Editor:

Another successful Point Clear Polo Classic is in the history books and, at this very moment, the fruits of that event are making a difference in the fight against cancer. Thanks to the hard work of our many volunteers and the support of our sponsors, The 2008 Point Clear Polo Classic donated $135,000 to the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. Over the past five years the Polo Classic has raised a total of $2.7 million dollars in support of an endowed chair in cancer research and other projects. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I am especially honored to have played a small role in this amazing gift.

I would like to personally thank everyone involved, especially our key sponsors: Southern Living Plant Collection; Pilot Catastrophe; Ferguson Enterprises; The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa; Curtis and Dawn Pilot; SA Group LLC; and White-Spunner Construction. Other sponsors were Noojin & Noojin; The Wash House Restaurant; Malouf Furniture; Absolute Home Theatre; Clear MedSpa; Magnolia Trace; Fairhope Center for the Arts; The Equitable Group; Boan Contracting Co.; Eastern Shore Plastic Surgery; Chrome Horse Pub; Strategic Allied Technologies; Cisco; and Optera Creative. You are a vital part of this wonderful event and we are so grateful you are willing to give of your time and resources year after year.

A special thanks also goes out to my co-chair Barbara Mudd. Your hard work and dedication continues to amaze me.

Barbara Mudd and I have been involved in this wonderful event in many different aspects over the past 20 years and have enjoyed seeing it continue to blossom into one of the most charitable collaborative community efforts along the Gulf Coast. Now, we look ahead to a new year and another way to give back to this community we hold so dear.

The 21st Point Clear Polo Classic, to be held in October, will benefit Mercy Medical. Mercy Medical has become a recognized healthcare leader known for its compassionate and excellent reputation. It is certainly a worthy beneficiary for this community’s fundraising event.

We look forward to many more successful years of the Point Clear Polo Classic and hope even more individuals and businesses will join in supporting this event as we work to build a stronger community for all of us here today and for generations to come.

Point Clear Polo Classic

Co-Chair