Stefanie Portman on Acapulco clears a jump on her way to victory.

Racing through heat and humidity as formidable as the rails, 14 equestrians thrilled patrons gathered at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club, while generating an epic sum of support for the University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in the Rainbow Jumper Challenge ’21.
This year’s jumping competition, organized by UH Circle of Friends, honored University Hospitals front line caregivers. Carly and Doug Horner Jr., with their robust toddler Tripp in arms, described the particular care received at Rainbow Babies & Childrens Hospital when Tripp was born prematurely last spring.
Adhering to safety protocols, the 11th annual UH fundraiser adapted the venue by featuring private VIP chalets staged around the equestrian arena. Each chalet – an open-sided tent – accommodated between four and 10 guests, depending on sponsorship. Served to each chalet according to CDC guidelines, patrons enjoyed gourmet cuisine prepared by the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club that included lamb lollipops with sweet chili glaze, phyllo mushroom purses, smoked salmon crostini and crudité with hummus, along with champagne and
dessert.

Cindy Flynn, M.A. Horner, Wendy Kampinksi, and Marla Robbins

Stefanie Portman raced last on Acapulco, but finished first, drawing the top $20,000 bid and winning the 2021 Jumper Challenge. In total, the evening raised a record $500,950 for direct support of Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY PEGGY TURBETT