The polo ponies were prancing and the people were parading during the 40th anniversary of the Family House Polo Match at Hartwood Acres. More than 3,000 tailgaters and chukker fans surrounded the field of play Saturday to celebrate this long tradition of elegant tailgating for a good cause.
Family House has been providing comfortable, affordable housing to patients, families and caregivers in Pittsburgh since 1983.
Presented by First National Bank, the boutique shopping tents were back as were children’s activities including the ever-popular pony rides, live music by Smokin’ Section and a vintage car display presented by the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.
“For me the Family House Polo Match symbolizes community on multiple levels, which is the essence of the organization, “ said executive director Jennifer March. “Family House would not be where it s today if not for this strong community.”
The Sewickley Hunt came out for a demonstration during a polo break and fans followed, stomping the divots before play resumed.
By the end of the day’s match-up, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Pittsburgh Polo Club had won 6-5 against #1 Cochran’s Potomac Polo Club.
Mary Lou McLaughlin, the founding executive director of Family House, was there to cheer them on.
“My family and I have been involved with Family House polo since the very first match in 1983,” she said. “I even wear the same outfit each year.” (OK, now you’re just bragging about your cute figure.)
“It’s truly a family event and I’m so thrilled that we are here celebrating 40 years,” she said.
Among those agreeing were First National Bank Pittsburgh regional president Ron Donatelli with his wife, Mary Lynn, event chair Ashby McGarry Dauber, Sandy and Matt Rader, Helen Hanna Casey with Steve, Rob Cochran, Howard “Hoddy” Hanna with MaryAnne, Dennis Cestra Jr. with Olivia, Betsy and Tom Teti with their son, Andrew, daugther-in-law Clare and grandchildren Eleanor and Charles (Betsy chaired the event in 1997), Ron and Teresa Bauer, David Onufer with Paul Purdy, Peggy McKnight, Marylynn Uricchio Heuck, Carol and Hal Martin, Tracy Vitale, Maris Bondi Dauer, Latasha and Charlie Batch, Linda DiBucci, Tim McVay and David Bush, Tonia and Shawn Rose, Christina O’Toole with her daughter, Jacqueline Kahwash and son-in-law Amer Kahwash, Laura and DJ Miller, Judy Sapos and Keri Harmicar with David Seman.