executed a 24-hour, live-streamed clipping marathon to raise money for their struggling colleagues. The result of their effort was a $10,000 donation to EAF's COVID Emergency Relief Fund for industry professionals.
With COVID cases appearing to be on the rise again, Gaskell is uneasy about what the coming months might hold for grooms, braiders, horse show staff, and other workers—many of who are just tenuously back on their feet after the initial shutdown. "I'm not confident about what's going to happen this winter," said Gaskell while driving a load of horses to Kentucky last month. "Let's do a second Clip-a-Thon so there's money for COVID relief in case people need it."
Professional body clipper Erin Gaul will be participating in the Clip-a-Thon livestream from Rhode Island. She has spent the last week raising funds through a Facebook fundraiser.
That Clip-a-Thon begins on Monday. Like the first event, it will be live-streamed on Facebook via The Clip-a-Thon's event page. Gaskell will be joined by an enthusiastic lineup of guest clippers from all over the country, all of whom will be donating their proceeds to EAF's COVID Emergency Fund. "I love to support EAF because their mission allows professionals of all types to survive all sorts of setbacks," said trainer Katie Wild, who will be clipping from southeastern Pennsylvania on Monday. "Whether it is COVID, cancer, a bad fall—the little things like groceries and gas that can be taken for granted are a necessity for others!"
How To Get Involved
- Visit the live feed between 8 a.m. on Monday and 8 p.m. Tuesday to show your support for Tim, Kayla, and the clippers— and most importantly, our industry's workers. Learn more about the Clip-a-Thon's prizes and drawings, and make a donation while you're there!
- Sponsor an hour of the Clip-a-Thon. Join a growing list of dedicated individuals and businesses like Shapley's and On Course Consignment who are standing in solidarity with equestrian professionals during this difficult time. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Tim Gaskell.
- Donate a clip job to EAF's COVID Emergency Fund! Do you have a hairy horse? Contact Kayla Wright if you'd like to clip on the live stream. Or, just share a picture to the Clip-a-Thon's Facebook page when you've finished clipping. Proceeds can be donated to the Clip-a-Thon or directly to the Equestrian Aid Foundation.
- Make a donation in honor of your braider, groom, clipper, shipper—that dedicated worker (or workers) who makes your horse world go 'round. We'll be sure they get special mention on the Clip-a-Thon's live feed.
About EAF's COVID Emergency Fund
In March of 2020, the Equestrian Aid Foundation opened its Disaster Relief Fund to assist equestrian professionals and industry service providers in unexpected financial crisis as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund remains open to help workers who continue to struggle as a direct result of COVID-related cancellations and disruptions within the industry. To date, 274 grants have been issued.