Those inducted were Adam Snow, former 10-goaler, two-time Player of the Year and U.S. Open winner; Peter Perkins and William S. Tevis, who were honored posthumously; Iglehart Award winner Paul T. von Gontard; Mike Azzaro’s horse Beetlejuice and C.V. Whitney’s horse Fuss Budget

The gala attracted polo enthusiasts and star-studded lineup from all over the world to honor the sport’s greats and add another page to polo history.

Melissa Ganzi presented the first award to Marylou Whitney and her husband John Hendrickson, and Marty Cregg.

The first inductee honored was Fuss Budget, owned by the late C.V. Whitney. Marylou Whitney, the grand dame of polo, accepted the award. Whitney was accompanied by her nephew, Leverett S. Miller. After her acceptance speech, she announced that she was making a $100,000 donation to the museum.

Teenager and polo player Allie Azzaro, daughter of Mike and Amy Azzaro, accepted the award for her father’s mare, Beetlejuice, who is now retired and with her foal Baby Beetle.

Richard Mansfield accepted the posthumous Iglehart Award for his grandfather, William S. “Willie” Tevis.

Melissa Ganzi and Paul von Gontard

Paul T. von Gontard accepted his Iglehart Award for outstanding lifetime contributions to polo.

Diane Perkins accepted Peter Perkins’ posthumous award.

Melissa Ganzi and Martin Cregg present the final award to Adam Snow (center).

Snow was the final inductee honored with the Living Hall of Fame award. Snow brought a mallet with him to the podium explaining it helped him win the 2006 U.S. Open.

Committee chairman Horace Laffaye, renowned polo historian and author, said “This group of outstanding individuals represent the finest of American polo. The committee selected two players with outstanding records, a pair of supporters of the game who made lasting contributions to polo in this country and two polo ponies which were at the top of their respective generations.”

The dinner, induction ceremony and silent auction are the most important fundraising events for the museum each year.

Chris Gannon attended the 25th anniversary dinner with a group of friends.

What’s considered polo’s “Academy Awards Night” opened with a champagne greeting at a grand reception and silent auction which raised $6,470 for the museum.

Sponsors of the reception tables were Marc and Melissa Ganzi, owners of Grand Champions Polo Club, Barbara Uskup, Coach House, Jordan’s Steak Bistro and PDQ.

Wine and spirits were provided by Margaret Lipman Orthwein, Lipman Brothers, Brown-Forman, Bacardi USA, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Fetzer and Jekel Vineyards and Korbel.

The evening’s entertainment was the band Las Olas sponsored by Wayne and Pamela Garrison.

Patricia and Julian Hipwood

The sit-down dinner was provided by John Wash and International Polo Club Palm Beach and its IPC catering service. The tables were decorated with glistening historic polo trophies surrounded by white flowers.

Museum chairman Marty Cregg served as master of ceremonies, filling in for John Walsh, who was ill and unable to attend the gala.

Steve Orthwein Jr. with his wife Margaret Lipman Orthwein

The museum building, opened in 1997 in Lake Worth, houses polo records and memorabilia honoring those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to polo. The museum is a not-for-profit educational organization.

“The polo community is very supportive of the museum,” said George DuPont, executive director of the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame. “They are very much aware it is here. When they need something historical, they know this is the place to come.”

Melissa Ganzi, Flight Options team captain, is president and fundraiser of the museum’s Board of Directors. She also was the awards presenter for the induction ceremonies. Ganzi was  the event chairman and Olexa Mandelbaum was the chairperson of the silent auction committee.

Wayne Garrison, Alexandra Garrison and Michaela Culver. Photos by Alex Pacheco, courtesy of Museum of Polo.