A constellation of flavors to rival New Zealand's northern lights will burst forth at the 21st annual International Polo Charity Ball, Presented by BD on Friday, August 6th in honor of the New Zealand Polo Team.  Master craftsmen from Blackstone Caterers will shepherd delights of land and sea while acclaimed mixologist, The Cocktail Guru, pours the finest libations to match, alongside New Zeland's famously bright and crisp wines.  From passed hors d'oeuvres to decadent dessert, culinary traditions from the island nation known as the long white cloud will float gala goers through the evening.

Kiwi food culture is largely influenced by its island setting, known for some of the best seafood in the world, fusing with European cuisine imported during the colonial period, and traditional Maori techniques.  Passed hors d'oeuvres will share a sampling of small bites showcasing New Zealand's favorite green-lipped muscles, European-style hand pies, and more laissez-faire selections from the grill.  Manuka honey, tropical fruits, and world-class cheeses come together as mouth-watering accompaniments.

Drifting through Rosecliff adorned in the called for white-formal, Newport's glitterati will take in the sweeping views of Rhode Island sound, following their photo opps with a toast to the evening and signature libations from The Cocktail Guru's specialty bar.  Newport Polo's signature Westchester Fizz will make its appearance, highlighted by New Zealand based Scapegrace gin.  Additional wonderfully refreshing and carefully curated cocktails sharing popular flavors and traditional ingredients with The Cocktail Guru's twist are sure to delight.

Master of events and Team USA captain, Dan Keating, will usher along the evening ceremonies to convene in the gilded ballroom, where a three-course meal will be paired with New Zealand's signature wines.  A selection of New Zeland cheeses, accompanied by micro-green salad and manuka honey will warm up the palate for the main course including iconic Kiwi staples, prawns and lamb.  Pavlova, New Zealand's national dessert, will hit the final note, accompanied by Kiwi fruit, strawberries, and passion fruit, ending the gastronomic tour in time for the whirlwind live auction, then command performance by gala honorary ambassador, R&B legend, Jeffrey Osborne.

The Kia Ora Cosmic Ball will be the highlight of Newport's summer season and champion the needs of Rhode Island families with proceeds from the silent and live auctions benefiting The Jeffrey Osborne Foundation. Since 2012, The Jeffrey Osborne Foundation has helped keep music and arts in public schools and provide food, shelter, and safe haven to children and families in need.  The foundation's community partners include Amos House, St. Mary's Home for Children, Boys & Girls Club of Providence, Button Hole, Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, The Met, and Boys & Girls Club of Newport County, contributing over $750,000 and counting to support their missions.

About BD:  “BD is proud to support the Jeffrey Osborne Foundation and give back to the community that we’ve been a part of for over 100 years,” stated Kevin D. Kelly, Worldwide Surgery President, BD.  For over a century, BD’s Surgery Business Unit, with headquarters and design center in Warwick, RI, is advancing the world of health, employing nearly 300 associates to distribute over $1 billion in medical devices globally.  To learn more, visit www.bd.com.  

About Rosecliff:  Rosecliff is the premier estate amidst America’s finest collection of gilded age mansions. Commissioned by Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs in 1899, architect Stanford White modeled Rosecliff after the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles. After the house was completed in 1902, at a reported cost of $2.5 million, Mrs. Oelrichs hosted fabulous entertainments here, including a fairy tale dinner and a party featuring famed magician Harry Houdini.

About Newport Polo:  Newport Polo is the home of the Westchester Polo Club, America's first polo club, offering exhibition polo and club member services for outdoor & arena polo, and polo instruction. Est. in 1876, charter member of the United States Polo Assoc, and host of the Newport International Polo Series.

Annual Charitable Initiatives:  In its 30 years, Newport Polo is proud to have helped raise over $1.7 million for nonprofit organizations through its gala auction, benefit matches, Season Program ad sales and ticket donations for the Newport International Polo Series, among other fundraising initiatives.  In 2022, Newport Polo's annual charitable initiatives will include Season Program Ad Sales Scholarship Fund and 2 charity polo matches TBA, among other initiatives in the works. For more information, please email agnes@nptpolo.com.