The 4th Annual Polo For A Purpose
- Parent Category: Polo Profiles
- Uploaded by Micheal Scher
- Published in Volunteers, Contributors, Unsung Heros
- Hits: 29698
With the pulse on covering polo’s greatest athletes for POLO Magazine, I wanted to share a story from the 4th Annual Polo For A Purpose, which raised over $520,000. Proceeds from the event will be used for lifesaving blood cancer research, supporting local patients and their families by providing critically needed financial aid for theLeukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).
As a cancer survivor that was diagnosed with the life-threatening non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his teens,international polo player, Brandon Phillips, had a 50/50 chance of survival. Since being cancer free, he’s taken more of an active role in fundraising and awareness, helping kids with cancerand being a Brand Ambassador for the organization. “I was in the same boat you were,” as Phillips explains. “You fight through it, and there’s life after.”Over 800 guests were in attendance where they enjoyed a delectable luncheon and exclusive silent auction, with live entertainment by the Gipsy Sound Revolution (formally Gypsy Kings)as well as a polo match featuring the world’s top athletes: Nick Manifold,Kris Kampsen,Jeff Hall, Brandon Phillips, Mariano Gracida, Martin Pepa,Nic Roldan and Jeff Blake.
Michael Scher 295 Madison Avenue – 12th Floor New York, NY 10017
4 th Annual Polo For A Purpose Raises Significant Funds To Support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
Cancer Survivors, Brandon Phillips, and Piper Apfel, with Visse Wedell and Piper’s sister
Brandon Phillips playing in the Exhibition Game
Photography Mychal Watts
Team Pegasus Builders (Brandon Phillips, Jeff Hall, Kris Kampsen & Nick Manifold) win the match, celebrating alongside Event Chair, PJ Rizvi
Nick Manifold, Kris Kampsen, Martin Pepa, PJ Rizvi, Brandon Phillips and Nic Roldan
at the luncheon
Brandon Phillips and Annabelle Garrett
January 2017 - Wellington, FL – Inspired by the spirit of service on Martin Luther King Day, over 800 spectators, donors and families joined forces on Monday, January 16, to raise awareness and donations for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) at the 4 th annual Polo For A Purpose at the International Polo Club. The charity polo match featured eight of the sport’s top athletes, featuring Honorary Chairman & Brand Ambassador, Brandon Phillips, Nick Manifold, Kris Kampsen, and Jeff Hall, representing Pegasus Builders ; and Nic Roldan, Mariano Gracida, Martin Pepa and Jeff Blake on Hadden Landscape .
Guests enjoyed an incredible luncheon and an exciting silent and live auction that had bidders eager to participate. Although the game ended with a 7-5 win by Pegasus Builders, everyone went home a winner, especially those positively affected by the event’s contributions, which raised over $52 0,000. Drawn to LLS’ mission, Event Chair, PJ Rizvi, led the festivities alongside Brandon Phillips, a cancer survivor, to create a fun event for all ages, while fundraising for a serious cause. In memory of her sister Penny, and for those who continue to battle this horrible disease, Polo For A Purpose will bring the world one step closer in finding a cure.
Following the match, the Gipsy Sound Revolution (formally Gypsy Kings) kept the excitement going, playing to a packed crowd of guests, dancing to the infectious sounds of the Spanish Rumba. “As a cancer survivor, I truly understand the importance of bringing awareness and funding to this cause,” says Brandon Phillips. “This year was our biggest and most successful event to date. I believe we reached our goal of $520k and I look forward to making next year’s even bigger by reaching our goal of $1 million,” says Phillips.
Some of the event sponsors included: Peacock Ridge LLC, Postage Stamp Farm, Hadden Landscape, Pegasus Builders, The Wedell Family Foundation, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Kit Miller & Associates, Taylor Harris Insurance Services, Virgin Limited, Virgin Produced, Tiffany & Co., V2 JETS and Sea Cap.
Photo - Lois Spatz
Top polo players, (Left to Right),Nick Manifold, Kris Kampsen, Martin Pepa, PJ Rizvi, Brandon Phillips and Nic Roldan