Wellington Gearing Up For The 2025 Polo Season
All Six USPA 10-Goalers Will Play At The National Polo Center During The Prestigious Gauntlet Series

The 2025 high-goal polo season is now underway at the National Polo Center in Wellington. The season opened on Sunday, Dec. 29 with the George Miller Memorial, and the New Year will kick off with the Heritage Cup final set for Sunday, Jan. 5.

The 2025 NPC winter season schedule is highlighted by the Gauntlet of Polo series, the NPC 16-Goal Championship, the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship and the National President’s Cup.

Tickets for general admission and Sunday brunch are available for purchase online at www.nationalpolocenter.com. Select tournaments will be livestreamed on United States Polo Association (USPA) digital channels. For more information, visit www.uspolo.org.

The third edition of the NPC 16-Goal Championship will include qualifiers played across multiple clubs, with the championship hosted by NPC. Participating clubs include the Port Mayaca Polo Club in Okeechobee, as well as the Wellington Polo Tour (WPT) led by Patagones Polo Club in Wellington and a group of private fields falling under the WPT umbrella.

The NPC 16-Goal Championship is comprised of four USPA tournaments, including the Joe Barry Memorial (Jan. 3-26), the Ylvisaker Cup (Jan. 23 – Feb. 16), the Iglehart Cup (Feb. 17 – March 16) and the Outback Cup (March 18 – April 6). Each tournament will serve as a qualifier, and teams will accumulate points based on their standing in the four designated qualifiers to be eligible for the NPC 16-Goal Championship.

The season will be highlighted by the prestigious, three-part Gauntlet of Polo series, presented by TruBar. The Gauntlet of Polo showcases the three most coveted American tournaments: the C.V. Whitney Cup (Feb. 7-23), the USPA Gold Cup (Feb. 24 – March 23) and the U.S. Open Polo Championship (March 24 – April 20).

This year’s Gauntlet tournaments will feature all six USPA 10 goalers — Adolfo Cambiaso, Poroto Cambiaso, Bartolome Castagnola, Camilo “Jeta” Castagnola, Tomas Panelo and Hilario Ulloa — ensuring unparalleled skill and competition. Not only do the tournaments offer the richest prizes in the sport, but any team that consecutively sweeps all three tournaments will earn their place in history as the Gauntlet Champion.

The prize money distribution for the 2025 season will follow last year’s format, with $50,000 awarded to each of the winning teams of the C.V. Whitney Cup and the USPA Gold Cup, and $100,000 presented to the winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship.

The 11 teams already committed to the Gauntlet series include BTA with Ignacio “Nachi” Viana, Kelly Beal, Steve Krueger and Tomas Panelo; Brookshire with Camilo “Jeta” Castagnola, Carlos “Toly” Ulloa, Scott Wood and Segundo Saravi; Catamount with Jesse Bray, Poroto Cambiaso, Rufino Merlos and Scott Devon; Clearwater with Chip Campbell, Edward “Camp” Campbell, Geronimo Obregon, Joaquin Panelo, Paco de Narvaez Jr. and Raul “Gringo” Colombres; Coca-Cola with Gillian Johnston, Julian de Lusarreta, Lorenzo Chavanne and Pablo “Polito” Pieres; Global Port with Bartolome Castagnola, Beltran Laulhe, Lucas Diaz Alberdi and Michael Romero; La Fe with Francisco Elizalde, Kristos “Keko” Magrini, Louis Devaleix and Roberto Bilbao; Park Place with Andrey Borodin, Hilario Ulloa, Mariano “Peke” Gonzalez Jr. and Rufino Laulhe; Pilot with Cody Ellis, Curtis Pilot, Facundo Pieres and Matias Torres Zavaleta; Tamera with Adolfo Cambiaso, Alejandro Poma and Diego Cavanagh; and the Dutta Corp with Ignacio “Inaki” Laprida, Nicolas Diaz Alberdi, Timmy Dutta and Tomas Garcia del Rio.

In addition, the NPC season will showcase USPA members from clubs around the country competing at the low-goal level. The second edition of the National President’s Cup, at NPC in Wellington and under the new format, will bring together some of the most talented 8-goal teams in the nation. The tournament will consist of up to 14 qualifying tournaments played from June 2024 through April 2025, with the winning teams advancing to the National President’s Cup at NPC in April.

Regional President’s Cup qualifying tournaments will be awarded to one member club in each of the 11 USPA circuits. The Florida Circuit, host of the National President’s Cup, will be the only exception, with four qualifying events awarded. The winner of each qualifier will be invited to the National President’s Cup competition, and teams advancing from a club outside the Florida Circuit will receive a $10,000 travel stipend.

