By: Rebecca Baldridge
Photos by: ChukkerTV
CARBONDALE, Colo., August 20, 2021— The annual Summer Polo Benefit fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation is set for Sunday August 22nd.
After a year’s hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Aspen Valley Polo Club will host the annual Summer Polo Benefit fundraiser for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation on Sunday August 22nd.
As the club’s premier event of the summer season, Sunday’s match is expected to draw a large crowd, although this year’s format will be slightly different given the continuing necessity for Covid precautions. Only reserved VIP tables will be available, and all guests must demonstrate proof of vaccine or present a negative Covid test.
The day will kick off at with the first match at 11 am, to be followed by a live auction and the next match at 1 pm. Caribou Catering of Aspen will be serving an elegant luncheon, while Beverly Hills Caviar will provide the caviar. Following the second match, guests will be treated to an exciting equestrian performance by John Payne, the One-Armed Bandit.
Players signing auction items for guests.
From Friday, August 20th through Monday, August 24, there will be an online silent auction to benefit the AVHF. Up for bid are a number of spectacular offerings to suit any taste, including a 6 day/6 night stay for up to 10 adults at a stunning chateau in the Bordeaux region of France. Also featured in the auction will be a 5-night stay for two in Iceland, a private tour of Nacho Figueras’ award winning stable in Argentina, and a one- year membership to the Snowmass Mountain Club as well as gift certificates for local restaurants and an assortment of jewelry and other attractive offerings.
Says Deborah Breen, President & CEO of the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation, “After a year off for Covid, we are grateful to the Ganzi‘s and the Aspen Valley Polo Club for once again hosting this event. Things may look different this year with advance reserved seating and vaccination/testing requirements. However, as a hospital, we‘re holding ourselves to a higher standard and we are taking every precaution to ensure a safe and successful event.“
„The One-Armed bandit „ John Payne.
The most recent Summer Polo Benefit, titled „Chukkers, Champagne, and Caviar“, in 2019, raised $600,000, compared to $537.200 in 2018 and $366,000 in 2017.
Melissa Ganzi, co-owner of the Aspen Valley Polo Club with husband Marc, says “We’re delighted to be able to host this spectacular event once again, and we hope to continue the trend of setting a new fundraising record each year.”
Guests enjoying the match in the VIP tent before the player auction in 2019.
Aspen Valley Hospital has been an integral part of the Aspen community for 127 years, boasting high ratings for patient satisfaction and the quality of care. In order to provide the highest quality of care, the hospital continues to expand facilities and improve technology.
With 75 physicians on staff, the hospital provides services in more than 25 specializations. The Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, supervises all charitable fundraising for the hospital, including through the Summer Polo Benefit, to support the hospital in its ongoing efforts to provide an exceptional level of care.
2021 Aspen Valley Summer Polo Series
August
The Carbondale Classic 8/18-8/22
World Polo League Triple Crown of Polo 8/25-8/29
Arena Tournaments & Asado – Tuesday Evenings
Kidz Uni-Wheel games during select tournament halftimes
Summer Polo Benefit
for the Aspen Valley Hospital Foundation
Sunday August 22, 2021
Visit www.aspenvalleypoloclub.com for more details.
Games live-streamed on www.chukkertv.com
