It was a great day for Kevin’s cause

The Kevin Babington benefit show at Duncraven Sunday raised approximately $50,000 to help the show jumper, who suffered a critical spinal injury in a fall at the end of August.

Just as significant as the money itself was the fact that it came as a result of equestrians acting as a community for a special person who has become a special cause.

The competition in Titusville, Mercer County, brought horse people together in a way that is seldom seen in this era. Katie Benson, one of the show’s organizers, noted “everyone was there to lend a hand. It was a selfless day,” saying it reminded her of “the old days.” Everything was donated–the only things that had to be paid for were the portable toilets.

Jen Cassidy had the concept and put the volunteer staff together. Tim Fedor contributed his facility. Nancy Wallis did the course designing and building. Patty Miller offered her show date so the competition could be recognized, Karen Glover-Raach did the auction, Julie Koveloski handled the sponsorship and the raffle, and many more helped in other ways to make the show a rousing success. Decorations and flowers came from the Shannondale show and the Talent Search at the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation the previous weekend.

“We had a thousand ways to contribute, and everyone did so,” said Katie. Her Briarwood team designed and built an Irish flag jump–appropriate since Kevin is a native of Ireland and has ridden on that country’s team. It went for $1,000 while a jump put together by Paul Jewell sold for $2,000.

The Irish flag jump was one of many creative ways money was raised to help Kevin Babington and his family at the Duncraven benefit show.

What made the show work was that “everybody knew Kevin, loved him and respected him. If it happened to the best of us, it can happen to the rest of us,” Katie pointed out.

“There’s a lot of sympathy there. Kevin is such a fine character through and through and everyone wants to support him in any way they can. As a rider, Kevin would share how to ride a course; it wasn’t about him, it was about your horse going well. He would do anything to make your day go right.

“We hope that financially they (Kevin’s family) can afford to keep him on the best care possible,” said Katie. Kevin is at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange and will have the need for more help once he goes home to Allentown. The healing process is lengthy.

“One thing we know from horses is that you can’t rush an injury to get back to the ring. We’d love to have Kevin right back in the game, but it’s going to take some stall rest,” said Katie.

Two days later, there was good news on that front. Dianna, Kevin’s wife and his rock, reported he was off the ventilator completely overnight, a total of 24 hours of unassisted breathing.

“This means freedom to travel when rehab is behind him.This means his diaphragm has gotten stronger. This means teaching will be well within his wheelhouse once he gets stronger! He slept well, maintained his oxygen status perfectly and is bright this morning.”

On Monday, Dianna posted on Facebook, “I don’t actually know how to express how much this means to us and how grateful we are. The expressions of love and support, offers of anything and everything to help, just the simple texts of “hang in there” has made a horrific situation livable. When we are our most distressed we think about the army of support we are so fortunate to have and know that we are not alone.”

Competitors came out in a big way, and as she noted, “many jumpers were wearing green, white and orange (the Irish colors.) Horses were braided with colored yarn or sprayed with shamrocks of green paint. It was unreal. There were jumps donated for auction that were stunning. Vendors were selling specially made items in honor of Kevin and people and horses alike were jumping jumps for Kevin Babington in the back field.

“What I noticed the most was the absolute kindness being demonstrated. There was a good will and sense of community that was palpable. It was the horse community at its best. I am so proud to be part of this special breed of people. I was hugged at least 50 times and everyone had a message for Kevin, which he will surely receive.
I want to specifically thank Tim Fedor for hosting this at Duncraven which remains a special place in our hearts. (Kevin had been based there at one point.)

“Today I came `home”’ and my head was flooded with memories everywhere I looked. I saw Kevin and I in our youth around every corner. We literally grew up at Duncraven and when I pulled up and saw no room for any more trailers, it took me a minute to get out of the car, I was so overcome with emotion. I could not have picked a more special place for this event.”

When she visited Kevin with their daughter, Marielle, and showed him all the photos and videos she took at Princeton Showjumping (which also ran benefits) and Duncraven, Dianna noted, “He was extremely moved and said, `When I get out of here, I have a lot of giving back to do.’”

She responded, “You earned this, Kevin, you are getting back right now for so much you already have given to so many.” He said “I still have lots to do.” But what he already has done is bring everyone together for something important, beyond ribbons and trophies.

Those who wish to donate to the Kevin Babington Trust via GoFundMe can click on this link: https://www.gofundme.com/for-kevin-babington-and-family

Those who can are asked to buy their feed from Babington Mills (http://07d.7d2.myftpupload.com/) , which is Kevin’s company.

Ruespari has designed a limited edition belt bearing Kevin’s signature. All proceeds will go to help him and his family. https://www.ruespari.com/rideforkbabs

To learn more about Kevin, here is a link to the story I did about him in July: https://nancyjaffer.com/2019-07-09/