Seabreeze Recreation Center was the place to be for the Pony Up Polo Boosters’ annual Kentucky Derby party.  Enthusiastic polo fans quickly filled the reserved tables, eager to watch the iconic race.  We may not have been in Kentucky, but there was no lacking in the fancy hats and fancy duds worn by the Booster members in attendance.  Everyone looked fabulous!

 

While waiting for the start of the Derby race, eager bidders took the time to peruse and outbid their fellow Boosters for the many baskets, trips and experience packages available at the Silent Auction tables.  The live auction proved just as exciting as some one-of-a-kind items went up for auction.

 

Booster members had the opportunity to mingle with the numerous players and grooms who also attended the event.  Many took the opportunity to thank them personally for their efforts that made for another great season of polo play.  We were so appreciative that the players and grooms were able to join in for the festivities of this annual event.  

 

The Derby race certainly didn’t disappoint with Golden Tempo pulling off a very exciting win.  Not to be outdone, the polo players and a special guest had their own Derby race, with the outcome also coming down to the last second.  Congratulations to Katie Glynn for hanging in there to claim the victory.

 

Special thanks go out to everyone who made this evening a success: 

 

Bridgette’s Catering for a delicious dinner and attentive service;

Wayne (many of you know him as the bartender at the North end of the grandstand) who kept us entertained with his magic;

Lordi Lyall who returned as the always popular emcee and auctioneer;

Booster members who volunteered in various aspects to help with the event; 

All of the generous donors who contributed items for our live and silent auctions; and the Boosters, players, grooms and fans whose generosity not only tonight but throughout the entire Spring season enabled us to reach our fundraising goal.  

 

As the evening ended, Booster President Beth Rowley reminded everyone of the many efforts the Boosters’ generosity supports.  These include the Injured Players Fund, ongoing maintenance for the horse ambulance, fulfilling equipment needs of the Polo Academy students and the holiday drive for children at Arnold Palmer Hospital.  She noted that many of the Boosters’ fundraising efforts this Spring have been focused on the equine needs of the Polo Academy students.  

 

We are pleased to announce that with the proceeds from the Derby party combined with our raffle ticket sales this Spring, the goal of acquiring an additional polo pony for the Polo Academy students has been achieved.  THANK YOU to everyone.  Your generosity makes all the difference in the world.  

(Regina Jessop)