United Way of Ulster County Children's Charity Classic

United Way of Ulster County will host one big event to support lots of children's programs in Ulster County. A community horse jumping event, Children's Charity Classic, will have each youth organization sponsor a show jumping team (who will be dressed in costumes from a children's book). 

Funds will be distributed to nonprofit partners based on the performance of their sponsored team.

August 29, 2025 at 5pm | Hosted by HITS on the Hudson in Saugerties, NY | Featuring a Taste of Ulster County, bites from several area restaurants. 

To our knowledge, this will be the first truly collaborative fundraising event in Ulster County specifically focused on youth programming. 

Participating organizations include: 

• My Kingston Kids
• YMCA of Kingston & Ulster County
• Family of Woodstock
• Children’s Home of Kingston
• Boys & Girls Club of Ulster County
• Mentor Me
• Two United Way programs
• and more to be confirmed!

Children’s Charity Classic will help hundreds, if not thousands, of local children. All of the organizations serve kids, and most focus on low-to-moderate-income households.

According to the US Census Bureau, 11.3% of Ulster County residents are at or below the poverty threshold. Using United Way's 2024 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report, that percentage shows us a startling 46% of Ulster County households are financially struggling. Unfortunately, with costs rising and resources shrinking, these numbers are only expected to grow.

With cuts in children’s programming, we want to show up for all Ulster County kids. United Way is committed to meeting this critical moment for our youth by elevating and amplifying the work of fellow youth-serving organizations through a unique, collaborative fundraiser.

Thanks to generous in-kind donations, we’ve already secured the venue, décor, and catering. We're still working hard to secure sponsorship so we can ensure that direct funding reaches the youth program partners who provide essential services, life-changing opportunities, and the support our young people need to thrive.