6th Annual Wounded Veterans Polo Benefit
The 1940’s
(70th Anniversary of the end of World War II)
(70th Anniversary of the end of World War II)
Sunday, August 30, 2015 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Trione Polo Field; 560 White Oak Drive,
Santa Rosa (Oakmont), CA 95409
Santa Rosa (Oakmont), CA 95409
Polo players, polo ponies, stunt riders, horse drawn carriages, and military dignitaries will all be part of an upcoming polo benefit for combat injured American soldiers living in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 6th Annual Wounded Veterans Polo Benefit takes place Sunday, August 30. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. and festivities begin at 11:30 a.m.
The benefit, sponsored by the Commandery of St. Francis, Order of St. John, Knights Hospitaller, and hosted by the Wine Country Polo Club, is designed to generate support for three veterans’ rehabilitation programs:
1) Pathway Home (www.thepathwayhome.org) in Yountville, providing residential treatment for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,
2) Community Action North Bay, (www.canbinc.org) providing housing and life assistance to veterans in need in Solano County, and
3) the veterans program at BAADS, the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (www.baads.org) providing sail training and therapy on sailing dinghies in the San Francisco bay.
The opening ceremony includes posting of the Colors by a mounted Color Guard, the National Anthem and a salute to the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II. Special guests will include World War II veterans.
The afternoon features two polo games played by some of the San Francisco Bay Area’s highest rated polo players and polo ponies. The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls will lead the show at the intermission with a display of stunt riding and trick roping. Other highlights include the traditional Chandon Divot Stomp, a Ladies’ Hat Competition, a silent auction, wine tasting, and more. Premium seating includes lunch tables and a gourmet buffet. Lawn seating allows for picnics or lunch from the concession.
The Commandery of St Francis was the first Hospitaller commandery to be established on the West Coast. Headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, this non-profit organization is comprised primarily of serving or retired Officers of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and its Allies. The mission of this philanthropic organization, in keeping with the centuries’ old history and traditions of the Knights Hospitaller, is to support recently wounded service veterans.
Last year the 5th annual Wounded Veteran Polo Benefit, attended by over 350 spectators, raised and disbursed over $50,000.
Early Bird tickets (until August 9): lawn seating $60, children under 12 $30. Premium seating with Preferred Sonoma Caterers luncheon $160, Premium Table for 8 $1200.
From August 10: lawn seating $70/children $40, Premium seating $185, Premium Table for 8 $1400. For more information and to register for tickets: www.wvpb.org.