Zone 7 Zone-O-Rama keeps beloved friend and horseman’s dream of helping children alive

FORT WORTH, TEXAS— Getting people to part with their money can be a challenge. In this economy it’s practically impossible. But put a worthwhile cause behind it and Paint Horse enthusiasts might prove you wrong. They certainly did at the 21st annual Zone 7 Zone-O-Rama on August 1 and 2 in Logan Township (Twp), New Jersey. Exhibitors and sponsors gave generously in honor of a man they loved and recently lost, Jim Pacelli.

Mr. Pacelli, an accountant by trade, died in April of last year. He was a horse trainer on the side and a long-time supporter of his regional club, the Empire State Paint Horse Club, and also Zone 7, which encompasses seven additional regional clubs in the northeast. He, along with his wife Jill, worked with many Youth over the years and watched them discover the valuable life tools learned through working with horses; patience, trust, and responsibility.

While Jim knew these were basic and very important essentials, Jill said, “he never missed the chance to remind the kids how important a college education was. We did not have children of our own so he felt that helping the ones he could was his contribution to the future and he took it very seriously,” she continued.

“He reminded them how a college education would lead to a good job which would allow them to continue their involvement with horses for years to come.”

With show numbers down across the country, the Zone 7 committee knew they had to get creative in attracting not only the hundreds of regulars back to the show but also in getting new faces there. So after 16 great years at the Horse Park in Allentown, New Jersey, they moved the show to the new multi-million dollar Gloucester County Dream Park in Logan Twp.

But organizer’s and club member’s hearts were still heavy from the loss of Jim Pacelli. They wanted to somehow honor him in a way that would support his life-long passion for helping children get an education and achieve their goals.

Jill, chairperson of the Zone 7 committee, with the help of other committee members and generous sponsor donations held two money-added classes at the show specifically to fund the Jim Pacelli Endowment Fund. Monies from the fund go directly to the American Junior Paint Horse Association’s (AjPHA) Youth Scholarship Foundation, which makes it financially possible each year for many deserving young horsemen and –women to get a college education.

Besides the two money-added classes, exhibitors and staff at the show unanimously—and very generously—decided to also donate half of the show’s entry fees to the fund as another way to honor Mr. Pacelli. “Everyone has been so wonderful to me since Jim’s passing,” said Jill. “I’ll never forget how people opened their hearts and pocketbooks during that show to see that Jim’s wishes lived on.”

Zone 7 Treasurer Barbara Mantini credits an experienced and cooperative show staff as one of the many factors contributing to the event’s success. “It makes a big difference when you’ve got a crew that’s all on the same page working together for the greater good,” said Mantini. She also added that having APHA’s Gelding Plus program offered at the show has been a great addition. “APHA has been so helpful and it really makes a difference to be able to offer that added incentive at our show,” she said.

The show boasted 727 entries—up from 683 in 2008. In fact, the show has grown every year for the past five years. At a time when most clubs are struggling to keep exhibitors coming back, the Zone 7 Zone-O-Rama has managed to beat the odds consistently year after year.

A dedicated staff, fresh ideas and lots of hard work seem to be their recipe for success. As an added bonus, the show’s success this year was two-fold. Not only did they exceed their numbers from 2008 but, in Jim Pacelli’s name, they were able to help further the education of some very deserving young horse people. A total of $3,750 was raised for the AjPHA Youth Scholarship Fund.

To learn more about what your regional club can do to boost numbers, contact APHA Regional Club Director, Julie Haney, at (817) 834-2742.

More about the American Paint Horse Association
Since APHA was founded 47 years ago, it has registered nearly 1 million American Paint Horses at a rate of around 30,000 horses per year. The Association currently serves approximately 83,000 active members in 40 nations and territories. APHA works not only to record Paint Horse pedigrees, but also to preserve and promote the history, breeding, training, racing, showing, sales and enjoyment of American Paint Horses.