The sixth annual Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo White Party, one of the largest fundraisers in Palm Beach County hosted by Grant Ganzi, features the ultimate party under the stars.
By Sharon Robb
Photos by Candace Ferreira
Roldan and Ganzi are combining their love for philanthropy and polo to create an event that is unlike any other. It will combine polo, great DJ music and secret performers, food and most importantly fundraising for local charities.
Ganzi is hosting the large scale event benefitting Sunset Polo International on Friday, March 22, 5:30-11 p.m. at Grand Champions Polo Club, the nation’s largest polo club and facility.
“I’ve always wanted to do something to be able to give back,” Ganzi said. “We wanted to take it to the next level and give to local charities. We have a really great team and really good people who are donating their time. It’s not hard to do good things, it just takes time and a lot of people who want to donate their time or give back with a donation.
“This is meaningful to us, you do this because you want to help and make someone’s day better, someone’s week better,” Ganzi said. “Obviously, we want to raise as much money as we can and that helps. Being able to show up and spend time with these charities is great. When you see it all come together you know it’s worth it.”
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Guests will be greeted with a welcome drink, snack and assortment of DJ music followed by the National Anthem.
The four-chukker Sunset Polo Match will feature some of the top polo players including the highest ranked Americans, 10-goaler Polito Pieres and 8-goaler Nic Roldan.
Team rosters this year are:
Sebilion (23), sponsored by Olexa Celine: Grant Ganzi, 3, Jason Crowder, 5, Nic Roldan, 8, Fred Mannix, 7.
Black Watch (24), sponsored by Laura Hirsch: Martin Pepa, 3, Polito Pieres 10, Hilario Figueras, 6, Colo Gonzalez, 4 v.
Last year USA Overfinch (Marc Ganzi, 1, Grant Ganzi, 3, Nic Roldan, 8, Polito Pieres, 10) rallied in the final two minutes to defeat Hurlingham 1875 (Henry Porter, 4, Max Charlton, 6, Fred Mannix, 7, Tommy Beresford, 7), 5-4.
From 7:30-8 p.m. there will be a polo awards presentation and speeches from organizers and sponsors. More fun continues with two surprise acts.
“We wanted to do something fun and different and allow people to come out and have a good time but also know the money is going to people who need it and deserve it,” Ganzi said. “The fact it’s going to charity is a really powerful message. I think it motivates us to make the event as good as possible and every year improve it as much as we can. I’m proud of what we have accomplished so far, but I think we have to continue to raise the bar every year.”
Ticket prices range from $450 to $10,000. Donations of any amount are also welcome.
$450 includes entry to the event and authentic Argentine asado dinner.
$7,500 VIP includes a table for 10 people in the VIP Stadium area, hors d’oeuvres and authentic Argentine asado plus more benefits.
$10,000 VIP includes a table for 10 people in a prime location by the stage, hors d’oeuvres and authentic Argentine asado plus more benefits.
Sunset Polo International is a non-profit 501C3 foundation, organized and operated as a charitable, grant-making organization to support projects focused on the welfare of children as well as educating them about polo and working to make the sport more accessible. For information go to events@sunsetpolo.com and www.sunsetpolo.com
The organization creates awareness, funding programs and leaves a legacy in making a difference. The primary focus is supporting programs and organizations that provide support to kids and families in need. The main fundraising event is Nic Roldan’s Sunset Polo and White Party. It provides grants to organizations including Wellington-based Kids Cancer Foundation, Polo Training Foundation, Dec My Room, Wind Walkers, Argentine-based Pequenos Pasos and others whose charitable purpose aligns with the organization.