For the past two years, the Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic has featured the virtuoso skills of Polo Hall of Famers Carlos and Memo Gracida. Both brothers are long time 10 goal players (the highest rating in the sport) and both are multiple-time Player of the Year Award winners. Both came to the Classic to play for the benefit of local human services charity, People Helping People (PHP).
Sadly, this year on Saturday, July 19th, Carlos Gracida will not be playing at the Classic and defending his championship won with the Platinum Performance Team last year. Three-time Grand Slam of Polo award winner, Carlos Gracida, passed away on February 26, 2014.
Joel Baker, host of the Polo Classic and long-time polo player, said that Carlos was a close personal friend as well as long time competitor. “Carlos was not only one of the great players but a great individual and ambassador for polo,” said Baker.
According to Baker, this year’s Polo Classic will feature a first time award for sportsmanship named for Carlos Gracida. “We are very proud to honor Carlos and introduce the Carlos Gracida trophy for Sportsmanship at this year’s Polo Classic. The trophy is sponsored by First Bank and will be a perpetual trophy featuring the new winner’s name each year.”
Karen Bowker, Assistant Vice President at First Bank, said that, “the Bank and staff are privileged to participate as a sponsor of the Polo Classic to support such a worthy cause as People Helping People, which helps so many in need within the Santa Ynez Valley. To also be able to perpetuate the memory of a humanitarian and all-time great player like Carlos Gracida is also a source of great pride.”
The July 19th Polo Classic will feature exciting fast paced polo played on a compact field at the J.B. Polo Ranch in Buellton. Platinum Performance and Happy Canyon Vineyard are each sponsoring a team of three world class polo players to compete for the Polo Classic Perpetual Trophy. Platinum Performance is the reigning two-time champion. The match will be preceded by a VIP champagne reception and luncheon, in addition to an off-site Friday evening Cocktail Reception for Sponsors, Patrons & Players. The polo match will be followed by a dressage exhibition by former Olympian Charlotte Bredhal Baker.
According to Dean Palius, PHP’s C.E.O., in addition to First Bank, many other local businesses have stepped up to help PHP make the 3rd Annual Polo Classic a memorable event. Champagne, wine and beer are being donated by Lucas and Lewellen, Happy Canyon Vineyards, and Firestone Walker Brewing. The VIP reception and lunch will be prepared and served by Field to Table Catering and Events. Awards for players and Best Playing Ponies and String Of Ponies are being furnished by Montecito Bank and Trust, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Lisa Seger Insurance. Other key sponsors include Uva Design Studio, Rani Hoover Inspired Weddings & Events, Marborg Industries, Jedlicka’s and Hamlet Inn.
VIP tickets for the Polo Classic which include parking, champagne reception, comfortable tented seating, catered lunch, and hat contest are $250 each. Patron levels which include VIP polo tickets, Friday evening player reception, tickets to additional PHP events, PHP service sponsorships, and polo program mention are also available.
General admission tickets at only $10 each, ($5 children 12 and under) include nearby parking and shuttle to the field and field level seating close by the action. Food and beverages, including beer and wine will be available for purchase.
For all VIP, Patron, and General Admission tickets for the Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic on Saturday, July 19th visit www.syvphp.org/events/poloclassic or call Marisela at 686-0295 x104.
Doors open at 10:30 A.M. for VIP and 11:30 A.M. for General Admission; match begins at 1:30 PM.
For more information about non-profit human services provider and event beneficiary, People Helping People, visit www.syvphp.org.
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