Charity Event Archives - San Diego Polo Club

“Boots & Bolos” Pan American Cup

July 3, 2015 by Erin Lane

This past Sunday, June 28, the San Diego Polo Club had the pleasure of hosting its fourth annual Woodford Reserve Classic which hosted a charity polo match to benefit the International Testicular Cancer Foundation. First-time visitors Nacho Figueras and Hilaro Figueras supported the cause by joining La Jolla Polo Team and assisting their win.

The second half of the tournament will be held at the San Diego Polo Club this Sunday, July 5. Gates will open for the “Boots & Bolos” Pan American Cup Finals at 12:30pm. The patriotic spirit will be everywhere this Sunday as guests are encouraged to sport their best pair of cowboy boots and their nicest bolos for Sunday Polo’s all-American event.

SDPC is excited to announce that during this Sunday’s intermission before the feature match, Cowboy Mounted Shooting will have its very own demonstration. Mounted Shooting is the fastest growing equestrian sport in the nation. It has attracted sponsors like Wrangler, Tony Lama, John Deere, Colt and Stetson. Riders compete in this timed event using two .45 caliber single action revolvers, each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition. The sport offers a variety of levels of competition to include riders from novice levels to the seasoned professionals. Competitors wear traditional western attire or late 1800’s period clothing. There are never any loaded guns outside of the arena.

In addition to this demonstration, Sunday Polo will host its very own watermelon eating contest.

Steven Ybarra will be singing the National Anthem during this Sunday’s intermission. One of the most gifted, honest musicians to emerge from San Diego’s thriving singer-songwriter scene in years, national recording and touring artist Steven Ybarra has captivated crowds across North America with his voice, guitar, and keen ear for that perfect melody. An accomplished and innovative standout, Steven Ybarra has put out eight captivating, heartfelt albums of passionate pop gems. Along the way he’s earned not just devoted fans, but numerous accolades, including four San Diego Music Awards. He has shared the stage with Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Gavin De Graw, Jason Maraz, Switchfoot, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jeremy Camp, Sugar Ray, and countless others. His modern country and pop songs have been featured on MTV, ESPN, and in motion pictures and documentary films. His albums Love Love Love and Best Days have helped build his solo career to what it is today, and now his 3rd CD, What I Really Want to Say, is set to catapult him all the way. Steven is currently signed with Pacific Records.

Join us this Sunday for the Pan-American Cup Finals.

Here is the link for tickets: http://sandiegopolo.ticketleap.com/pan-american-cup-finals-2015/

Chambord Vodka Classic 2014 Recap

December 13, 2014July 10, 2014 by

Sunday, June 29th was another beautiful day here at the San Diego Polo Club– a bright, breezy polo-filled afternoon. With our fantastic sponsor Chambord Vodka in attendance, we had a festive purple and pink theme to the tents to match their blackberry flavored liqueur and vodka. Patrons enjoyed tastes of Chambord Vodka & Liqueur while watching the action on the field.

The PEERS Network & Challenged Athletes Foundation were also in attendance as proud supporters of Sunday Polo.

The first match at 1pm between Starmeadow/MonteVerde and Twin Palms/San Judas, started of with a bang when Jennifer Alexy scored the first goal for her team, Twin Palms/San Judas. Colton Bancroft also scored for Starmeadow/MonteVerde. The match ended with at Twin Palms/San Judas at 9 and Starmeadow/MonteVerde with 10, taking the win.

Guests of all ages attended the Sunday Polo event, from tailgating to the VIP tent!

At intermission we had a fun and informative polo demonstration by Diego Velarde and Diego Larrreglia. They showed us all some great moves and demonstrated the basic hitting positions and rules, while announcer, Steve Lewandowski broke down the line of the ball and a bit about strategy.

Anthony Ballard, a long time polo fan and a San Diego resident with 20 plus years of singing, locally and abroad, sang our national anthem beautifully.

