MOBILE, Ala. — Polo matches held nearly two months ago are now paying a big dividend. The Point Clear Polo Foundation on Dec. 5 donated $135,000 to the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute in Mobile. The latest gift to cancer research at the University of South Alabama represents a portion of the proceeds from the 20th annual Point Clear Polo Classic, held Oct. 17 and 19.

The foundation has a long history of giving to the university and other local charities, including around $2.7 million in support of an endowed chair in cancer research and other projects, such as $500,000 to name the USAMCI Auditorium and $200,000 in contributions to Project Hope, a program benefiting pediatric cancer patients at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital.

In a statement, USA President Gordon Moulton said support from groups such as Point Clear Polo is critical to the success of the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute.

“The university has been a recipient of Point Clear Polo’s generosity for many years,” Moulton said. “Continued support from organizations such as this one will be very important for the long-term development of this type of cancer center. The money is very important, but the belief in this project by community leaders from organizations like Point Clear Polo is even more important.”

Anne Nix, event co-chair, said, “We had the largest crowd we’ve ever had.” She noted the economic downturn eliminated a couple of major event sponsors who might otherwise have taken part this year, but others stepped up to the plate and helped make the polo event a success.

“A certain percentage goes to USA, and a certain percentage goes to other charities in Baldwin and Mobile counties,” Nix said.

Cancer death rates along the Gulf Coast are among the highest in the nation. Annual Baldwin County cancer deaths number around 400, while Mobile loses 1,200 people each year to cancer, according to statistics provided by USA.

The fight against the disease hits home for Nix, who is a cancer survivor. She said she received her chemotherapy in a spartan 10-foot-square room at the University of South Alabama Medical Center. The lifesaving cancer drugs dripped into her bloodstream while her husband, former Fairhope Mayor James P. Nix, sat on a stool nearby.

“To have this Mitchell cancer center with 30 chairs, computers and TV, it’s my dream come true,” she said, pointing out how USAMCI is geared toward patient comfort.

The institute was created to help prevent, treat and cure cancer in the upper Gulf Coast region. It will increase care and treatment options for cancer patients, providing local access to research-based cancer care.

Nix has been co-chair of the annual polo event for five years — first with the late Camille Corte and now alongside Barbara Mudd. She credits Mudd and others for helping make it a success each year.

Among those are her neighbors, Chris Toney and his wife, Marcella Frannsen. Toney’s father died after suffering from brain cancer and Frannsen’s dad succumbed to lung cancer.

Nix said, “This whole thing (comes together) because of the volunteers who work together as a team. Without them, we couldn’t have done it.”

The Fairhope resident said she is stepping down as event co-chair this year, and passing the torch to a younger generation. But, she will continue to help the fundraiser in a reduced role.

“It’s a 12-month volunteer thing,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been involved 18 years. That’s why the Lord let me live — to help other people. I do it from my heart.”

The Polo Foundation gift is part of Campaign USA, the university’s first comprehensive fund-raising campaign for USA programs, faculty, students and construction. Campaign USA was launched in March 2006 and, to date, has raised $76.3 million.

Led by Jim Yance of Spanish Fort, the Campaign USA Leadership team is comprised of local civic, business and national leaders, many of whom are alumni.

Although the Mitchell Cancer Institute is the primary beneficiary of the 2008 Point Clear Polo Classic, other organizations will receive a portion of the proceeds this time next year.

Groups recently announced as recipients of more than $44,000 raised at the 2007 Point Clear Polo Classic are Baldwin Animal Rescue Center, Baldwin County Public Schools Band and Fine Arts programs, Bayside Academy Performing Arts Center, Boys and Girls Club of South Alabama, Community Services for Vision Rehabilitation, Fairhope Police Emergency Response Fund, Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department, Mercy Medical, Outward Bound, Angel Ride Foundation, Southwest Alabama Abuse Network, Thomas Hospital Foundation, USA Mitchell Cancer Research Institute and Young Life Mobile.

Major sponsors of this year’s event were Southern Living Plant Collection; Pilot Catastrophe; Ferguson Enterprises; The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & 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.