Meet two of the cruise directors working behind the scenes to curate a treasure trove of rare finds offered up in the evening’s live and silent auctions (Auction Preview). Representing the members of the Westchester Polo Club (Newport Polo’s playing member body) are polo ambassadors to the Bon Voyage Ball, Meg and Jeremy Stowe. Together, Meg and Jeremy have spearheaded the club’s outreach efforts to support the auction and extend its fundraising for the 2021 beneficiary, the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation.
The Stowe family was inducted to the sport of polo and the Westchester Polo Club by their youngest daughter, Hannah, now a graduate of Newport Polo’s USPA Interscholastic Team. Meg, a lifelong equestrian, joined the adult training program, progressing to tournament competition, then, a 2020 debut in the Newport International Polo Series. She is presently the Director of Innovation at Rocky Hill Country Day School and is also founder and Executive Director of Girls Leadership Collaborative. Meg is joined by her husband Jeremy, a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual. While not a horseman, Jeremy has embraced a love of polo, often seen cheering from the sidelines, as an active member of the polo club community, regularly lending a hand at club events.
“Our family puts a high value on youth education and empowerment,” commented Meg and Jeremy. “We were instantly committed to support the Jeffery Osborne Foundation, working to ensure access to music and the arts, address food insecurity, and support mentorship for youth and their families throughout RI.”
Excitement is at an all-time high for the 20th annual International Polo Charity Ball. Sold out since 2020, the glittering black-tie affair is one of the most anticipated events in Newport’s summer season. Gala-goers will dock at the evening’s first port of call, The Brenton for a cocktail meet and greet reception with guests of honor, the Dominican Republic polo team. Then, a red carpet entrance at the famed Bellevue Avenue mansion, Rosecliff, for the evening’s grand reception, where curated rarities will be offered to the highest bidder.
Proceeds from the live and silent auction (preview here) will benefit The Jeffrey Osborne Foundation in its mission to support initiatives and nonprofits that keep music and the arts in Rhode Island public schools, provide food, shelter and a safe-haven for families and children in need in the Ocean State, build productive relationships and make a positive impact. Beneficiaries of the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation include the Amos House, St. Mary’s Home for Children, Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, Button Hole, Boys & Girls Club of Providence and The Met. For more information, visit https://www.jeffreyosbornefoundation.org/.
About Newport Polo: Newport Polo is the home of the Westchester Polo Club, America’s first polo club, offering exhibition polo and club member services for outdoor & arena polo, and polo instruction. Est. in 1876, charter member of the United States Polo Assoc, and host of the Newport International Polo Series.
Annual Charitable Initiatives: In its 30 years, Newport Polo is proud to have helped raise over $1.5 million for nonprofit organizations through its gala auction, charity matches, Season Program ad sales and ticket donations for the Newport International Polo Series, among other fundraising initiatives. For more information, please email agnes@nptpolo.com.
Photo: John Lincourt Photography