Also featured at NPC this season will be the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship, which will be hosted and managed by the Port Mayaca Polo Club with the final, showcasing the best of women’s polo, on Sunday, Feb. 9 at NPC.

NPC looks forward to welcoming spectators every Sunday afternoon through April 27 to enjoy the prestige and thrill of spectating on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One.

Polo fans can embrace the grandeur of the “sport of kings” by becoming a member of the Polo Club at NPC, which offers a variety of membership opportunities, including social, junior and equestrian packages. Membership benefits include access to restaurants and social facilities, including a private resort-style pool, spa, fitness center and tennis courts.

Over the past year, NPC’s tennis program has expanded significantly with the addition of renowned tennis instructor Scott Williams. The 2025 tennis season promises to introduce more competitive teams, tournaments and clinics for NPC members. Membership also includes access to exclusive events held throughout the week, such as the popular Chef Experience Wine Dinners and a dynamic speaker series with a range of distinguished guests, along with discounts on season box or tailgate purchases.

Additionally, the Wellington venue serves as a vibrant community hub, boasting more than 7,000 square feet of versatile entertainment space, with multiple restaurants and areas for public or private events. NPC can host a range of activities, including fundraisers for local charities, weddings, corporate gatherings, indoor candlelight and outdoor concerts. The possibilities are endless with an expansive outdoor oasis suited to host anything from other sporting events to graduations on one of NPC’s fields.

Regardless of group size, NPC provides many spaces perfectly suited to meet each event’s requirements. The 7th Chukker, located in the heart of the stadium, offers a beautiful patio overlooking U.S. Polo Assn. Field One, providing an ideal setting to enjoy the match. The space can accommodate 50 seated guests or 100 attendees for cocktail-style events. Meanwhile, the open and airy poolside Mallet Grille, known for its iconic polo mallet chandelier, offers members an exclusive dining experience. Ideal for hosting small to medium-scale events, the restaurant provides a picturesque view of the field. For a more casual option, the Pavilion Café, open to the public and frequented by the polo community, offers a selection of salads and handhelds, perfect for a weekday lunch stop.

Overall, NPC stands out as a world-class venue, with picturesque facilities, diverse dining options and a vibrant calendar of events.

The National Polo Center is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. Get your tickets or plan your next event by visiting www.nationalpolocenter.com.

The ‘Sport Of Kings’ And Families
The Cambiasos Are Continuing The Time-Honored Tradition Of Passing Down The Sport Of Polo

By Mike May

Polo is one of the most tradition-rich sports in the world. In fact, there are very few sports where the legacy of playing the sport is intentionally handed down from one generation of a family to the next. There are many examples of polo families where the sport is played at a high level by more than one family member, including Argentina’s Cambiaso family, which includes two of the current best players in the world.

While based in Argentina, the Cambiasos usually spend the winter season here in Wellington. The patriarch of the family is 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso, 49. He’s a brilliant, world-class polo player and has been for many years — and many of his best days on the polo field with a mallet in his right hand are still in his future.

Two of his children — daughter Mia Cambiaso and son Adolfo “Poroto” Cambiaso — are also accomplished polo-playing professionals. All three will be playing on the fields in Wellington during the current winter polo season. And even if you’re not at a game, you easily might see one of them shopping in the aisles at Publix over the next few months.

Considered by many the top polo player in the world today, Adolfo’s list of championship wins is impressive, to say the least. Those polo championships include many Argentine Opens, a number of U.S. Open Polo Championships, USPA Gold Cups, and the Queen’s Cup (U.K.).

Adolfo’s competitive career started before he was a teenager. At age 12, he earned his one-goal handicap. Since then, his career has soared, and he continues to play the sport at a world-class level. At the age of 21, Adolfo established his own polo club called La Dolfina, which then proceeded to win three straight Argentine Opens.

In the minds of many Argentinian sports fans, Adolfo is as highly regarded as a polo player as other Argentinian sports heroes, such as World Cup soccer champions Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, four-time major tennis champ Guillermo Vilas, rugby union great Hugo Porta and five-time Formula 1 Grand Prix World Championship driver Juan Manuel Fangio. Any picture of Argentina’s greatest sporting champions would be incomplete without Adolfo Cambiaso.

In addition to being a world-class player, Adolfo is getting more involved in horse breeding and cloning.

As for Poroto, 19, he has also achieved similar praise as one of polo’s rising greats, and often can be found ahead of his father in current rankings. Poroto has already risen to the rarefied realm of being one of polo’s global superstars and a living legend in his own right. Poroto’s major polo victories include the 2020 English Gold Cup, the 2021 U.S. Open Polo Championship and the 129th Argentine Open. At that specific Argentine Open, Poroto became the youngest 10-goaler, which broke the existing record established years before by his father.