A representative of the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Jeffrey Odom, did the honor of throwing in the first ball. Jeffrey is a former F-16 Crew Chief for the United States Air Force and Captain of Team USA Wheelchair Rugby. The Challenged Athletes Foundation also have a space at the event that showcased how they help those with physical disabilities.

It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.

The second match of the day at 3pm was an exciting one with San Fernando vs Team Chambord. San Fernando dominated, scoring the first 3 goals of the match in the first chukker. The talented John Eicher scored 4 of the 9 goals for his team, Team Chambord.

However, San Fernando was still able to capture the win. The match ended with San Fernando at 11 and Team Chambord at 9.

American Heart Association Painted the SD Polo Club RED for the Inaugural Go Red Campaign

December 13, 2014August 28, 2013 by

Sunday’s finals of the Pacific Coast Polo Tournament also celebrated the inaugural American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign. Emceed by ABC’s Bachelorette runner up, Kiptyn Locke, the American Heart Association had their first ever San Diego STRUT to promote heart health in women, along with a silent and live auction. The Polo Club was decked out in red and all guests sported red flair in support of the organization. According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one killer in women, which is more than all types of cancer combined!

Porsche of San Diego had their gorgeous automobiles on display, including the all new 2014 Porsche Cayman.

The first match was a consolation game played between Twin Palms/San Fernando and Adeptus. Colleen Wilson, owner of Adeptus had a spectacular afternoon, scoring 5 goals for her team. Roberto Estudillo of Twin Palms/San Fernando also had a fantastic game, scoring 3 for his team. Twin Palms/San Fernando was slow to start, but caught up by half-time, making the score 5 to 5. Adeptus shined in the 5th chukker, bringing their team up 3 more point and winning the match 8 to 7.

During intermission, the local community participated in the Go Red STRUT, a community-based, one-of-a kind fashion show. Led by the San Diego Polo School students and Uakea Huddleston, the STRUT included two heart disease victims, one being a 4 year old boy. Celebrity judges AJ Machado, Chris Cantore, Natasha Stenbock, Lisa Murphy, Mia Stefanko and Kiptyn Locke, judged the “strutters” and gave out prizes to various winners.

Just after the American Heart Association’s Go Red STRUT, our announcer and auctioneer, Steven Lewandowski raffled off items for charity!

The national anthem was sung by two American Heart Association volunteers, one of which is a heart disease survivor.

The feature match and finals of the Pacific Coast Polo Tournament consisted of Hanalei Bay (Krista Bonaguidi -1, Ashton Wolf 3, Mariano Fassetta 6, David Samaniego 0) and Starmeadow/Monteverde (Ellen Greenhill -1, Colton Bancroft 0, Martin Ravina 5, Graham Bray 4). Hanalei Bay kicked off things in the first chukker with 3 goals but letting Starmeadow/Monteverde sneak up in the 3^rd chukker. Krista Bonaguidi scored 3 in the feature match, making her one of the high scorers on her team. The game was all tied up in the 4^th chukker, 7 to 7, but Martin Ravina scored 4 goals in the final chukkers to lead his team to victory. Starmeadow/Monteverde beat Hanaeli Bay 10 to 8.

Guests enjoyed the Korbel California Champagne Divot Stomp during half time and the Paul Cannon Band after the matches.

When guests sampled Black Stallion Winery‘s Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, they received a fun Black Stallion branded Go Vino glass! Black Stallion’s chardonnay is one of our biggest sellers at Sunday Polo!

Thank you to Ranch & Coast for being our media sponsor and Kiptyn Locke for emcee-ing the event!

Willis Allen Memorial Tournament & REINS Therapeutic Riding Program Fundraiser warmed the hearts of many!

December 13, 2014July 12, 2013 by

Since the San Diego Polo Club opened its doors in 1986, our fields have welcomed four generations of polo players from the Allen & Collins families and needless to say, they have been an integral part of this club. The family legacy of polo started with Willis Allen, who along with his son-in-law Harry Collins, played an instrumental role in the formation of the San Diego Polo Club. Over the years, Willis Allen, his son-in-law Harry, his grandson Chris and his great-grandson Chris Jr. have all played polo on our fields.

