Doug and Mark Herthel, owners of Platinum Performance and sponsors of the Platinum Performance Team at the Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic, recently presented the Perpetual Polo Classic Winner’s Trophy to Tom and T.J. Barrack, sponsors of the 2014 winning team, Happy Canyon Vineyard. Happy Canyon Vineyard triumphed over 2-time champion, Platinum Performance, on July 19, 2014. The winning team was comprised of local professional polo players, Tom Barrack, T.J. Barrack, and international player, Mariano Fassetta.
According to Polo Classic host and player for Platinum Performance, Joel Baker, the four chukker match was extremely hard fought and went down to the wire. “Happy Canyon Vineyard scored a 7-6 goal victory just at the final horn on a goal by Tom Barrack on a pass from his son T.J.”
The Polo Classic was a benefit for Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP) and in addition to a fast-paced four chucker polo match, the day included a champagne reception and luncheon for sponsors, patrons, and other VIP guests. All guests were invited to dress for the occasion, with creative hats for the ladies encouraged. A celebrity-judged Hat Contest was conducted with winners earning beautiful gift baskets. Winners on the VIP side of the venue included Mayisha Akbar for Most Classic and Sandra Focht for Best Ensemble. In the general admission seating area, Jennifer Oltmans won for Most Classic with Tamera Jewel garnering honors for Best Ensemble.
In addition to a trophy for the winning team, additional awards were presented at the Polo Classic. Winners of the 1st Annual Carlos Gracida Sportsmanship Award were Team Captains, Francisco Escobar (Platinum) and Tom Barrack (Happy Canyon Vineyard). The award was sponsored by First Bank. Other winners included Mathew Gonzales, Best Playing Pony (Sponsor: Lisa Seger Insurance) and Mariano Fassetta, Best Playing String of Ponies (Sponsor: Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians). Also presented were Player Appreciation awards by Montecito Bank & Trust.
PHP Development Associate, Erica Valdes, said that, “we are very excited that we sold out the event this year. More than 250 sponsor, patron, and VIP guests were joined at the 3rd Annual Polo Classic by over 400 general admission ticket holders who sat in stadium type seating on the north side of the polo field. The large turnout allowed PHP to improve event results by 30% over the previous year. We are very gratified to have this type of support from the community for the work we do at PHP. Proceeds from this event will be used to provide food, youth programs and counseling for the disadvantaged.”
Joel Baker added that he and his wife, Charlotte, are very proud to help PHP conduct such a successful and well attended event. In fact, they have already committed to hosting the 4th Annual Polo Classic. The tentative date for the 2015 Classic is July 18th and sponsorships, patron tables and all tickets will go on sale early in the New Year. Tickets and information will be available at www.syvphp.org/events.
People Helping People is a certified 501 c-3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of men, women and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos and adjacent communities by addressing emergency and basic needs and furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services. To learn more about PHP, its programs, and ways that you can help, please visit the PHP web site at www.syvphp.org or call 686-0295.
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