Newport, RI (August 19, 2021) ….The comeback tour for the 20th annual International Polo Charity Ball was a smash hit, reaching platinum status, shattering the past polo ball record in total fundraising, to benefit the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation.
Over 400 generous and fun-loving attendees heralded the evening’s success, exceeding $80,000 in fundraising for the foundation’s mission to support initiatives and organizations that keep music and the arts in our public school systems and provide food, shelter, and a safe haven for families and children in need.
Anticipation was at an all-time high, following a COVID-induced postponement of the original 2020 event date, as the sold-out guest list held on to their tickets for an extra year to join the celebration. Gaiety commenced at the evening’s first port of call on the Newport waterfront for a meet & greet reception at The Brenton, where Honorary Gala Ambassador, Jeffrey Osborne, glad-handed party-goers and highlighted the impact his organization has in Rhode Island to an enthusiastic guest list.
Then, the ship cast off for its next destination, the famed Rosecliff mansion where a red-carpet entrance felt like a walk-of-fame, as grammy nominee, Jeffrey Osborne, once again greeted arrivals and posed for pictures in the iconic marble foyer.
Guests of honor, the Dominican Republic Polo Team held court below the terrace, alongside Newport Polo Ambassadors, Meg and Jeremy Stowe. All the while, photographer Cocoa & Co captured the magical moments in progress.
Tropical chic, vintage glam, and nautical couture were on full display, as the creative black-tie theme opened a plethora of options for statement attire as the promenade moved to the terrace where jewels of land and sea awaited in the curated silent auction. Dominican-themed libations were poured by renowned mixologist, The Cocktail Guru, as yet more photos ops from the Sundeck overlooking the Rhode Island Sound were put to full use.
Sounds of perennial favorite musical ensemble, Decades by DeZyne, called the party to order in the grand ballroom to get to the heart of the evening. As the inspired 3-course Dominican dinner menu was laid out by expert Blackstone Caterers, Newport International Polo Series Founder, Dan Keating, inaugurated the main event with his welcome remarks and introductions:
- Dominican Republic Polo Team: Mauricio Bogaert, Rafael Castillo, Alexander Schad, Agustín Arestizabal
- Jeffrey Osborne Foundation:Sherri & Jeffrey Osborne and Foundation board members
- Sponsors: Matty Lopes/Pannone Lopes Deveraux & O’Gara LLC, Brenton Hotel, The Cocktail Guru
- Patrons: Lynn & Bill St. George, Laurel & Robert Howe, Mary & Peter Jenkins, Lisa & Andrew Maillet, Beth & Thomas Maxfield, Stephanie & Blaine McBurney, Sue & Peter Metzger, Stacie Mills & The Royal Order of Fun, Caroline Brown, Kim & David Resare, Thomas Roose, Judy & Michael Wyzga
- Auction Committee: Charlayne Osborne (Chair), Jeffrey Osborne, Terrell Osborne, Arnold Hackett, John Harwood, Brian McKinnon, Greg A. Mercurio Jr., Stacie Mills, Mary Roda, David Schultz, Meg Stowe, Meghan Ziobro, Agnes Keating, and Ocean State Charity Events
A cameo performance by Jeffrey Osborne brought the house to its feet with his hit single On the Wings of Love. Then, Southeby’s master, Hugh Hildesley presided over the whirl-wind live auction of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including a private dinner and concert with Jeffrey Osborne.
Competitive bidding ended the live auction while guests circled with dessert for a final chance at the silent auction bounty before the band struck up to fill the dancefloor ’til the stroke of midnight. Docked once again, the evening’s finale landed at Bannister’s Wharf for the last dance at the famous Clarke Cooke House Skybar.
View the event Album.
