Special to Gulf Coast Newspapers

POINT CLEAR - The 2009 Polo at the Point, presented by Point Clear Charities, is scheduled to take place the weekend of Oct. 23 to 25 at the newly built Sonny Hill-Clearwater Farms Polo Complex in Point Clear. 

Since 1988, Polo at the Point has raised millions of dollars that benefited cancer research, local non-profit organizations, and children’s charities and has become known as one of the Gulf Coast’s most prestigious charity sporting event. The event provides a unique experience for fans of polo or those experiencing the majestic sport for the first time.

Throughout the weekend, several teams comprised of local, regional and international polo players will compete to play on Sunday, Oct. 25 for the coveted Point Clear Polo Cup. This year, Point Clear Charities has designated Mercy’s Guardian Angel as the main beneficiary of the 2009 Polo at the Point.

Polo at the Point festivities begin with the Players’ Party on Friday night, Oct. 23 at Sonny Hill Practice Field on Highway 32 in Point Clear. Players’ Party guests will enjoy gourmet cuisine by Rob Berglin Catering, live music by Musical Fantasy, the hottest show band on the Gulf Coast and unforgettable dancing, said organizers. The Players’ Party originated as a small gathering for the polo players and their family and friends, but has grown into an integral part of the charitable event. The Players’ Party committee co-chairs for this year’s Polo at the Point are Sadie Cooper and Suzy Radcliff and includes Amy Gray, Lacey Radcliff and last year’s event co-chair, Barbara Mudd

As the event gets closer, Polo at the Point committees work diligently to organize a weekend of family fun and entertainment.

“Lots of planning and volunteer hours go into this event every year. This is about community, family and friends, and most importantly raising money for local charities,” explained Sadie Cooper, Players’ Party committee co-chair. “We are spirited by why we are doing this. Mercy’s Guardian Angel program, our main beneficiary, ensures that critically or terminally ill children have the best healthcare available, no matter of ability to pay. This is an opportunity to help your neighbors and have a great weekend doing it,” said Cooper.

Each year hundreds of children on the Gulf Coast require ongoing medical care. Since 1998, Mercy’s pediatric home care has served more than 1,000 of these critically and terminally ill children, that range from birth to 17 years of age, and suffer from cystic fibrosis, leukemia, other cancers and diseases, or severe conditions resulting from a birth defect or injury. Guardian Angel is the fundraising program that makes Mercy’s pediatric home care possible.

Polo-at-the-Point Sunday events include world class polo, gourmet cuisine, champagne, divot stomping, tailgating fun, reserved seating in the luncheon tent, garden party attire, a hat parade, a silent auction and more. Two spectacular silent auction tents will showcase unique items from artwork to fine jewelry, and vacation getaways to spa certificates. A three-night stay in Orange Beach, a TAGHeuer Watch, tack accessories and riding lessons, Bushnell binoculars, audio/video equipment with set-up, a tailgate “Smokin’ Hot” package and much more will be offered at auction.

Tickets range from $10 (tailgating) to $125 with sponsorships available. Players’ Party tickets are $100 and are limited.

For more information, tickets, or if you are interested in volunteering please contact the Polo Office at (251) 621-4464. For more information about Guardian Angel please contact Mercy Medical’s development office at 621-4884 or visit online at www.mercymedical.com.