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UPHA Convention Pictures Posted

Pictures from the recent UPHA National Convention in Boston have been posted on Doug Shiflet's website, www.dougshiflet.com. Proofs from all the forums, luncheons, and award dinners are there in addition to many candids from all the performances and events. These proofs are from both Shiflet and Howie Schatzberg. All orders will go through Shiflet.

UPHA 2011 CONVENTION
January 6-8, 2011
Boston, MA

2011 Convention Report

One of the most successful conventions in recent years, Boston Unites was the culmination of Chapter 14's core belief that anything can happen with unity. Bob Funkhouser, Kristen Cater and Gary Garone led the movement ably assisted by dozens of volunteers including Funkhouser's wife, Raye Lynn Mercer. Perhaps more than any other, UPHA Chapter 14 is a truly united organization. Here labels of Morgan, Saddlebred or Hackney - professional, amateur, owner, or breeder - are abandoned and this very diverse group of talented individuals becomes a cohesive unit.

A record number of UPHA members came from all across the country, including the strongest Morgan participation in UPHA history. With over 300 registered convention attendants, there were sell out crowds of 400+ for the awards ceremonies both Friday and Saturday nights.

Click Here for a complete list of 2010 Award Winners.

In addition to the spectacular awards dinners, another highlight of the convention weekend was the Boston Unites luncheon, honoring the Ribbons of Service winners and featuring a keynote address by Hall of Fame Pitcher Curt Schilling. He engaged the audience in a humorous and insightful discussion of the challenges of competition.

Click Here to view a video of Curt Schilling's speech.

Following the Ribbons of Service awards at the luncheon, a check for $35,000 was presented to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Brian Boucher, the father of a nine-year-old girl who was saved by a groundbreaking transplant at St. Jude's after being given no hope, spoke of the miracle they had been given by St. Jude's.

Click Here to read more about the ROS program and Jordyn Boucher's story.

During the Saturday evening Gala dinner, the Live Auction featured three stallion services and raised $43,000. Darrel and Sandy Kolkman donated a choice of one of three of their Hackney stallions including Heartland Head of the Class, Heartland Code of Honor or Heartland Top Gun. Kohler Stables donated the service of the legendary Noble Flaire, and Tony Weldon donated the last outside stallion service to Callaway's Blue Norther.

In addition to the awards, there were discussion forums, elections, and business meetings. Click Here to read about the 2011 Board of Directors, Chapter Chairmen and various Committees.