Looking back, Poroto was perhaps destined to become a successful and accomplished polo player since he was born during the 2005 Argentine Open. During a qualifying match in that Argentine Open, Adolfo’s wife María Vázquez went into labor. So, as you would expect, Adolfo left the field and headed to the hospital to be there for Poroto’s birth. For Poroto, that’s called being “born into polo.”

When Poroto began playing, his father was also his teammate. Clearly, Poroto learned how to play the sport from the best in the business. In 2023, Poroto finally won his first major title without his father on the same team. It was the USPA Gold Cup in Wellington.

Many polo pundits now agree that both Adolfo and Poroto share that “killer instinct,” which is the foundation for their joint drive to win.

One of the most entertaining moments in their competitive careers occurred in 2024 in Wellington when Adolfo’s team (Valiente) met Poroto’s team (La Dolfina), facing one another in the final of all three Gauntlet of Polo events: the C.V. Whitney Cup, the USPA Gold Cup and the U.S. Open Polo Championship. This was the first time in history that the same two teams met in the final of all three events in the same year. In all three finales, Adolfo was ranked the No. 1 player in the world, while Poroto was ranked as the world’s No. 2 player.

Well, Adolfo’s team won the C.V. Whitney Cup. Then, Poroto’s responded by taking the USPA Gold Cup. That left the U.S. Open as the proverbial rubber game of the series. Poroto and his teammates were a little sharper in the U.S. Open final, and La Dolina prevailed, 10-7.

Polo broadcaster Kenny Rice said that having a father-son dual in the Gauntlet of Polo was historic.

“The Cambiasos are one-two in the world. That’s amazing,” Rice said. “There has never been in any sport a father-son be the absolute best in the world, one-two.”

Adolfo’s feelings for his son are laced with love and respect, as he truly relished the chance to play against his very talented son.

“As a father, it’s not easy playing against your son. He knows how to manage his game,” Adolfo said. “I think Poroto is growing a lot as a player and as a person.”

Poroto had similar sentiments about his dad. “It is always very difficult to play against me and also for him, it is very difficult to play against a son,” Poroto added.

As for older sister Mia Cambiaso, she’s climbing up the polo ladder, too. At age 14, she had a two-goal handicap and was a teammate of her father in the Pilará Mix Cup. As a member of Hawaii Polo Life, she helped lead the team to winning the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship in 2022.

Meanwhile, the youngest Cambiaso child, Myla, also plays the sport. Clearly, the tradition of playing polo at a high level is alive and well in the Cambiaso family — and it will continue to be for years to come.

Faces of Polo 2025
Happy New Year! The dawn of 2025 brings the start of a new polo season here in Wellington, which brings world-class athletes from around the globe to compete in “the sport of kings.” Along with the sporting action — horse and rider pairs flying down perfectly manicured fields, all eyes on the goal — is a whole other set of entertainment, whether it is people watching, high fashion, tailgating, a delectable brunch, the halftime divot stomp and more. The National Polo Center-Wellington, owned since 2022 by the United States Polo Association, attracts the world’s top talent to play in its annual winter high-goal season, which nowadays includes tournament partnerships with a number of other polo clubs in area. Once again, NPC is the place to see great high-goal action, including featured matches every Sunday on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One. As we do each January, Wellington The Magazine is highlighting just a small handful of the amazing athletes you will see vying for top polo accolades this season. Turn the page and meet the Faces of Polo 2025.

Adolfo Cambiaso
A longtime legend in the sport, Argentine Adolfo Cambiaso is a name synonymous with polo itself. Cambiaso earned the distinguished 10-goal handicap status when he was just 19 years old, and in 2000, he founded La Dolfina, one of the most successful Argentine teams in history. Now age 49, the veteran player has accumulated one of the most successful careers in the sport with multiple victories in the Argentine Triple Crown, as well as historical success in England and the United States. Throughout his time competing in America, Cambiaso has acquired nine C.V. Whitney Cup victories, 15 USPA Gold Cup titles and nine U.S. Open Polo Championship trophies, including six Most Valuable Player awards. A seasoned professional and industry titan, Cambiaso has increasingly focused on his legacy — his children — competing alongside his son, Adolfo “Poroto” Cambiaso Jr., in the Gauntlet of Polo in 2021 and 2022. In a historic turn, Cambiaso Sr. faced off against his son in each Gauntlet of Polo final in 2024, with the veteran leading Valiente to victory in the C.V. Whitney Cup.

Gillian Johnston
Gillian Johnston is a cornerstone of American polo and an inspiration for women in the sport. She made history in 2002 when she won the prestigious U.S. Open Polo Championship with Coca-Cola. Having her name engraved on the U.S. Open trophy marked a significant milestone, as very few women have had the privilege of lifting the coveted cup. Known for her exceptional horsemanship, Johnston is also renowned for breeding top-quality polo ponies. A fixture in the sport for many years, Johnston is not only one of the few women to regularly compete in the Florida high-goal season but is also one of the best-mounted players in the game.