The fifth weekend of polo at the San Diego Polo Club not only brought plenty of sunshine, but also some great polo for the playing of the Willis Allen Memorial Cup. We celebrated Willis’ life and the Collins’ family legacy by welcoming REINS Therapeutic Riding Program as the beneficiary of the event. Harry Collins is currently the oldest participant in the REINS Therapeutic Riding Program and the charity is very important to the family.

The 1:00pm match featured Monteverde-Adeptus versus Star Meadow-San Judas. The match got off to a fast start with Martin Ravina scoring two goals in the first chukker and Kimo Huddleston scoring two for StarMeadow-San Judas. Ravina put a few more through the goal, resulting in a Monteverde-Adeptus halftime lead of 7-5. Ramon Richard had a high score of 4 goals for StarMeadow-San Judas. Despite both efforts, the match ended in a tie. Martin Ravina had the most goals on the afternoon, totaling 8 for Monteverde-Adeptus.

During intermission, fans bid on silent auction items including a week long trip to Africa, a signed cowboy hat by Taylor Swift and more, all to benefit REINS Therapeutic Riding Program. Debbie Shinner, executive director of REINS Therapeutic Riding Program, and JoHanna, one of REINS‘ youngest program participant, produced a wonderful demonstration for the crowd. Debbie explained how the therapeutic lessons encourage speech, help riders identify objects, and sequence multiple tasks, all the while on horseback. JoHanna captured the hearts of the crowd by blowing kisses and riding her lesson pony.

After fans dried their eyes, we picked it up a little for an intermission exhibition from the Flyball Ballistics Racers. The Racers showed off their speed and agility thru series of obstacle courses. Polo Player, Linda Drabova, and her dog Indie were the stars of the show!

Erin Thompson started the festivities with the singing of our National Anthem, followed by REINS Therapeutic Riding Program taking part in the ceremonial first ball throw.

The 3:00pm match between Hanalei-San Fernando and Twin Palms-Sycamore provided a back and forth seesaw afternoon of polo. Chris Maloney and Ashton Wolf did their jobs, scoring three goals each, to help lead Twin Palms-Sycamore to victory.

The Collins Family presented trophies to the winners and celebrated a wonderful day with family and the fans.

Spectators enjoyed post game entertainment from Tiffany Jane, a San Diego songstress singin’ the blues.

Big thanks to Willis Allen, The Collins Family, REINS Therapeutic Riding Program, Ballistic Racers Flyball Team, Tiffany Jane, Erin Thompson, Three Dog Bakery, and Caracol Silver for coming out to share their Sunday with us.

We look forward to seeing everyone out for the action next week at the Woodford Reserve Classic.

Dia del Sol Benefits United Cerebral Palsy

December 13, 2014November 7, 2011 by

Colleen Clayton, Andrene Dziubinski, Francine Miley

The women from The Beach and Country Guild really know how to throw a fundraiser! Based in Rancho Santa Fe, the Beach and Country Guild has over 100 dynamic women who work hard to support our community through various charity events, including the annual Dia del Sol to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). They have raised over $2 million in the past 11 years alone!

The event was held right in our backyard at the Grand Del Mar Resort, the only 5 star hotel in Del Mar. Guests checked in and perused the silent auction tables. Among the tables were gift certificates to Nothing Bundt Cakes and Dolce in the food and wine section, catered dinners and playhouse tickets in the dining and entertainment, spa packages in health and beauty, birdhouses in the home and garden, a Bret Boone signed baseball in the sports and entertainment, and fun items for pets and kids.

A special table set up for the Fund-A-Toy Program displayed interactive and colorful toys for the children of UCP. There is a toy library right here in San Diego, which allows the children of UCP to rent out a learning toy to the family for 2 weeks. “This allows each child to work on visual, hearing, physical and cognitive abilities. Plus, all kids love a new toy every few weeks,” says UCP representative Mary Krieger. Guests could spend as little as $25 and purchase a toy for the UCP Library, an easy option for anyone.

