Mission: not impossible. The captivating beauty of the Spanish Horse has been raising awareness and funding in the fight against cancer -- all part of Fiesta of the Spanish Horse and its founder Joanne Asman's mission. With the help of proceeds from an annual gala and generous sponsors, Asman and her organization have funded many prominent cancer awareness charities and the fight for a cure --raising over $100,000 for the cause.
Asman began Fiesta of the Spanish Horse in 1998 as a way to raise money for cancer research when the husband of a close friend was stricken with the disease. Because Asman's friends were breeders of Andalusians, she chose to honor that passion while raising cognizance to a condition that affects millions of American's each year. Joanne Asman's 40 years of experience and passion keep her forging ahead. It's with that passion and dedication that Fiesta of the Spanish Horse gained non-profit status in 2004.
As a non-profit, Fiesta of the Spanish Horse requires a group of volunteers and a board of directors to keep it running. With these hard-working individuals, Fiesta of the Spanish Horse was able to celebrate its 12th anniversary this year.
Each May, Joanne Asman and her group of dedicated volunteers hold an Extravaganza at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Spectators indulge in a celebration of Spanish Horse heritage and their contributions to California's history. Similar to a Spanish Feria -- a week long party in Spain -- the festivities commence with four days of multi-breed horse competitions and Fiesta of the Spanish Horse highlights the event with a Saturday evening performance of professional acts. Blending together tradition and culture, show-goers are delighted with a dazzling broadway-style display of high-stepping Spanish Horses -- Andalusians, Lusitanos, Peruvian Pasos to name a few -- drill teams, classical dressage, trick riding, food and vendors. The parade of cancer survivors offers an uplifting glimpse at just how profound cancer awareness organizations are.
Fiesta of the Spanish Horse Extravaganza doesn't just entertain, it emphasizes cancer awareness education. As Joanne Asman puts it best "More than money, it's awareness." The event has many cancer awareness groups on hand for the community to speak with and become familiar with the disease, how the disease affects different populations and when and why to get screened. The Fiesta of the Spanish Horse truly fuses education and entertainment for the entire community.
Fiesta of the Spanish Horse maintains its mission because of the financial support of local businesses, community members and others with a desire to find a cure for cancer. Contributions and sponsorships allow the organization to award charities with significant funding and product donations. Such philanthropic foundations in receipt of the organization's efforts include the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Susan G. Komen, the American Cancer Society and a variety of other noteworthy cancer groups.
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