Inaugural Oregon Polo Classic Raises Funds for Classic Wines Auction

West Linn, OR. The inaugural Oregon Polo Classic drew nearly 1,000 people to the Hidden Creek Polo Club in West Linn. The event was organized by the nonprofit which puts on the Classic Wines Auction. Polo club owner and player, Sean Keys, and his pony are favorites with guests. The weekend polo celebration, over July 23rd an 24th, raised $240,000 which will be distributed among the beneficiaries of the Classic Wines Auction. Those nonprofits include: the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, Doernbecher Children’s Foundation and the Classic Wines Auction legacy charity partners.

Kids got a chance to meet the players and horses up close at the Oregon Polo Classic Family Day.

Miss Oregon 2016, Alexis Mather and Miss Oregon Outstanding Teen 2016, Abigail Hoppe, pose for a selfie with two young guests and polo players on the field.

Alexis Mather, sings the National Anthem during the Coca-Cola Opening Ceremonies. Fly Girl, Kelsey Schmunk, carries the American Flag.

Susie Dix (left) from Team Dix Farm fights to score against Team Thompson Performance Horses.

The Oregon Polo Classic Family Day featured activities for the whole family including a fancy hat crafting station from SCRAP PDX as well as other art activities from CHAP (Children Healing Arts Project).

Incoming Board Chair, Matt Felton, joins outgoing Classic Wines Auction Board Chair, DJ Wilson to address the crowd and kick of the parade of hats competition.

Guests of all ages showed off their fancy hats during the Oregonian/OregonLive Parade of hats on Family Day.

Kids enjoyed a sweet treat during the Portland Monthly Popsicle Divot Stomp on Family Day.

Lovely ladies show off their best polo garden party attire, complete with extravagant hats, during the Portland Monthly Champagne Divot Stomp on Championship Day.

More than 1,000 guests attended the inaugural Oregon Polo Classic weekend events to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area, Doernbecher Children’s Foundation and the Classic Wines Auction legacy charity partners.

Best Pony, Louie, enjoys a delicious traditional carrot bouquet with player Mia Bray. Louie earned the title of the “Best Pony” after his outstanding performance during the match.

The home team, Hidden Creek Polo Club, secured the title of the first Oregon Polo Classic Champions after defeating Team Bush League/Twin Palms out of California. Hidden Creek Polo Players Sean Keys, Graham Bray, Daniel Juarez and Tomas Reinoso were presented with engraved championship silver platters by Rick Mahler, courtesy of Packouz Jewelers.

As part of the tradition of polo, the Championship Awards Ceremony ended with a celebratory champagne shower between the first and second place teams.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.