Polo Event Receives Rave Reviews

Omaha experienced a taste of polo at the June 28 “Polo for Patients” fundraising event held at Levi Carter Park and raised over $400,000 in the process.

Proceeds from the event will be allocated to the Patient Assistance Fund – a resource that provides support for basic needs such as transportation, lodging, clothing and food for patients and their families.

Proceeds will also support the Clarkson Service League and the University Hospital Auxiliary. The Clarkson Service League is helping fund several important projects at the hospital including a new high-dose radiation system for cancer patients. The University Hospital Auxiliary, which provides service and financial support to both The Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), is helping fund the “Low Vision House” for the Weigel Williamson Center for Visual Rehabilitation at UNMC and the new Diabetes Center at The Nebraska Medical Center.

Honorary chairmen for the event were Suzanne and Walter Scott Jr. Joining the Scotts as event chairs were Hospital President and CEO Glenn Fosdick and his wife, Arlene.

Drawing more than 500 people, the event opened with music from a jazz quartet, a box lunch for guests, and a polo demonstration. Following the opening ceremony featuring bagpipes and a color guard, Walter Scott threw out the ceremonial first ball after the rider introductions.

The polo match, which is played on an area equivalent to three football fields, pitted two teams from the Des Moines Polo Club. First National Bank and Kiewit sponsored the teams that did battle for the “Scott Cup.” When the dust had settled, the Kiewit team narrowly claimed the cup.

At halftime of the match, another tradition of the grand sport took place – the replacing of the divots. Guests took to the field to repair divots in the turf caused by the horses.

The final surprise of the day came following the conclusion of the match and the awarding of the “Scott Cup.” Befitting the “Sport of Kings,” the afternoon culminated with a visit from the world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

“We truly appreciated the support and enthusiasm demonstrated by hospital staff and volunteers who provided their time and assistance in coordinating this worthwhile event to help others in need during a time of illness,” says Fosdick.