PACIFIC PALISADES, CA., May 17, 2011 – The Will Rogers Ranch Foundation, along with event chairs Diane Keaton and Dennis Quaid, is excited to announce the Inaugural Dog Iron Polo Cup and Champagne Brunch, to be held at the renowned polo field at Will Rogers State Historic Park, in Pacific Palisades, California, on Sunday, August 14, 2011. Last year’s sold-out event, which marked the 75th anniversary of Will’s death, garnered national attention, and featured a Veuve Clicquot divot stomp, a flyover by the Condor Squadron, and an appearance by the US Air Force Color Guard and Bugler.
The Will Rogers Ranch Foundation, a non-profit partner of Will Rogers State Historic Park, is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Will Rogers through interpretive activities and fundraising to assist in the ongoing restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation of this historic park for future generations to enjoy. The Governor’s office recently announced that 70 California State Parks are slated for closure, with service reductions beginning this summer and closures beginning in September; by July 1, 2012, all Parks on the list will be locked up. Fortunately, Will Rogers State Historic Park is not on that list, but the announcement highlights the importance of the Foundation’s efforts to secure the Park’s future.Will Rogers was one of the greatest Americans of all time. He was a beloved actor, humorist, writer, entertainer and unofficial diplomat of the United States. Tragically, a plane crash took his life at the young age of 55. In 1944, Betty Rogers donated their Pacific Palisades ranch home to the state of California to serve as a public and lasting memorial to her late husband.
The historic polo field is the only grass polo field left in Los Angeles, and was graded by Will himself for friends to enjoy. Named after Will’s historic brand, the Dog Iron, the Polo Cup promises to be a captivating, heart-stopping and most enjoyable experience, one that would make Will and his friends–famous names like Clark Gable, Walt Disney, and Spencer Tracy–proud.
The funds from this event go directly back to Will Rogers State Historic Park, and will help ensure that the scenic trails, the tours of Will’s historic home, and the equestrian atmosphere will continue to entertain and serve the public as it has for the last 67 years. “Given the current budget crisis facing California and its impact on our State Parks, our fundraising efforts are more important than ever,” says Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, Will Rogers’ great-granddaughter and co- founder of the Foundation.
Sponsorship opportunities and VIP tables are available now and tickets go on sale soon. For more information, please visit www.willrogersranchfoundation.org or www.Facebook.com/Dog.Iron.Polo or call (866) 988-9773.