TICKETS NOW ON SALE
On Saturday, July 11, 2015 the Circle JB Polo Ranch in Buellton will once again open its gates to welcome guests for the 4th Annual Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic, benefitting Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP). The event will include at least two teams featuring several of the highest rated players in the world as well as local Santa Ynez Valley polo celebrities.
Polo Classic host, Joel Baker, is recruiting teams and players for the Classic and is looking to add a third or fourth team to play this year in what will probably be a round robin format.
Baker, who will once again play and coach a team in the Classic, is a former high goal player and most recently coached the U.S.A. Polo Team in the World Championship, played in Santiago, Chile. Baker’s U.S. team placed second to host team Chile and defeated polo powers Argentina, England, and Brazil along the way. This is the U.S. team’s highest finish since 1986.
One team that has already signed on to play is The Happy Canyon Vineyards team which is returning to defend its championship earned last year.
Local polo player, T.J. Barrack, who played for the team last year, along with the Barrack Family are organizing and sponsoring this team. Barrack said that, “This event has been so much fun to play in that we are happy and proud to have our Happy Canyon Vineyards team return as a sponsor and to earn a second victory. We are thrilled to support the great efforts of People Helping People in this way and embrace the opportunity to promote the sport our whole family loves.”
Joel and Charlotte Baker, owners of the Circle JB Polo Ranch, are excited to once again host the Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic and support PHP, “(T)his event is a unique opportunity to bring world-class Polo to our valley while supporting People Helping People, a nonprofit that helps the less fortunate in our communities,” said Joel Baker. Baker continued, “(P)rior to the Classic, it had been many years since we had premier polo in the Valley available to the public. I am proud to help bring a memorable event to our community which supports a great cause.”
According to Nancy Hunsicker, PHP Board Member and Polo Classic Co-Chair, the success of the Polo Classic is due to the collaborative efforts of local community leaders, dedicated volunteers, and generous corporate and small business partners. Hunsicker said, “(I)t is a pleasure to work with so many passionate volunteers and community leaders to put on a family friendly world class equestrian event which supports a great organization that benefits those in need within our own Santa Ynez Valley community. That said, as PHP serves more local residents each year, the need to expand our event. We hope that even more folks will attend or volunteer and that additional businesses will step up as sponsors or donors to help.”
VIP, Patron, and General Admission tickets for the 2015 Classic, Saturday July 11th, are available online at www.syvphp.org/events/poloclassic. VIP tickets which include parking and shuttle, a champagne reception with live music, comfortable tented seating, catered gourmet lunch, and a hat contest remain at $250 each. Patron levels which include VIP polo tickets and benefits, Private VIP Friday evening “Meet the Players” Cocktail Party & Reception, tickets to additional PHP events, PHP service sponsorships, and polo acknowledgement program mention are also available. Contact Erica at erica@syvphp.org for pricing and availability.
General admission tickets are still only $10 each and $5 for children under 12 and include nearby parking and shuttle to the field and stadium style seating close to the action. Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase. This year, sparkling wine, a silent auction, and more food choices will be offered to general admission guests.
Ttickets, volunteer opportunities, and more information are available on-line at www.syvphp.org/events/poloclassic or by calling Erica at 686-0295. VIP gates open at 10:00 AM, general admission gates open earlier this year at 11:00 AM; matches begins at 1:30 PM. The Circle JB Polo Ranch is located at 560 McMurray Road in Buellton.
People Helping People is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of men, women and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos and surrounding areas by addressing emergency and basic needs and furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services. To learn more about PHP, its programs, and ways that you can help, please visit the PHP web site at www.syvphp.org or call 686-0295.
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