Style booths included Links of London, Kate Spade, Karen Miller, Nicole Miller, Jo Malone, Goga by Gordana. A percentage of items purchased went to UCP.

Next up was the UCP Childrens Fashion Show sponsored by Nordstrom, Fashion Valley. The kids rocked the stage!

Guest speaker, Jessica Smith, got on stage and spoke to the audience about what it is like to have cerebral palsy. “You can’t help the body you’re born in, but you have your mind, soul and spirit. Those are the things that matter,” Jessica said. Jessica had both hips removed and participated in the fashion show in previous years. After having a shoulder surgery, she was diagnosed with leukemia. That afternoon, she shared she has been in remission for 2 years! After hearing her moving words, the audience stood and clapped at the inspiring woman she has become. Although Jessica was born with CP, she hasn’t let it control her life. She leads a more inspiring and accomplished life than many of us.

A live auction of a few big ticket items came after Jessica’s speech. Trips to Napa Valley, Golf & Spa Getaway, Luxury Retreat it Baja, 7-night Mediterranean Cruise on an exclusive yacht, and Dinner for 6 Prepared by the RSF Fightfighters, a crowd favorite!

The Beach and Country Guild finished up the event with a fashion show, highlighting Lilly Pulitzer, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade, Nicole Miller, and GOGA by Gordana. To really top it off, the male models poured champagne on their last walk down the runway. The women loved it!

Gordana, her husband, guest and Mary Ellen Wengler

Melissa Brewster, Sophia Alasdek, Kim Smart

Real Living’s Dixie Courtney and Susan Williams.

On behalf of the San Diego Polo Club, we want to say thank you to the Beach and Country Guild and all those who help to make Dia Del Sol successful every year!

All photos by Siegel Thurston Photography.

Willis Allen Memorial Cup Finals

December 13, 2014September 21, 2011 by

What a day! Not only did we have fantastic Polo in San Diego on Sunday afternoon, but we had a handful of wonderful sponsors. Giving Back Magazine hosted their 3rd annual “Day of Polo” tournament and raised money to benefit the San Diego Symphony and San Diego Opera.

1pm Match: Trinity vs. Southwind/Adeptus- 8-goal polo

Trinity:
Rick Paicius 0
Patrick Uretz 1
Jared Sheldon 1
Mariano Gutierrez 5

Southwind/Adeptus:
Colleen Wilson 0
Mike Kerley 3
Pedro Orellano 4
Chris Collins 1

Starting off the day, we had Southwind/Adeptus vs. Trinity featured in the 1pm game. Trinity was up by 3 at the end of the second chukker, but Pedro Orellano scored 3 in the 3rd chukker, bringing the score to 7 to 6, Trinity.

Chris Collins played great defense in the second half, keeping the ball out of the Southwind/Adeptus goal. At the end of the 5th chukker, Trinity was up 9 to 8. Mariano Gutierrez scored another for Trinity in the 6th chukker, bringing them up to 10. Chris Collins scored and Pedro Orellano scored to tie up the game, 10 to 10.

Our very own founding member and patrona, Colleen Wilson, had a break away with just a couple seconds left and scored the winning goal for Southwind/Adeptus!

Meanwhile, guests bid on the silent auction items and drank Mai Tais in the CitiBank Lounge.

The San Diego Symphony played a live parade march to welcome in the two competing teams.

Next up, a representative from the San Diego Opera blew us away with the National Anthem.

3pm Feature Match and Willis Allen Memorial Cup Finals: Starmeadow vs. Tritech/San Judas

Tritech/San Judas:
Ramon Richard -1
Ashton Wolf 3
Gaston VonWernich 5
Chris Maloney 1

Starmeadow:
Jessica Bailey 1
Jesse Bray 3
Graham Bray 5
Joy Bancroft -1

After Alisha Wray’s fall a couple of weeks ago, Ramon Richard stepped up to the plate and took her place on Tritech/Princeps, now renamed, Tritech/San Judas. Alisha is doing well and attending the matches, but taking time to heal.