Hilario Ulloa
Born in Argentina, Hilario Ulloa was introduced to polo at an early age, thanks to his father, renowned trainer Carlos “Polito” Ulloa. Achieving the coveted 10-goal rating in 2017, Ulloa has consistently remained one of the world’s top players, competing at elite tournaments in the United States, England and Argentina. A four-time winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship and the C.V. Whitney Cup, Ulloa, and the Park Place organization, have been a dominant force during the winter season at the National Polo Center in recent years. In 2024, Ulloa received the prestigious National Polo Center’s High-Goal Horse of the Year Award for his exceptional mare, Mega Big Bay, further underscoring his enduring success in the sport.

Hope Arellano
American polo prodigy Hope Arellano comes from a family deeply rooted in the sport. She began playing at an early age, and by age 12, had already won her first 12-goal tournament alongside her two brothers and Hall-of-Fame father Julio Arellano. Her rapid rise through the ranks was nothing short of remarkable. At just 14, Arellano won the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. In 2022, she made history as the first woman to represent the U.S. in the prestigious XII FIP World Polo Championship. Now, at age 21, Arellano has earned an impressive array of titles both in the U.S. and internationally. In December 2023, she became the first American to win the Women’s Argentine Open and also became the youngest American to achieve a 10-goal USPA women’s handicap. In 2024, she was selected as the sole female to represent Team USA in the Paris Games Polo Challenge in France. Arellano’s talent and trailblazing achievements make her one of the most compelling players in the sport.

Jesse Bray
Jesse Bray has long been an established presence in West Coast polo. Competing regularly at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in California, Bray earned one of his first major titles in 2021, winning the Silver Cup. He has since made a name for himself on both the U.S. and international circuits, competing among polo’s elite. In 2023, Bray’s standout performances earned him Most Valuable Player in the Iglehart Cup, as well as receiving the Best Playing Pony award. Last season, Bray’s career reached new heights when he was selected as a substitute for the prestigious Valiente team, where he joined forces with polo legend Adolfo Cambiaso to claim the 2024 C.V. Whitney Cup. After recently wrapping up a successful season in Argentina, Bray now looks to build on his momentum as he heads into the upcoming Florida season.

Nico Escobar
Wellington local Nico Escobar, a rising star, is making waves in the polo world. Proudly representing his country, Escobar has gained valuable international experience, competing in the 2023 Westchester Cup against England and earning silver in the most recent FIP World Polo Championship. He was also part of the American team that claimed victory in the 2024 Paris Games Polo Challenge against France. At just 24, Escobar has proven himself a dominant force in national tournament competition across the United States, especially in Florida and California, with wins in the USPA Gold Cup and Silver Cup. Escobar shined during the 2024 season, most notably in the NPC 16-Goal Championship, sweeping the competition to secure the title.

Mariano ‘Peke’ Gonzalez Jr.
25-year-old Mariano “Peke” Gonzalez Jr. has had a deep passion for horses since childhood, sparking his love for polo. Growing up, he could always be found around the barn, eager to be involved in every aspect of the sport. In 2021, Gonzalez reached a major milestone, winning his first U.S. Open Polo Championship alongside and under the mentorship of polo legend Adolfo Cambiaso. In 2023, Gonzalez had a standout year, capturing the 16-Goal Championship and solidifying his success with victories in the Joe Barry Memorial, Ylvisaker Cup and Iglehart Cup. That same year, Gonzalez also won the Pacific Coast Open and Most Valuable Player in California, and received season honors, including Best High-Goal String. Gonzalez will be looking to build on his successes in the upcoming season, with his eyes set on adding more achievements to his standout résumé.

Adolfo ‘Poroto’ Cambiaso Jr.
19-year-old Adolfo “Poroto” Cambiaso Jr., the son of polo icon Adolfo Cambiaso, is carving out a legacy that mirrors his legendary father. Cambiaso Jr. made his American high-goal debut in 2021, joining forces with his father in the Gauntlet of Polo and helping Scone secure both the USPA Gold Cup and the U.S. Open Polo Championship. By 2022, he added the Pacific Coast Open to his list of victories, and achieved an Argentine double the same year, winning both the Hurlingham Open and the Argentine Open with La Dolfina. In 2024, he returned for his fourth Gauntlet of Polo season, facing off against his father on three separate occasions. Undeterred by the rivalry, Cambiaso Jr. led his teams to back-to-back victories, claiming his third USPA Gold Cup and his second U.S. Open Polo Championship. A generational talent, Cambiaso Jr. is destined to shape the future of polo.

