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Date: Thursday, August 10, 2017
Newport Polo is pleased to announce that Gala la Bamba raised over $32,000 for the Opera House Theater, a new record in fundraising from the Newport Polo Club’s annual black tie charity gala. Gala la Bamba received over 400 guests in glamorous culturally-inspired black tie & evening gowns for a night of exquisite gourmet cuisine, dancing, and heart-warming philanthropy to welcome international guests of honor, the Mexican Polo Team, at Rosecliff, one of Newport’s famed Bellevue Avenue mansions.
“When we first supported the Opera House in 2009, they were just starting this lengthy project, and it looked like an insurmountable task. But after years of dedication, the team at the Opera House is in the homestretch of the extensive renovation. Our hope is to help push them over the hump this year, because supporting this project will enhance the year-round cultural fabric of Newport County and reap benefits indefinitely into the future, for generations to come. We are fortunate to have this group of individuals in our community, who have made the Newport Opera House Theater & Performing Arts Center a reality for all of us, “ stated Dan Keating, President & Founder of Newport Polo.
Funds from Gala la Bamba, and other donations this year are doubling their impact through an awarded matching grant program. With its sights set on a 2018 grand re-opening, the Opera House Theater renovation team is continuing its capital campaign. All donations are tax deductible. A long-lasting contribution can be made when you “Take Your Seat in Newport History” by dedicating one of the plush new theater seats in honor of your family, special friend or a loved one, with an inscription on a permanent brass name plate affixed to the new theaters seats. Call the Opera House Theater at 1-401-619-4599 for information or to reserve your seat or visit their website www.operahouseri.org/seats to purchase your seat naming opportunity.
The sold-out black tie affair began with a pre-gala 'Meet & Greet' cocktail party with the Mexican Team on the decks of the newly opened Regent Cocktail Club at Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, where the team was headquartered. Then on to Rosecliff for a reception on the terrace with Gala Ambassadors Dorienne & Mohamad Farzan, Project Architects from Opera House Theater, and Polo Ambassadors Mary Marwick & Peter Jenkins from the Newport Polo Club, where an enchanting panorama of gardens and twilight ocean views drew guests out onto the lawn in costume. Details ranged from fancy sombreros, bolos, linen wedding shirts and serape tapestries accenting gentlemen’s tuxedos, and red was the color of the night for evening gowns. Popular accents included bold embroidery, lace, floral headdresses, and ornate hand fans. Enticing hors d'oeuvres were passed and specialty cocktails from Patrón Spirits and the Cocktail Guru enhanced the mood for a highly anticipated Silent Auction of unique and carefully-curated items and exclusive opportunities offered over the course of the evening.
As the colors of dusk faded, guests adjourned for a seated gourmet dinner in the gilded ballroom adorned in the colors of the Mexican tri-color. Live musical entertainment from Decades by Dezyne added to the magic, and a whirlwind Live Auction was wizarded by Emlen Drayton, who offered up the night's crown jewels. Blackstone Catering's chef created the Mexican-inspired hors d’oeuvres, 3-course dinner and dessert station. Après dinner guests joined the party to heighten the competition in Silent Auction bidding and enjoy refreshments and dancing under the spell of the 10-piece orchestra until the stroke of midnight. The odyssey's finale ascended to the Skybar, atop Clarke Cooke House for a last dance.
MC'ing the program, Keating’s introductions included:
17 years and counting, the International Polo Charity Ball is the social highlight of the summer, when polo players, enthusiasts and supporters come together for a lively celebration while supporting worthy charitable organizations. Festivities carried on through the weekend as the international guests of honor took to the polo field on the following day to challenge USA. An annual New England Lobsterbake brought a brilliant conclusion to an extraordinary weekend.
View the Facebook Album of photo memories from the 17th annual International Polo Charity Ball or our website album of images, with Images by Michelle Oeil Photography, Katrine Philippides, and others,
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About Newport Polo:
Newport Polo is the host of the Newport International Polo Series, and home of America's first polo club, offering exhibition polo and club member services and instruction for outdoor & arena polo. Est. in 1876; founding member of the United States Polo Association. Celebrating its 26th season, Newport Polo has raised over $1,285,500 for civic and charitable organizations. Initiatives include the International Polo Charity Ball, special benefit matches, and countless ticket donations for the Newport International Polo Series.
We thank all the generous donors for fabulous auction exclusives:
Alex & Ani
Art on Spring
Bodhi Spa
Belgravia Imports
Clint Clemens
Custom Canvas
David Thalmann
Designs by Katrina
Elizabeth Tiedeman
Embrace Home Loans
Farmington Polo Club
Firehouse Theater
Gingy's
Grace Hotels
Grenon's of Newport
Jim Zynsky
John Cratin
Kramer Portraits, New York
LAKUNA Designs
Lemon & Line
Lou Lou's Decor & Venetucci Interiors
Lucas & Loralee Swanson
Marc Allen Fine Clothiers
Molly Sexton
Monelle
newportFilm
Newport Folk Festival
Newport Food & Wine Festival
Newport International Polo Series
Newport Jazz Festival
Opera House Theater
Patrón Tequila
Peter de Savary
Peter Jenkins & Mary Marwick
Provencal Bakery
RIB & RHEIN
Roca Patron
Rockstar Limo
Roy Caram
Sail Newport
Saltzman's Watches
Stoneacre Pantry
Sharon Cameron Lawn Interiors
South Shore Equine Clinic
Styled by Jenna
Stacie Mills and Vanderbilt International Properties Ltd.
Thames Glass
The Chanler
Vanderbilt Grace Spa
Vanderbilt International Properties
Virgin Aged
William Heydt
Willie St. James
Wrigley Studios