NEWPORT —Newport Polo recently announced that the beneficiary of the 20th annual International Polo Charity Ball, the Bon Voyage Ball, will be the David Ortiz Children’s Fund.
The Bon Voyage Ball will take place on Friday, Aug. 7 at Rosecliff.
“We are privileged to partner with David Ortiz Children’s Fund, to help support crucial medical care costs for children in need in New England and in the Dominican Republic,” USA Captain and polo club President, Dan Keating said in a statement.“We look forward to hosting the return of the Dominican Republic Polo Team as guests of honor for the occasion.”
Since its inception in 2008, the David Ortiz Children’s Fund has raised over $7 million that has helped over 8,000 children throughout the New England region and has provided over 852 children with life-saving heart surgery in the Dominican Republic. Dominican-born and beloved Boston Red Sox legend, Ortiz was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award by Major League Baseball for his work with the David Ortiz Children’s Fund.
“I couldn’t be happier to have the David Ortiz Children’s Fund selected as the beneficiary of this year’s event,” David Ortiz, founder of the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, said in a statement. “Social events like this are such a great way to spread the word about what we are doing, and helping out kids in need is something everyone can get behind.”
Newport Polo’s gala has become a highlight of the summer polo season. The annual sell-out affair draws over 400 attendees.
This year’s theme is inspired by the Dominican polo team’s celebrated island haven, the gateway to the Caribbean, and its unique Latin-Euro culture. A silent and live auction will be featured, with proceeds benefiting the David Ortiz Children’s Fund.
The gala weekend’s festivities will include a pre-gala cocktail meet & greet with the Dominican Polo Team, details of which are to be announced soon, followed by the gala itself.
The following day, Saturday, Aug. 8, the Newport International Polo Series will feature the USA vs. Dominican Republic match at 5 p.m. Spectators will be treated to the Polo Club’s annual Lobsterbake, a favorite New England tradition to conclude the celebration.