Tomas Panelo
A new 10-goaler has arrived! At 24, Tomas Panelo’s polo career has been on the rise since 2017, when he helped Argentina win the XI FIP World Polo Championship. In 2021, he added the Queen’s Cup in England to his achievements, and in 2023, he captured his first major U.S. title, the USPA Gold Cup. In 2024, during his second winter season at the National Polo Center in Wellington, he competed alongside Adolfo “Poroto” Cambiaso Jr. with La Dolfina. Panelo managed to reach all three finals in the Gauntlet of Polo, playing a key role in his team’s victories in both the USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship. Awarded Most Valuable Player honors for his performance in the Gold Cup final, he scored more than half of the winning team’s goals. In May, his exceptional play throughout the season earned him a promotion to the coveted 10-goal handicap.

Facundo Pieres
Facundo Pieres is the epitome of a modern professional polo player. Hailing from a polo-playing family and descended from the legendary Gonzalo Pieres, he was immersed in the sport from a young age in Argentina, sharing the field with his brothers Gonzalo “Gonzalito” and Nicolas “Nico” Pieres, as well as his cousin Pablo “Polito” Pieres. He has built an exceptional career, achieving remarkable success in Argentina, England and the U.S. Among his many accomplishments is his 2019 Gauntlet of Polo sweep, where he led Pilot to victory in the inaugural year of the prestigious series — an achievement that remains unmatched.

2025 Polo Hall Of Fame Inductees Museum Of Polo’s 36th Annual Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony And Awards Dinner Set For Feb. 14

By Y.A. Teitelbaum

The Board of Directors of the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame recently announced the 2025 inductees into the museum’s Polo Hall of Fame. The honorees are Joe Henderson, Jimmy Bachman, Jorie Butler Kent, Susan Stovall, and legendary horses Flash and Beatrice.

The 36th annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner is one of the premier social events of the winter polo season in Florida and is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of Polo (9011 Lake Worth Road).

Joe Henderson, who reached 8 goals outdoors and 10 goals in the arena, has won numerous major high-goal tournaments on grass, including the C.V. Whitney Cup in 1987 as well as the America Cup twice and the North American Cup four times. He also dominated the 1987 Pacific Coast Open, winning the title while sweeping the MVP and BPP. In 1993, Henderson and Fish Creek reached the U.S. Open final, losing 11-10 to Gehache, while he was selected as the MVP. Henderson was also a dynamic arena player, winning numerous titles on his way to a 10-goal handicap while earning Arena Player of the Year in 1988 and 1992, and recognized as Arena Player of the Centennial Era in 1990.

Posthumous Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Bachman had considerable success at all levels, winning the 20-goal Monty Waterbury Cup in 1983 and reaching the finals of both the 26-goal Sunshine League in 1985 and the 20-goal East Coast Open. He captured numerous medium-goal tournaments as well, including the Copper Cup (1987 and 1988), Bronze Trophy (1988 and 1989), the 1990 Heritage Cup and the 1991 Chairman’s Cup. But he made his name dominating low-goal polo, especially at Gulfstream in the 1980s. Bachman reached 7 goals in 1986 and played at that handicap until his untimely death in 1991.

Iglehart Award recipient Jorie Butler Kent is an iconic figure in U.S. polo, born into the sport. Her father, Paul Butler, is synonymous with Oak Brook Polo, and so is his daughter, who managed the club from 1967 to 1979, a first for a woman. Butler Kent continued her interest in polo and, along with Sue Sally Hale and several others, became the first women to receive handicaps from the USPA in 1972. She also organized the USPA Polo Pony Championship and helped to establish the rules and registry. She continued to be a pioneer in the sport when she secured the first international corporate sponsorship, Rolex. Additionally, Butler Kent was integral to the early successes of many clubs, including Palm Beach Polo, Greenwich and Windsor Polo in Vero Beach, as well as the Museum of Polo.

The posthumous Iglehart Award honoree and “force of nature” Susan Stovall left an indelible mark on the world of polo, both as a pioneer for women’s polo and on the sport in general. Stovall did it all, from riding early morning sets to competing on the field, to organizing tournaments, to entertaining royalty and celebrities at charity polo events. She was a respected and beloved manager of Eldorado for 26 years, while also continuing to play and continuing to help run her family’s polo operation, the White Swan Polo Club in Washington. Under her watch, Eldorado grew to become the largest polo club on the West Coast with dozens of teams regularly competing thanks to her no-nonsense approach, organizing skills, enthusiasm and genuine love for people.

