News...

British Forces Foundation Benefit Kicks Off Social Season at International Polo Club Palm Beach

WELLINGTON, FL (January 10, 2007) – The high-rolling, fun-filled, glamorous equestrian social season at International Polo Club Palm Beach gets off to a roaring start with an exhibition polo match and party to benefit British Forces Foundation on Saturday, January 27 at 4 p.m.

The annual British Forces Foundation benefit is an integral part of the club’s continuing efforts as a setting for international events, according to IPC General Manager Michael C. Brown.

A team representing the United States features patrons John Goodman of Isla Carroll and Tim Gannon of Outback Steakhouse along with high-goal players Jeff Blake and Chris Nevins. The United Kingdom foursome is led by Mark Cann, president of the British Forces Foundation, and patron Lord Milford-Haven as well as high-goal players Julian Daniels and Adrian Wade in a four-chukker exhibition match. Asprey, the British-based provider of luxury goods since 1781, is sponsoring the U.K. team.

Goodman and Gannon have played polo in England for several years.

“This event is a unique opportunity for the club to continue to live up to its vision of hosting special events focusing on different countries and cultures,” said Goodman, founder of International Polo Club. “This annual event has continued to grow in popularity and stature.”

After the exhibition match, players and guests will adjourn to the marquee for a fun-filled party featuring a live band, dancing, an open bar and delicious culinary delights. Event committee members include high-goal players Nacho Figueras, Nicolas Roldan, Jeff Hall, Jeff Blake, Chris Nevins and Kris Kampsen, who are all expected to attend the post-match soiree.

Tickets are $100 each for the post-match party and include reserved seats for the polo game. For information and reservations, please call IPC at (561) 204-5687. Tickets to the polo match only are $10 each and available at the gate on the day of the game.

Jim Davidson, who is Chairman of the Trustees, founded the British Forces

Foundation in 1999. HRH The Prince of Wales is the Patron and the Lady Margaret

Thatcher is the President. The British Forces Foundation was formed "to promote the Armed Forces through charitable means by supporting the well being and esprit de corps of all serving personnel through quality entertainment." The British Forces Foundation’s aim is to encourage top performers from show business to go around the world to entertain servicemen and women in all three services on operations.

There are more than a dozen charity events being held at International Polo Club, including the Outback 40-Goal Match on Saturday, February 17; the YMCA Luncheon on Sunday, February 18 and the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Charity Dinner & Auction on Friday, February 23.

The events continue in March with the American Diabetes Association Carnivale on Friday, March 2, Denim & Rubies to benefit the American Cancer Society on Saturday, March 3 and the American Red Cross Luncheon on Sunday, March 4. There is also the Challenge of the Americas Dressage Event on Saturday, March 10, followed by Food for the Poor Tailgate Event on Sunday, March 11 and Curing Children’s Cancer Benefit on Sunday, March 25.

International Polo Club Palm Beach began its fourth season of high-goal polo on January 14. The polo matches are open to the public. Game tickets may be purchased at the gate on the day of the game or in advance at the stadium box office.

International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South, between Pierson Road and Lake Worth Road in Wellington. For information, directions or ticket purchases, please call the club at (561) 204-5687 or visit the website at www.internationalpoloclub.com.