Bid by phone to benefit Polo Training Foundation
By DIANE HENSLEY
INDIAN WELLS – Benefactors worldwide will be able to join the bidding in the Polo Training Foundation’s live auction by phone at its annual benefit Thurs. Feb. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Eldorado Country Club, according to event chair Deborah Wolstenholme.
“We’re very excited about being able to extend telephone bidding to our supporters,” she told The Polo Zone. “It opens up so many more opportunities to help the PTF.”
Callers who want to participate, however, must register in advance to do so, she added. Proceeds from the benefit, now in its 12th year, have brought aid to collegiate and scholastic sports curriculums, promoted international goodwill through competition and encouraged development and sportsmanship through teaching and engaging youth in the game.
“One hundred percent of all proceeds raised at the event directly benefit the foundation,” Wolstenholme said. “Of course all donors can designate exactly where they would like to target their contributions.”
Programs funded by the PTF include the provision of umpire clinics at all levels; production of educational materials and rule books through its library; sports clinics through junior polo programs, pony clubs and adult clinics; and player exchanges in association with the Federation of International Polo (FIP). Interscholastic and intercollegiate polo tournaments are strongly supported through programs that promote regional and national tournament competition.
An array of extravagances–and indulgences–typify items on the auction block at PTF events, from all expenses paid trips to the Argentine Open, vacations in faraway Bhutan, Tiffany vases, Chanel clutches and baubles from Hermes. The event generated $210,000 in proceeds last year, Wolstenholme said, and all of it went to the PTF. Event expenses, she said, are privately underwritten, organizers said.
Many Eldorado Polo Club veterans and patrons have faithfully served as chairs on the auction committee. Among them are Susan Stovall, Alex Jacoy, Paul and Margot von Gontard, Christian and Christine Neumann, Rege and Janet Ludwig and former chairs of the auction committee Karlene and Richard Garber, whopassed the baton last year to Derek and Deborah Wolstenholme.
For more information or to register for open telephone bidding, please contact Norma Maine (760) 404-7600. Registration must be completed by Feb. 19.