AWARDS PROGRAMS

Gold Coast AHA Achievement Awards Program

The Achievement Program was initiated to encourage the use of the Arabian, Half Arabian, and Anglo Arabian horses by amateur members of the Club. The program has been expanded to allow associate members with other breeds to also earn points while joining in on Club sponsored events. Points can be earned in competitive and non-competitive events, clinics, trail rides, fairs, and other activities allowed by the rules of the program.

Volunteer Recognition Program

Our club would not be successful without the help from our volunteers, from manning promotional booths, helping at shows and guiding trail rides — we would not be able to do it without you!  Gold Coast AHA appreciates you very much!

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Every year in September Gold Coast AHA nominates a member from the Club for the Arabian Horse Association Club Level Volunteer Service Award.  The individual nominated is someone who has done exemplary service during year, contributing notable time and effort to make a difference in the Club.  The award recipient receives a lapel pin and letter of commendation from AHA which is presented ceremoniously at the annual Club membership banquet.

This award was established in 2006 to acknowledge that special member who year after year continues to be very involved in the day to day functions and activities of the Club. The award is for an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of a volunteer and is a driving force for the club in all aspects. This award is reserved for special nomination by the Board of Directors.

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Vanessa Forgnone Sportsmanship Award

The Vanessa Forgnone Sportsmanship Buckle was awarded every year at the Gold Coast Double Header/Coast Classic Show in memory of our youth member Vanessa Forgnone who lost her life at age 16 in an automobile accident in 2002. The Roberts Family, Jim and Tami along with their daughters Jacqui, Christi, and Nikki (GCAHA members), came up with the idea to sponsor a buckle in memory of Vanessa. Fred and Kathy Forgnone (Vanessa’s parents), friends of Vanessa’s and Gold Coast Show Staff who remember her, played an important role in determining who best exemplifies Vanessa’s pleasant and positive attitude towards others. Vanessa’s sportsmanship attitude was such that it didn’t seem to matter to her if she was winning or not.  The Award process provided the Forgnone family an avenue to heal from the loss of Vanessa.

2012 marked the tenth anniversary of Vanessa’s memorial.   In 2020, the Forgnones felt it was time to close that chapter of their lives and continue the memory of Vanessa in their own personal way. They extend their heartfelt thanks to the Robert’s Family for their support in keeping Vanessa’s memory and her show spirit alive. Now they ask that all youth exhibitors keep Vanessa’s spirit going by practicing good sportsmanship, whether you win or lose, and to enter the arena with a smile on your face and keep a positive attitude.

In loving memory of Vanessa.

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