The 2nd Annual Children’s Charity Classic took place at HITS Post Time Farm on February 20, 2026. The event aims to raise funds for 10 local children’s charities by combining competition with the fun theme of classic children’s games. The auction benefiting the teams raised $19,000, with a total purse of $100,000 in grant funding distributed based on team placement, including $30,000 awarded to the Grand Champion.
The concept for the event was formed after it became apparent that more than half of the children in Marion County live in ALICE households, or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households. The charities included in this event are CASA Marion, Community Partnership Schools, Cornerstone Ocala, Episcopal Children’s Services, Grateful Hearts, Kimberly’s Center, Reading Pals, Strong Families, SMA and The Pearl Project.
This event provides a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness on a beautiful property, bringing the community together around something Ocala is known for—horses. With a Kid Zone, Kona Ice and catering by LaCasella, HITS partnered with the United Way of Marion County and other local businesses to support the needs of children in Marion County.
Pictured
- Hannah Matts
- Gary Feldman, Dustin Magamoll, Ken Ausley, Ben Marciano, Harvey Vandeven, Mike Vernig
- Kunal Gaekwad, Niki Tripodi, Kourtney Corcoran
- Cornerstone Ocala
- Alan Kessee
- Costume contestants
- Mary Roth
