PORTSMOUTH, R.I. — Newport Polo is pleased to name David Ortiz Children’s Fund as the beneficiary of the Bon Voyage Ball – the 20th annual International Polo Charity Ball – to take place on Friday, Aug. 7, 2020 at Rosecliff, one of the famed Bellevue Avenue mansions in Newport, RI.
“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,” announced USA Captain and polo club President, Dan Keating, “and we look forward to hosting the return of the Dominican Republic Polo Team as guests of honor for the occasion.”
“I couldn’t be happier to have the David Ortiz Children’s Fund selected as the beneficiary of this year’s event,” said David Ortiz, founder of the David Ortiz Children’s Fund. “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.”
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. For more information, please visit: www.davidortizchildrensfund.org.
“The David Ortiz Children’s Fund helps children who cannot afford the cardiac and other lifesaving medical services they need, through programs at Mass General Hospital for Children in New England and CEDIMAT Hospital in Santo Domingo,” explained Hallie Lorber, President.
“We are hoping to knock it out of the park when we unite the strength of our athletes and enthusiasts in support of the most fragile members of our community,” adds Dan Keating, “with a common goal of goodwill through the fraternity of sport.”
Newport Polo’s gala has become the social highlight of the summer polo season. The annual sell-out affair draws over 400 generous and fun-loving attendees who will make a red-carpet entrance in ‘Cruise Elegant’ black-tie attire this year for an enchanted escapade inspired by the Dominican polo team’s celebrated island haven, the gateway to the Caribbean, and its unique Latin-Euro culture. The star-lit West Indies fantasy will come to life with influences from the vibrant Dominican rhythms, iconic fashion, gourmet cuisine, exotic libations and top deck decor to experience the Caribbean’s #1 port of call since the discovery of the Americas, a UNESCO World Heritage site and renowned resort destination. Adding to the excitement will be the evening’s collection of buried treasures up for bid in a Silent and Live auction expertly helmed by Sotheby’s best, whose proceeds will benefit the David Ortiz Children’s Fund.
Announced last month, the annual sell-out gala offers tickets for Bon Voyage Ball online. 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, and on the following day – Saturday, August 8th – the Newport International Polo Series will feature USA vs. Dominican Republic at 5pm. Spectators will be treated to a thrilling 2-hour polo match, followed by the Polo Club’s annual Lobsterbake, a favorite New England tradition to conclude the celebration. Visit Schedule/Tickets for all upcoming events. Sign up to our private & secure guest list to receive event updates by email.
ABOUT MASS GENERAL HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN:
With more than 300 physicians, 50 medical specialties and 15 surgical services, plus complete access to the resources of the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital, Mass General Hospital for Children is dedicated to providing high quality, personalized, developmentally appropriate care for infants, children and adolescents. For more information, please visit: www.massgeneral.org/children.
ABOUT CEDIMAT VASCULAR CENTER:
CEDIMAT Cardiovascular Center is the first center in the Dominican Republic that performs neonate cardiovascular surgeries. It is a Pioneer center in many interventional as well as surgical procedures. Through their social program and with the help of foundations like the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, over 2,200 children have received pediatric cardiovascular care free of charge. For more information please visit: http://www.cedimat.com/cardiovascular/cardiologia-pediatrica/.
ABOUT ROSECLIFF
Commissioned by Nevada silver heiress, Theresa Fair Oelrichs in 1899, Rosecliff, a gilded age mansion, stands out among the big houses of Bellevue. Architect Stanford White modeled Rosecliff on the garden retreat of French Kings at Versailles, the Grand Trianon. Upon completion in 1902, Rosecliff was the sight of many fabulous entertainments. Gala attendees are entertained in the same room where Harry Houdini performed his renowned slights of hand at Mrs. Oelrichs fairy tale dinner party.
NEWPORT POLO’S CHARITABLE INITIATIVES
In its past 28 years, Newport Polo is proud to have helped raise over $1,500,000 for nonprofit organizations through its gala auction, its benefit matches, and ticket donations for the Newport International Polo Series, among other fundraising efforts.
For Gala Sponsorship opportunities or Auction donations for the 2020 gala and auction, please direct inquiries to agnes@nptpolo.com. Newport Polo will host additional charitable initiatives in 2020, including Benefit Polo Matches on May 25th and July 19th, offering fundraising opportunities to participating 501-c-3 organizations. For more information, please email agnes@nptpolo.com.
ABOUT NEWPORT POLO
Newport Polo is the home of America’s first polo club, offering exhibition polo and club member services and instruction for outdoor & arena polo. Est. in 1876; founding member of the United States Polo Association and host of the Newport International Polo Series. Now in its 29th season, acting as a global ambassador to the sport of polo, teams from 35 countries will have taken to the field for the Newport International Polo Series, including challengers from England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, India, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Barbados, Canada, Hungary, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Kenya, Brazil, China, Italy, Mexico, Sweden, Singapore, Monaco, Morocco, Peru, Poland and Switzerland.