FAIRHOPE,

Ala. — The 2011 Polo at the Point festivities held last fall again

paid big dividends to area agencies. Donna Wihelm, Mercy Medical

vice president for sales and marketing, praised volunteers and

sponsors last week, noting that during the annual event “the toils

and commitment of many came to fruition.”

Board

members of Point Clear Charities (PCC), the organization that

stages Polo at the Point each year, presented a total of $100,000

from the proceeds of the 2011 polo matches to Guardian Angel, Mercy

Medical’s pediatric home care program; and Thomas Hospital’s

Pediatric Rehabilitation Program. Each received $50,000.

Wilhelm

thanked PCC board members for choosing the two programs as

beneficiaries.

“The

reasons behind why so many people participate in and volunteer at

Polo at the Point are endless, but the difference this event has

made in the lives of so many in our community is invaluable,

particularly the focus on the lives of children,” she

said.

Wilhelm

said the Mercy Medical Guardian Angel program supports critically

and terminally ill children in their homes. The children range from

birth to age 17, and suffer from a variety of illnesses, including

cystic fibrosis, leukemia, other cancers and diseases, or severe

conditions resulting from a birth defect or injury. Guardian Angel

is one of the first and only programs that provides home healthcare

featuring specialized pediatric nurses, palliative care and hospice

care to children in Baldwin and Mobile counties and serves any

child in need, no matter whether their family is able to

pay.

Wilhelm

said, “Pediatric home care is terribly underfunded, so we need the

support of our community to continue to care for the children who

need us the most.”

Thomas

Hospital’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Program, the other recipient of

the funding, provides comprehensive care to children who require

occupational, physical and speech therapy, Wilhelm said.

The program

meets the unique needs of children (birth through adolescence)

diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, hearing

impairment, muscular dystrophy and other disorders. The program

provides a safe environment for children with special needs to work

on their strength, coordination and balance.

Since 1988,

Polo at the Point has raised millions of dollars that benefited

cancer research, local nonprofit organizations and children’s

charities.

“It’s easy

to understand why so many individuals are willing to spend so much

time and energy putting together an event like Polo at the Point.

It truly does go to a worthy, needed cause,” said PCC Board Chair

Travis Goodloe. “It has been another great year for Polo at the

Point. It takes a lot of commitment from generous sponsors,

supporters, international polo players, dedicated committee members

and volunteers to make this event a success. What a great event it

is when so many come together to enjoy a wonderful day of

festivities, the elegant tents and excellent polo, all while

supporting such worthy causes in our community.”

name="OLE_LINK4">

"OLE_LINK3">

"mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;">

"mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;">Polo at the

Point traditionally features world class polo, gourmet cuisine,

champagne, divot-stomping, tailgating, silent auction, tent

designer showcase and halftime show.

"mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;">

"mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;">This year

marked the Second Annual Luncheon Designer Challenge. Four local

designers, Carl Clark of Southern Veranda Flower and Gift Gallery;

Lenae Cleveland Denson of Cleveland the Florist; Rene Mashburn of

Green Gates; and January Williams, interior designer for Infirmary

Health, competed for the coveted People’s Choice

Award.

"mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;">

"mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;">Williams’

tent won the challenge, receiving the most votes with her “Welcome

To Point Clear” theme. Pearls and oyster shells embellished

chandeliers and swaths of sea glass-colored fabric draped the

tents.

"mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;">

"mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;">The sponsors

of the 2011 Polo at the Point include Presenting Sponsors Grand

Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa and IBERIABANK; Team

Sponsors Dream Ranch and Pilot Catastrophe Services Inc; Players’

Party Sponsor Schwing Bioset; Luncheon Sponsors Tressler Financial

Group, Mercedes Benz of Mobile, Precision IBC and Cooper

Restaurants (Bluegill Restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and

Felix’s Fish Camp). Other tent sponsors included Sonny-Hill Polo,

Clearwater Polo, Win’s Warriors, La-Z-Boy, Blue Rents, Sadies,

Wildflower and Gigis & Jays.

"mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK3;">

"mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK4;">The 2012 Polo

at the Point is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Oct. 21 at Sonny

Hill-Clearwater Polo Complex in Point Clear. The Players’ Party is

scheduled on Friday night, Oct. 19, with the location to be

announced later.

To learn

more about the event, visit www.poloatthepoint.com.