Although this is only 8-goal polo, it sure feels like 12-goal. Jesse Bray started off hot with 2 goals in the first chukker for Starmeadow. Gaston VonWernich matched his two goals in the second chukker and added a few more in the second half of the match. Also in the second chukker, Graham Bray had a beautiful back shot near the goal line that barely made it through the goal posts.

Ramon Richard of Tritech/San Judas had two very important goals in the 3rd and 5th chukkers, which were very instrumental in the win.

Jesse Bray continued to knock them in, tallying up 7 goals total.

We had a couple of falls, 2 from Ashton Wolf and 1 from Gaston VonWernich. The crowd was spooked when Gaston and his horse, Fleur, fell. Sure enough, the horse just got the wind knocked out of her and got right back up. The horse is healthy and we are all very thankful Gaston and Fleur are doing okay. Although Ashton’s ribs are a bit bruised, that didn’t stop him from playing his best.

In the 6th chukker, the match was 10 to 9, Tritech/San Judas on top. Jesse Bray sailed the ball into the air during a penalty shot, but missed it by inches. His second penalty shot was deflected by Ashton Wolf’s mallet. In the 3rd penalty shot, Jesse missed it again, by centimeters! Time ran out before Starmeadow had a chance to score, leaving the win to Trinity/ San Judas!

Gaston Von Wernich‘s horse, Fleur, won Best Playing Pony.

Runner’s up received gift bags from Giving Back Magazine and South Coast Plaza. Jesse Bray won MVP.

Tritech/San Judas won the Willis Allen Memorial Cup. After taking lessons in the arena and graduating to grass polo last year, Ramon Richard was thrilled to be a part of the winning team. He celebrated with dousing his teammates in Veuve Cliquot Champagne.

Trophies were presented by Tiffany & Co. of Fashion Valley.

Danitza Villanueva of Giving Back Magazine, Ramon Richard and his wife Virgina Calero, Ashton Wolf, Gaston VonWernich, Chris Collins, grandson of Willis Allen, Chris Maloney, Peggy Stevenson of Tiffany & Co., Esteban Villanueva of Giving Back Magazine, and Gaston’s children.

What a FINE Day!

December 13, 2014September 2, 2011 by

With over a thousand guests at the USPA Rossmore Cup presented by FINE Magazine, the charity, Kids Korps was sure to call it a success. Silent Auction items included a signed guitar by the Rolling Stones and another by Paul McCartney, jewelry donated by CRUSH, artwork by Donna B and tons of other great items. Kids from Kids Korps sold cupcakes and other goodies, while FINE Magazine guests enjoyed lunch and drinks in the VIP tent.

Special thanks to Jaguar Landrover of Carlsbad. Liz Flowers, Suzanna Hoehn, and Maggie from Maggie B’s and Mister B’s.

Brittany Simpson and Leonard Simpson from KUSI’s Fashion Forward produced a stunning fashion show with over 40 models and 80 looks from local designers including Sharon Plache and Fairen Del. Rouge did a fabulous job with make-up and hair.

In the feature match, Tritech/Princeps doned the jerseys of FINE Magazine and went up against team Monteverde. Things started out slow in the first half of the match, but picked up the fourth chukker. Gaston VonWernich had 6 goals that afternoon, Dirk Wray (subbing for Chris Maloney) had 2 and Ashton Wolf scored one, totaling 10 for FINE Magazine.

Matt Walker had 4 goals, Diego Cossio scored 2 in the 5th chukker, and David Samaniego scored one, totaling 7 for Monteverde.

Pink Army, a group of 3 teens from Kids Korps, performed pop-cover songs and rocked on stage for the Polo guests. A DJ spun tunes shortly after the girls finished up.

Tritech/ Princeps wearing FINE Magazine jerseys
Alisha Wray (-1)
Ashton Wolf (3)
Gaston VonWernich (5)
Dirk Wray (0)
Total: 7 goals

Monteverde:
Ellen Greenhill (0)
Matt Walker (3)
Diego Cossio (4)
David Samaniego (0)
Total: 7 goals

Second Wind of the 2011 Season!

