MANDEVILLE, La. – The New Orleans Polo Club and the National Alliance on Mental Illness – Southeast Louisiana are hosting its annual event, the Autumn Polo Classic, held on Sunday, October 20 from noon to 5 p.m. at Summergrove Farm, 16191 Hwy 40 in Folsom.
During the two polo matches, more than 500 patrons will enjoy thrilling horse action, a hat contest, local cuisine, specialty drinks and a premier silent auction.
Guests are invited to arrive between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Polo is often a fashion spectacle with many patrons in hats and “derby attire.” At halftime, spectators are invited onto the grass field to help replace divots kicked up by the horses. It is a chance to take photos and experience the size of the playing field.
The proceeds of this charity event will benefit NAMI SELA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering education, support, resources, and advocacy for individuals living with mental illness, their families and the community. Last year NAMI SELA reached more than 53,000 individuals across the region through service, support, and outreach efforts.
“NAMI SELA is incredibly grateful for the continued support of the New Orleans Polo Club and we are excited to partner once again for the Autumn Polo Classic,” said Nick Richard, Executive Director of NAMI SELA, in a press release. “We would not be able to provide the free services and support to thousands of community members without the generosity of these partner organizations. We appreciate the Club’s dedication and leveraging their platforms to highlight the significance of emphasizing mental health across the region.”
The New Orleans Polo Club is comprised of a diverse membership of male and female players united by their passion for one of the world’s oldest, most exciting and least understood athletic games. Recognized by the United States Polo Association (USPA), currently the New Orleans group is the only active polo club in the state of Louisiana. The Autumn Polo Classic is their premier charitable fundraiser for 2024.
“The New Orleans Polo Club is proud to showcase the world’s most exhilarating sport. Polo is much faster than people assume. It takes power, speed, skill, balance and seamless coordination with the horse. It’s a very physical sport that takes 100% of one’s attention. Charity is a big part of polo tradition and as a club we are delighted to fundraise for NAMI. Polo players are farmers at heart, we train outdoors, we raise livestock, we support local workers. We believe in healthy communities, and mental health is a fundamental part of this.” Dr. Sebastian Koga, President of New Orleans Polo Club
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 2024 Autumn Polo Classic are available at nolapolo.org.