The Horses to Remember honoree of the early pre-Hartman era is Beatrice, who was a warrior on and off the polo field. The little dark bay mare excelled in three international series for the U.S., ridden by two Hall of Famers, Dev Milburn (1924 Westchester Cup) and Winston Guest (1928 Cup of the Americas, 1930 Westchester Cup). She also played in the 1921 Westchester Cup for the British team. Beatrice was also a real war hero. At the age of 16, she served as an artillery horse in the British Army, and was awarded a gold medal, which she wore pinned on her saddle pad while playing for the U.S. international team.

The phenomenal chestnut thoroughbred gelding Flash, whose actual name was Rockey Kid, will be recognized as Horses to Remember for the post-Hartman era. In the 1970s, Flash helped several top players achieve tremendous victories. During the successful run of high-goal tournaments in Chicago in 1973, John Oxley purchased Flash, greatly helping his players. Flash earned three Best Playing Pony awards played by Billy Linfoot, Roy Barry and Corky Linfoot all in the same year. Flash also competed in the Coronation Cups and Queens Cup in England. Among her many highlights were being named Horse of the Year for April 1976 to April 1977 and being featured on the cover of Polo Magazine.

The black-tie Hall of Fame Awards Dinner is the most important annual fundraising event for the museum, an independently run not-for-profit organization.

To make your reservations for the Feb. 14 event, contact Brenda Lynn at (561) 969-3210 or (561) 969-7015, or e-mail blynn@polomuseum.org. Learn more about the museum at www.polomuseum.org.

Divertimentos & Dressage Returns Feb. 20 
Brooke USA Signature Event Features Dressage Musical Freestyle Performance With The Palm Beach Symphony

Brooke USA recently announced its third annual Divertimentos & Dressage, a one-of-a-kind showcase taking place in the winter equestrian capital of the world. This year’s event will be held Thursday, Feb. 20, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, a move in date and venue that allows the charity to reach new supporters and friends.

Presented by Lugano Diamonds, the evening offers an exquisite blend of live symphonic music and equestrian artistry. The Palm Beach Symphony, under the direction of guest conductor Kyle Elgarten, will deliver an inspiring performance featuring premier classical musicians. Their melodies will accompany a stunning choreographed dressage showcase, featuring Grand Prix riders and their remarkable horses, curated by Collier Wimmer of Three Wishes Freestyle.

The evening will feature awe-inspiring performances by some of the most celebrated dressage riders, including Brooke USA Ambassador JJ Tate, Todd Flettrich, Allison Kavey and Sahar Daniel Hirosh. Additional riders will be announced soon, with all performing to the works of iconic classical composers.

Divertimentos & Dressage was originally conceptualized by Sally Frick, a Brooke USA board member, amateur equestrian and professional flutist. Since its 2023 arrival in the Wellington area, the event has become a signature highlight of the winter circuit, where live music and equestrian sport come together in a dazzling display of artistry and grace.

“We are thrilled to see this event flourish,” Frick said. “It’s not just a breathtaking experience — it’s an opportunity to support Brooke USA’s mission of improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules worldwide. This cause resonates deeply with our equestrian community, and I’m proud to see it grow and inspire.”

Brooke USA CEO Emily Dulin echoed these sentiments.

“As we celebrate Brooke USA’s 10th anniversary, Divertimentos & Dressage will launch a year of festivities in spectacular fashion,” she said. “This event beautifully unites equestrian art, live music and philanthropy. We’re excited to welcome residents, seasonal visitors, young equestrians and music enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening in support of a cause that touches lives around the globe.”

The evening begins with a VIP cocktail reception, sponsored by Cherry Knoll Farm, offering gourmet hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. The main performance starts at 7 p.m., showcasing the harmonious collaboration between horses, riders and the symphony. Following the performance, guests can enjoy cookies and coffee, sponsored by the Max Kagan Foundation. Additional features include a vendor village, silent auction and travel auction.

General admission tickets are $75 per person and include the performance and access to the vendor village, auctions and food stations. VIP individual tickets are $250 and include the cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’oeuvres.

Also available are a Prix St. Georges Table for Four at $1,500; a Grand Prix Table for Eight at $3,000; and a Podium Level Table for Eight at $5,000 (this includes two bottles of wine and specialty appetizers).

Don’t miss this magical evening, where music, horses and compassion come together to support the welfare of working equines and the communities that rely on them.

To secure tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities or learn more, visit www.brookeusa.org/events.

Woofstock: Peace, Love And Pups
Danny & Ron’s Rescue Lip Sync Event Feb. 16 Promises A Groovy Night For A Great Cause

Grab your bell-bottoms, tie-dye shirts and go-go boots, and plan to attend the 16th annual Lip Sync event benefiting Danny & Ron’s Rescue on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Mida Farms in Wellington. This year’s theme, “Woofstock: Peace, Love & Pups,” will transport guests back to the 1960s, celebrating the spirit of the era while raising crucial funds to save homeless dogs. The evening will include special guest Gloria Gaynor.

Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta, the founders of Danny & Ron’s Rescue, never intended to start a dog rescue. Both equestrian trainers from South Carolina, they had always loved animals, but it was the heartbreaking images of dogs left stranded after Hurricane Katrina that changed their lives forever.

In the aftermath of the disaster, Danny and Ron drove their horse trailers to New Orleans and rescued 600 dogs. Initially, they planned to bring them to South Carolina shelters, but they soon realized these traumatized animals wouldn’t thrive there. They chose to care for the dogs themselves, mortgaging their home to cover the costs of medical care and rehabilitation. Slowly, the dogs began to heal, both physically and emotionally, and Danny and Ron found loving homes for all of them.

Rather than return to their normal lives, Danny and Ron were compelled to continue rescuing dogs. They founded Danny & Ron’s Rescue, which has since saved more than 14,000 dogs from shelters, puppy mills and neglectful situations, finding them loving homes across the U.S. and beyond. Their incredible story is documented in the film Life in the Doghouse, bringing national and international recognition to their cause.

The rescue’s lifesaving work is made possible by the generosity of their donors and supporters, many of whom reside in Wellington, where Danny and Ron spend the equestrian season.

One of the most popular fundraising events supporting the rescue is the annual Lip Sync contest, dreamed up by longtime volunteer Kim Kolloff. As a horse and dog lover herself, Kolloff was deeply moved by Danny and Ron’s commitment to housing their rescued dogs in their own home. “I knew at that point, that was the charity I wanted to support,” she said.

Despite an abundance of fundraisers, Kolloff noticed a lack of events that involved children, which sparked her idea for the Lip Sync contest. The event has become a beloved highlight of the Wellington equestrian season, giving young riders the chance to perform iconic hits while raising money for a great cause.

Now in its 16th year, the event has grown tremendously. Kolloff is thrilled by how it has evolved. “It has been amazing to witness the natural connection between children and dogs, and seeing the kids have the opportunity to save lives in their community,” she said.

This year, the Lip Sync event will be held at the stunning 20-acre Mida Farms, owned by renowned philanthropist and dedicated animal advocate Victoria McCullough. After serving as a judge at last year’s event, she generously offered to host the 2025 event. “I wanted the kids to have a special place to perform where they could really shine,” McCullough said.

The 2025 Lip Sync contest promises to be a far-out night to remember, with a groovy 1960s theme that will have guests reliving the decade’s most fab moments. Attendees are encouraged to embrace their inner flower child and don vintage threads while enjoying an evening of cocktails, lip-sync performances and fundraising.

Adding to the excitement, two-time Grammy Award-winning music legend Gloria Gaynor will serve as a VIP guest judge for the night’s competition. Known for her iconic hit “I Will Survive,” an anthem of empowerment and independence, Gaynor will captivate the audience with a live performance of this timeless classic. Guests will be dazzled by her passionate vocals and the uplifting energy of the song, which has become a symbol of strength for women, the LGBTQ+ community and anyone overcoming adversity. Guests will be thrilled to experience this legendary hit performed live, which is sure to be an unforgettable highlight of the evening.

With 500 guests expected to attend, the event is set to be a sell-out, bringing together animal lovers, equestrians and philanthropists for a night of fun, creativity and generosity. Tickets include access to a cocktail reception and the captivating performances by the Lip Sync teams, all while raising essential funds to support the rescue’s mission.

“This event is so special to us,” Ron Danta said. “The kids learn about giving back and also raising money to help save more dogs’ lives.”

“Their brilliant routines, along with a ‘bring the house down’ performance by Gloria Gaynor will make it a night for the history books,” Danny Robertshaw added.

Don’t miss out on this celebration of music, fashion and philanthropy — all in the name of saving more dogs in need.

Tables and tickets are available now, with sponsorship opportunities for those looking to make an even bigger impact. For event and sponsorship information, contact Jennifer Cohen at (561) 440-0445 or visit https://bit.ly/lipsync2025.

Education Through Innovation At Palm Beach State College

By Dean Glorioso

Changing lives is not easy. But when you’re the oldest college in the community, it’s kind of what you do.

Check your history. It’s 1933 and the country is firmly in the grasp of the Great Depression. Daily life is a struggle for most. A world war looms in the near future, one that changes the global landscape for decades. And, despite the challenges of the time, Florida’s first junior college opens its doors to 41 students in West Palm Beach.

Nearly a century later, Palm Beach State College is still the community’s college, boasting 40,000 students across five campuses, an annual $1.3 billion economic impact on Palm Beach County, and a mission to transform lives and strengthen the community, particularly through health sciences.