December 13, 2014August 17, 2011 by

Jesse and Graham Bray
Jesse Bray of Starmeadow went home on Saturday afternoon after playing a practice game with his teammates, Joy Bancroft, Jessica Bailey and his father, Graham Bray. He massaged his shoulders and complained to his mother he needed ice packs for his upper back. When his mother asked why his shoulders were so sore, he responded, “I’ve been carrying the old man all day,” insinutating he played better than his father and led the team to victory. Graham didn’t take it lightly.

Graham Bray

The following day, Graham Bray played spectacularly on field one in front of the Sunday crowd. Scoring a total of 9 goals, he showed his son that the “old man” is still the boss. Jessica Bailey, straight in from Indio, scored 2 goals for Starmeadow, and Jesse Bray scored 3 (only 6 less than his father). Joy Bancroft played a strong defense, keeping the goals in favor of Starmeadow.

Tritech/Princeps scored their first two goals in the fourth chukker, starting things off slow. In the 6th chukker, each teammate scored a goal, bringing the total up to 9. Unfortunately for Tritech/Princeps, Mr. Graham Bray of Starmeadow stole the show and the game.

Diego Cossio

Diego Cossio of Monteverde kicked off the feature match with style, knocking in 2 goals. Teammates Ellen Greenhill and David Samaniego each scored one, blowing San Fernando/San Judas out of the water in the first chukker. Diego Cossio admits he had a horrible 2nd chukker, letting Guillermo Li and Charly Cendoya of San Judas/San Fernando score, tying up the match.

Charly CendoyaGuillermo Li

Each team scored another goal in the fourth chukker keeping the tied game, but in the 5th chukker, Matt Walker scored one and Diego Cossio scored two pushing Monteverde into the lead.

Matt Walker

Both Ramon Richard and Charly Cendoya of San Judas/San Fernando scored, but it wasn’t enough to take the win. Monteverde came out on top 12 to 8.

David Samaniego and Roberto Estudillo

The San Diego Polo Club celebrated the day with TERI Inc, a non-profit working hard to make the lives of special needs children better. They spoke about their therapeutic riding program and sold artwork done by their students. Teri also received a check for $10,000 from Canon Business Solutions!

Check out the video below!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kDYEAnYofI]

Thursday is the new Friday.

December 13, 2014November 16, 2010 by

This Thursday, many of our friends in the Polo Community are having events that may be worth your while. See below for more details!

Tip for Tots: Paradise Grille, Flowerhill Shopping Center, Del Mar 6pm

It’s a great opportunity to meet up with old friends, meet new ones and learn about Hospital Infantil De Las Californias….and the best part, 100% of your cash tips will benefit the children in need at the Hospital. Hospital Infantil, is a pediatric hospital in the border region that provides care to kids regardless of their ability to pay.

Taste of Linda Vista: Bayside Community Center, Linda Vista- $20

Purchase Tickets here!

5:30-6:30: savory bites and tasting of local beer and wine
6:30-7:30: awards for honorees, opportunity drawings & raffles, art show & sale
7:30-9:30 Professional Tango dancing and a Big Band Orchestra

Deck the Halls: Fairbanks Interior, Solana Beach- 5:30pm

Every Thursday: Club M at the Grand Del Mar DJ, drinks & dancing until 1:30am

loveart& POLO

December 13, 2014November 12, 2010 by

…. You fill in the blank. For us, it’s polo. is a collection of artists and designers selling their work to raise money to fund collaborative projects with under-served populations.

recently teamed up with Patagonia Outdoor Clothing and 1% for the Planet for a two-week campaign to raise money to fund creative projects with . They hosted a closing party at Seed in Newport Beach, CA last week and we were there (in spirit)!

The Polo Club donated a VIP table to help raise money for . Check out all the cool projects they are working on, HERE.

What we like best about donating to smaller organizations is that you see, hear and FEEL the change.

Tees and earrings made by Sasha Ritter.