A 120-year-old major donor to the Bryn Mawr Hospital is still alive and literally kicking.

The underway Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is marking its 120th anniversary with its largest-ever donation of $500,000 to the Bryn Mawr Hospital.

“I want to thank and congratulate all who have worked incredibly hard to keep the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair a vital institution in our community, while preserving its rich history, for the past 120 years,” President Andrea Gilbert said. “What began in 1896 with a dozen local gentlemen hoping to improve their stock of horses for their carriages has become the largest outdoor horse show, and one of the largest volunteer-run fundraising efforts, in the country.

Just as Bryn Mawr Hospital is defined by the staff, physicians and volunteers who strive each day to provide a superior experience, the volunteers are the backbone of the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. The spirit of community that each and every volunteer continually brings to this event is truly inspiring.”

Gilbert joined a press conference last week to promote the health of the robust volunteer-run horse show and once again thank the organization for its more than $15 million in gifts since 1919. Its current support is helping renovate and modernize the Bryn Mawr Hospital with a pledge for $2 million over five years.

This year’s Devon Horse Show and Country Fair runs through June 5. Check out past VISTA Today coverage of the horse show here and the local Main Line Health hospital here.