The social highlight of Newport’s 2010 summer polo season was the 10th annual International Polo Charity Ball on Friday, Aug. 6th at one of Newport’s most glamorous mansions, Marblehouse.

Guests of honor were the Australian Polo Team. The evening's theme, Surfin' Safari celebrated characteristics of life down under. A reception with cocktails & hors d’oeuvres enticed bidders to indulge in a fabulous silent auction presented on the terrace, overlooking a breathtaking landscape and seascape of Rhode Island Sound. A seated, gourmet ‘Surf and Turf’ dinner followed, created by Newport's finest caterers. Live music in the grand ballroom completed the evening for dancing the night away in the grand ballroom. Proceeds from the live and silent auction benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

The popular summer gala attracts enthusiasts and polo players from the US and abroad for a weekend of fun in the glamorous seaside resort. Festivities continued the following day, Sat., Aug. 7th at 5pm with a polo match between USA and Australia in the Newport International Polo Series. The match concluded with an award ceremony and an authentic New England lobsterbake prepared by legendary McGrath Clambakes.

Proceeds from the evenings’ fundraising benefited Wounded Warrior Project, supporting the brave men and women of our armed services, who have been severely injured while protecting our freedom. For more information on the project, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org

The gala took place at Marble House, one of Newport’s foremost Gilded Age mansions on Bellevue Avenue, completed in 1892 for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt, grandson of railroad baron Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. His wife, Alva Vanderbilt was a leading hostess in Newport society and envisioned Marble House as her "temple to the arts" in America. It was designed by the architect Richard Morris Hunt, inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles, featuring 500,000 cubic feet of marble.

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