Festive Polo Match Ends in Tie, Raises Funds for Project Self-Sufficiency

Hundreds of individuals and families recently came out to support local non-profit agency Project Self-Sufficiency at the second annual Polo Classic, a friendly competition featuring players from teams sponsored by First Hope Bank and Lakeside Construction, at the stunning Grayfields Polo Club in Allamuchy. In addition to the exciting sporting event which ended in a tie, the festive afternoon featured tailgates, vendors, live music, a silent auction, gourmet food and beverages, children’s activities, and other attractions. Presenting sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Newton displayed several automobiles on site. Proceeds from the friendly competition benefited the agency’s services for low-income individuals and families in northwest New Jersey.

Following a champagne reception for major donors, the event kicked off with the national anthem performed by Senior Airman Gianna Perez, United States Air Force. With the match underway, VIP ticketholders were treated to hors d’oeuvres, fine cuisine, and signature drinks catered by Andre’s Lakeside Dining.Tailgate sponsors enjoyed a catered lunch from Krave.

“We are delighted with the turnout and the creativity displayed by so many of our friends and neighbors, and we are honored by the commitment from presenting sponsor Mercedez-Benz of Newton, as well as First Hope Bank and Lakeside Construction for their sponsorship of the two teams again this year,” noted Project Self-Sufficiency Chief Executive Officer Deborah Berry-Toon. “We are indebted to the Grayfields Polo Club for their dedication to raising funds for the programs and services which are essential to the struggling families in our area.”

During half-time, spectators were encouraged to take part in the treasured tradition of divot stomping, smoothing the field for the second half of the polo match while accompanied by a spirited musical performance from the Mike Lawlor Band. Throughout the event, other activities included competitions for best hat and best tailgate, a silent auction, and naming of the match MVP and Best Playing Polo.

Event sponsors included Sue and Greg Murphy; Comet Security; Ellman Discovery Foundation; Robert Soldoveri/Whispering Pines Enterprises; Royal Buick; Dee and Jim Fernandez; George’s Salvage; Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Heating, Inc.; Lorraine and Tim Parker; the John and Margaret Post Foundation; Franklin Mutual Insurance; the Karen and Mark Cummins Family; Tony and Mary Ann DeSantis; Lennar; the Esposito Family; navitend; Blue Ridge Lumber; Stocker Bus Company; HQW Architects; and Eastern Products & Logistics/the Nicholson Family; Heart, Mind, & Body; and Hank Sanders, Inc. Excavating.

Seasonal sponsors included Acrisure, Allied Beverage/Sir Davis American Whiskey, Biondo Investment Advisors, Black Stallion Winery, Provident Bank, Selective Insurance, and Techflex.

Tailgate sponsors included Thomas and Elise Adams; Flying Bee Farms; Catherine Kut Realty Executives; Nisovoccia, LLP; Precision Financial Services, Inc.; Dr. Robert Ranley and Dr. David Bollard; David and Loren Schuette; and Bruce and Robin Tomlinson.

Featured vendors and attractions at the Project Self-Sufficiency Polo Classic were Culligan, the Cupboard Shop, Dark Horse Studio, Duchess Bridle & Saddle, Family Jewels & Crochet, Father John’s Animal House, Fleecy Finds & More, Flying Bee Farms, Kona Ice, Kathleen Little Jewelry & Metalsmith, and Peter’s Valley School of Craft.