January, 2016- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Raises More Than $360,000 During Polo for a Purpose Personal stories of survival, exclusive auction, and rousing match highlight special day of polo
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vhfts6u5kmsulxc/AAASjueFEniVn9c-cZxtetlfa?dl=0
(WELLINGTON, FL. January 28, 2016) – Polo aficionados and leukemia and lymphoma survivors gathered for a special day on the fields during the January 18, 2016 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Third Annual Polo for a Purpose event. The fun-filled day was co-chaired by PJ Rizvi, Penny Bradley, and Visse Wedell, all Wellington residents, along with survivor and polo star Brandon Phillips who served as Honorary Chairman. This year’s annual event raised over $360,000 towards LLS’s mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Board member Jason Guari emceed the event, which included a cocktail reception followed by an exquisite gourmet lunch. Guests also took part in an exclusive silent auction, and then wrapped up the tent festivities with a thrilling live auction led by Jonathan Duerr. During the pre-game gathering, Brandon Phillips, PJ Rizvi, and Bruce Steinberg and Piper Apfel who are both survivors, spoke about the importance of raising funds for LLS to assist in finding a cure. Rizvi’s emotional speech was filled with stories and memories about her late sister, Penny. Phillips shared his personal story of surviving Leukemia and continuing to pursue his passion for polo. He also spoke about the incredible bond he has built with both Bruce and Piper and the impact they’ve all had on each other’s lives.
“Being a cancer survivor changes your life,” said Phillips. “You have to be able to make an impact on others who are going through what you have experienced. Though it has been many years since I fought my battle, it is not the same for others. We cannot quit until there is a 100% survival rate.”
Spectators and partygoers alike then met in the stadium for a thrilling four-chukker match between Team Hadden Landscape and Team Pegasus Builders. The pulse-pounding match featured top players Brandon Phillips, Nic Roldan, Jeff Hall, Jeff Blake, Sugar Erskine, Chris Nevins, Carlitos Gracida, Jr. and Martin Pepa vying for the coveted winner’s cup. Attendees watched the action from either their tents or the general stadium seating, which included access to the 7th Chukker lounge.
Sponsors of the event include: Presenting Sponsor Peacock Ridge, Hadden Landscape, Inc., Pegasus Builders, Penny A. Bradley, Visse Wedell, Postage Stamp Farms, Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, The Reuben Foundation, Mari and Ash Vasan, Amy Smilovic, Lisa Finerman, The Wedell Family Foundation, Engel & Volker and Everglades Dressage. All proceeds from the Third Annual Polo for a Purpose benefit LLS’s mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. While this event raises funds for lifesaving blood cancer research, it also helps support local patients and their families by providing critically-needed financial aid.
For more information on this event, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, please contact Pamela Payne, Executive Director, at 561.616.8682 or [email protected]