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Over $32K
Raised at Gala la Bamba for Opera House
Portsmouth, RI (Aug.
9, 2017) …. Newport Polo is pleased
to announce that Gala la Bamba raised over $32,000 for the Opera
House Theater, a new record in fundraising from the Newport Polo
Club’s annual black tie charity gala. Gala la Bamba received
over 400 guests in glamorous culturally-inspired black tie &
evening gowns for a night of exquisite gourmet cuisine, dancing,
and heart-warming philanthropy to welcome international guests
of honor, the Mexican Polo
Team, at Rosecliff, one of Newport’s famed Bellevue Avenue
mansions.
“When we first supported the Opera House in 2009, they were just
starting this lengthy project, and it looked like an
insurmountable task. But after years of dedication, the team at
the Opera House is in the homestretch of the extensive
renovation. Our hope is to help push them over the hump this
year because supporting this project will enhance the year-round
cultural fabric of Newport County and reap benefits indefinitely
into the future, for generations to come. We are fortunate to
have this group of individuals in our community, who have made
the Newport Opera House Theater & Performing Arts Center a
reality for all of us, “ stated Dan Keating, President & Founder
of Newport Polo.
Funds from Gala la Bamba, and other donations this year are
doubling their impact through an awarded matching grant program.
With its sights set on a 1QTR 2018 grand reopening, the Opera
House Theater renovation team is continuing its capital
campaign. All donations are tax deductible. A long-lasting
contribution can be made when you “Take
Your Seat in Newport History” by dedicating one of the plush
new theater seats in honor of your family, special friend or a
loved one, with an inscription on a permanent brass name plate
affixed to the new theater's seats. Call the Opera House Theater
at 1-401-619-4599 for
information or to reserve your seat or visit their website www.operahouseri.org/seats to
purchase your seat naming opportunity.
The sold-out black tie affair began with a pre-gala 'Meet &
Greet' cocktail party with the Mexican Team on the decks of the
newly opened Regent Cocktail Club at Gurney’s
Newport Resort & Marina, where the team was headquartered.
Then on to Rosecliff for a reception on the terrace with Gala
Ambassadors Dorienne &
Mohamad Farzan, Project Architects from Opera House
Theater, and Polo Ambassadors Mary
Marwick & Peter Jenkins from the Newport Polo Club, where an
enchanting panorama of gardens and twilight ocean views drew
guests out onto the lawn in costume. Details ranged from fancy
sombreros, bolos, linen wedding shirts and serape tapestries
accenting gentlemen’s tuxedos, and red was the color of the
night for evening gowns. Popular accents included bold
embroidery, lace, floral headdresses, and ornate hand fans.
Enticing hors d'oeuvres were passed and specialty
cocktails from Patrón Spirits and
the Cocktail Guru enhanced
the mood for a highly anticipated Silent
Auction of unique and carefully-curated items and exclusive
opportunities offered over the course of the evening.
As the colors of dusk faded, guests adjourned for a seated
gourmet dinner in the gilded ballroom adorned in the colors of
the Mexican tri-color. Live musical entertainment from Decades
by Dezyne added to the magic, and a whirlwind Live
Auction was wizarded by Emlen
Drayton, who offered up the night's crown jewels.
Blackstone Catering's chef created the Mexican-inspired hors
d’oeuvres, 3-course dinner and dessert station. Après dinner
guests joined the party to heighten the competition in Silent
Auction bidding and enjoy refreshments and dancing under the
spell of the 10-piece orchestra until the stroke of midnight.
The odyssey's finale ascended to the Skybar, atop Clarke Cooke
House for a last dance.
MC'ing the program, Keating’s introductions included:
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Mexican Polo Team:
Miguel Gomez de Parada, Jorge Habib, Victor Setien, Ricardo
Astudillo
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Opera House Theater:
Brenda Nienhouse, Executive Director and Elizabeth Drayton,
Gala Auction Chair
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Sponsors:
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina; Patrón Spirits; The
Cocktail Guru
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Patrons:
Christon Gibson; Jennifer MacIver; Caroline Reavey; Thomas
Roos; Stacie Mills; Ceasar Anquillare; Laurel Howe; Patrick
Quigley; William OMalley; Gina Manoni; and Alexander
Forostenko
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Auction Committee:
Hayden Bates; Elizabeth Brooks; Margaux Buchanan; James
DeAngelis; Liz Drayton; Liz Hebb; Agnes Keating; Brianna
Lederman; Stacie Mills; Heather Souto; Ann Sweeney
17 years and counting, the International Polo Charity Ball is
the social highlight of the summer, when polo
players, enthusiasts and supporters come together for a lively
celebration while supporting worthy charitable organizations.
Festivities carried on through the weekend as the international
guests of honor took to the polo field on the following day to
challenge USA. An annual New England Lobsterbake brought a
brilliant conclusion to an extraordinary weekend.
About Newport Polo:
Newport Polo is
the host of the Newport International Polo Series, and home of
America's first polo club, offering exhibition polo and club
member services and instruction for outdoor & arena polo. Est.
in 1876; founding member of the United States Polo Association.
Celebrating its 26th season, Newport Polo has raised
over $1,285,500 for civic and charitable organizations.
Initiatives include the International Polo Charity Ball, special
benefit matches, and countless ticket donations for the Newport
International Polo Series. |