Canter Against Cancer Gains Signature Necklace Design Courtesy of Mark Lexton Collection

Southampton, MA-September 29, 2009-The inaugural Canter Against Cancer Benefit Trail Ride and Pig Roast for the Dr. Jerri Nielsen-FitzGerald Scholarship at the University of Toledo, October 3, at Twin Orchard Farm in Southampton, Massachusetts, has gained its own original signature necklace, courtesy of nationally recognized equestrian jeweler, Mark “Lex” Matthews and the Mark Lexton Collection.

“Lex is a Rotarian, so when we learned that the benefit’s volunteers would include the Southwick (MA) Rotary, it clinched our decision to create an original piece to help as a fund raiser,” said Lisa Matthews. “His equestrian-themed jewelry made this a natural fit with the ride. Even in this economy, people need to find time to support one another and we hope riders will find this piece as wonderful as it was to design.”

The Canter Against Cancer signature necklace, valued at $350, is an 18″ sterling silver lariat with stirrup loop, and ending in a hand-carved, pink enameled ribbon.

“This is surely one of our top tier raffle prizes,” note Canter Against Cancer organizers and AHP members, L.A. Pomeroy and Claudia Sarti. “Jerri was the recipient of a Rotary International youth scholarship, and makes this connection all the more special.” Other featured raffle items include a signed and numbered fine art print by British rock musician and Beatlemania star, Caspar McCloud, an autographed photo and DVD from Julie Goodnight, and horse care and riding supplies courtesy of Stone Arbor Saddle Shop of Bolton, Connecticut. Cancer research-supporters, eZall Technologies LLC, and SmartPak, join Western Massachusetts Public Health Association as chief sponsors.

Lex Mathews grew up in the jewelry business, graduating from Bowman’s Jewelry and Watch Repair School before purchasing his family’s store, Jones-Smith Jewelers of Florence, South Carolina, with his sister, Susan, in 2002. His Mark Lexton Collection kicked off the 2009 steeplechase season with a show at Floyd & Green Jewelers in Aiken. co-owned by Tom and Cristi Williams, and Diana and Steve Floyd. The collection’s signature stirrup and crop toggle, and flip-lock stirrup bangle, have been bestsellers. “I wanted a collection that could capture the true beauty of the equestrian lifestyle,” said Lex, whose jewelry can be seen ringside on equestrians such as Liza Towell Boyd, winner of the $40,000 AHJF Hunter Classic at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

The Canter Against Cancer necklace will also be available in custom 14k and 18k gold. Mark Lexton Collection will donate 20% of sales to Canter Against Cancer. See www.marklexton.com.