Proceeds from the 2007 Point Clear Polo Classic held last month are being put to good use again this year. Event organizers donated $132,000 last week to the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute (USAMCI).

This marks the charitable group’s latest gift to the university, having sponsored cancer research and treatment at the institution for more than a decade. This installment brings the total contribution to more than $3 million.

Anne Nix of Fairhope, event co-chair and a cancer survivor herself for 17 years, said more sponsors this year, along with an influx of polo fans, bested the 2006 total by $2,000.

The funding has been used in the past in support of an endowed chair in cancer research and other projects, including $200,000 in contributions to Project Hope, a program benefiting pediatric cancer patients at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital.

“It’s a cause that affects many families and friends,” Nix said. “Already people are wanting to be involved as sponsors next year. It’s a very worthy cause.”

Major sponsors of this year’s event were The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa, Joe Bullard Hummer, Gulf Coast Land Rover, Pilot Catastrophe, Ken and Deena Montgomery, Charter Landing Real Estate, Robins and Morton and Ferguson Enterprises and Grohe.

In a press release, 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,” he stated. “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.”

Nix said, “A lot of volunteers make it a big success.” She also noted the sponsors from Baldwin and Mobile counties, as well as those in other counties in Alabama and Mississippi help make the polo event possible.

“It makes you feel good,” she added.

The event was conceived as a cancer fund-raiser by the late Camille Corte, who pulled it off with the help of Nix and Valerie Head, then the co-chair. The 2008 Point Clear Polo Classic on Oct. 19 will be the fifth to be held as the field itself marks 20 years of operation.

Nix’s co-chair this year, Barbara Mudd, will share the reins again for the upcoming fund-raiser.

“This is nothing new for us,” Nix said.

Cancer death rates along the Gulf Coast are some of the highest in the nation, according to officials with the USA Mitchell Cancer Institute. Mobile loses 1,200 people per year to cancer, while the annual Baldwin County cancer deaths are around 400.

The institute was created in 2000 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.

It is funded through philanthropic gifts; support from the state of Alabama; the city of Mobile and Mobile County; federal appropriations; competitive contracts and grants; tobacco settlement funds; and the USA Foundation.

The institute is the largest single research endeavor in the history of the University of South Alabama. By 2008, USAMCI will represent a total investment of $125 million, including the USAMCI building, a $75 million investment in construction and equipment.

In addition to events like the Point Clear Polo Classic, USAMCI has benefitted from the support of the Mitchell family of Mobile. In 2006, the family made a $22 million gift to the University of South Alabama to support the institute.

For an appointment at USAMCI, call (251) 665-8000.