On Monday, Newport Polo announced the theme, dates, and location for their upcoming 19th Annual International Polo Charity Ball.
The announcement
A highlight of the 2019 polo season in Newport, Rhode Island will be on Friday, August 2, when the South African Polo Team will be the guests of honor at Diamonds Are Forever, the 19th annual International Polo Charity Ball to take place at Marble House, Newport’s famed Gilded Age mansion on Bellevue Avenue.
The annual sell-out event draws over 400 generous and fun-loving attendees to make a red carpet entrance with James Bond style in black tie glam, frosted in diamonds and themed formalwear for a night inspired by the Ian Fleming film and South African culture, from fashion & accessories, to lively rhythms, exquisite gourmet cuisine paired with renown South African wines & exotic spirit mixology and heart-warming philanthropy, welcoming international guests of honor, the South African Polo Team, to support the 2019 beneficiary, soon to be announced.
Gala Tickets are available online only at www.nptpolo.com, and are in high demand again for the popular event. The much anticipated evening will begin with a pre-gala Cocktail Meet & Greet with the South African Polo Team – then on to the main event at the famed Marble House mansion, designed for high caliber social events, where an enchanting panorama of gardens and twilight ocean views will be matched by enticing hors d’oeuvres, specialty themed cocktails, and exclusive Silent Auction showcase in which a carefully curated collection of unique items and exclusive opportunities will be offered for the highest bidder. Guests will enjoy a seated gourmet dinner where live musical entertainment will set the tone, and a whirlwind Live Auction will offer up the night’s crown jewels. Under the spell of the orchestra, desserts and dancing will ensue til the stroke of midnight. The Skybar dance floor, atop Newport’s iconic Clarke Cooke House will receive gala goers for the odyssey’s finale.
19 years and counting, the International Polo Charity Ball is the social highlight of the polo season. The weekend’s festivities continue the next day when the South African Polo team, one of USA’s most challenging rivals this year, takes to the field to compete against USA in the Newport International Polo Series on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 5pm. The match concludes with an authentic New England Lobsterbake prepared by legendary bake masters from McGrath Clambakes. For all upcoming events, visit the Schedule/Tickets section of the polo website and Sign up to a private & secure emailing to receive event updates.
Newport Polo’s annual charity ball has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to support local nonprofit organizations. While a decision is soon forthcoming, nominations for gala beneficiary may still be submitted for consideration. For Sponsorship opportunities or Auction donations for the 2019 gala and auction, please direct inquiries to agnes@nptpolo.com.
About Marble House: Marble House was commissioned by Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt, designed by Richard Morris Hunt, and completed in 1892. The house was inspired the Petit Trianon at Versailles, built at a reported cost of $11 million, of which $7 million was spent on 500,000 cubic feet of marble. Alva Vanderbilt was a leading hostess in Newport society and envisioned Marble House as her “temple to the arts” in America. Marble House instantly became the social and architectural landmark of Newport, ushering its transformation to a luxury Gilded Age resort. Today, Marble House is a premier property of the Preservation Society of Newport County.
About Newport Polo: Newport Polo is the host of the Newport International Polo Series and 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, founding member of the United States Polo Assoc.
2019 Charitable Initiatives: In addition to the annual Charity Ball, Newport Polo will host two annual Benefit Polo Matches on May 25th and July 14th, offering fundraising opportunities to participating 501-c-3 organizations. Since its inception, Newport Polo has helped raise over $1,400,000 for civic and charitable causes. Initiatives include the International Polo Charity Ball, special benefit matches, and countless ticket donations to the Newport International Polo Series.