Palm Beach State College has been sending its nursing and medical technician students to a myriad of partner hospitals, including Wellington Regional Medical Center, to complete their onsite clinical training. Now, with local facilities not always able to accommodate this vital, real-world experience, the decrease in training sites has prompted the Florida Center for Nursing to estimate a shortage of more than 50,000 registered nurses by 2025 and a need for 10,000 more medical and surgical technicians.

Increasing Palm Beach State’s capacity to train nursing students by way of simulation technology advances the quality of both the college’s health sciences programs and the community’s healthcare providers. With a 95 percent job placement rate for nursing graduates, Palm Beach State is sustaining a classroom-to-career pipeline of highly qualified medical professionals to the Palm Beach County community.

Palm Beach State’s progressive advancements are preparing tomorrow’s healthcare workers at three key locations: the Center of Excellence in Medical Simulation, the newly named Oristano Center for Innovation in Health Sciences and the Frank DiMino Center for Medical Innovation at Loxahatchee Groves. Known as the college’s “medical technology campus,” Loxahatchee Groves has earned an apropos moniker with Palm Beach State’s foray into medical innovation.

The college’s Center of Excellence in Medical Simulation houses state-of-the-art simulators and equipment currently used in the healthcare field. In 2016, the Florida College System recognized the center with the Chancellor’s Best Practice Award, which recognizes exemplary initiatives and advancements at Florida’s state colleges. Moreover, to ensure best practice, the center has partnered with the University of Florida and the Yale New Haven Health System, leading institutions in the use of medical simulation.

Located on the Lake Worth campus, the renovated center replicates actual patient-care environments, including emergency and intensive care units. Medical procedures are enacted with human simulators, such as the SimMan 3G, a durable patient manikin used for realistic scenarios and hands-on experience. In addition, an ambulance simulator allows students to engage in transfer of care while high-tech innovation provides for authentic medical training. In fact, nursing students are now able to complete 50 percent of their clinical training through simulation rather than the previous 25 percent, illustrating the need for and significance of expanding the existing center to accommodate larger cohorts of future nurses.

David Rutherford, vice president of advancement and CEO of the Foundation for Palm Beach State College, has been instrumental in securing much-needed funding for health sciences. “Embracing this movement of innovation for healthcare education helps us to diminish barriers to skill acquisition, essential training and job preparation and placement,” he said. “Ultimately, the use of educational technology increases our capacity to supply the community with competent healthcare professionals.”

At the college’s Palm Beach Gardens campus, the Oristano Center for Innovation in Health Sciences is home to cutting-edge technology. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is Radiography’s flagship program, while Ophthalmic Medical Technology is nationally recognized and the only such program in the state that is accredited to offer Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist training.

The DiMino Center and newly constructed Dental and Medical Services Technology Center at the Loxahatchee Groves campus house Surgical Technology, Dental Hygiene and Health Information Technology, as well as the Dental, Medical and Physical Assisting programs. While all use modern medical technologies, it’s still the human element that remains at the heart of health sciences at Palm Beach State College.

The role of any responsible institution of higher learning resides in the guidance of its students. Palm Beach State programs emphasize mentorship while providing students with experiences that allow them to develop fundamental skills, become confident in their fields of study and be better prepared for transitions to actual workplace environments.

With its commitment to ensuring the well-being of those who call this community home, Palm Beach State’s strongest contribution perhaps lies with emergency services, as 85 percent of Palm Beach County’s first responders complete their training with the college. Hopefully, we’ll never need these services, but, if we do, the care we receive likely came because of education through innovation at Palm Beach State College.

Learn more about Palm Beach State College at www.palmbeachstate.edu.

Creating An Engaging, Connected Community

The recent season of celebration and joy can also bring feelings of loneliness and disconnection. The Village of Wellington puts a focus on programs that work to enhance connectedness among residents, engaging the entire community to create an environment where everyone feels they belong.

As the holiday season concludes and we welcome a new year, our focus remains on family, traditions and the strength of community. This time of year, many seek togetherness and belonging. We return to hometowns where our roots run deep and welcome others into spaces we have made our own. It remains a season for connecting and celebrating, and the Wellington community comes together in many ways.

While this is a season of joy, it can also foster feelings of loneliness and disconnection, which we are working hard to address. Many of our programs and events work to enhance connectedness among residents. Our team continues to explore ideas and have conversations with engaged residents, neighborhood leaders and other stakeholders about their best practices for encouraging community connections. We will also continue to work with our interfaith group to discuss belonging and explore how we can better serve our residents.

This is part of our broader strategy to engage with all segments of our community. These efforts aim to enhance and build upon our already established programs, priorities and partnerships. Our relationship with local nonprofit organizations is active and robust, enabling us to effectively meet the needs of our community as well. This collaboration ensures that we remain resilient, sustainable and always connected.

Our planning initiatives prioritize creating livable, thoughtfully designed neighborhoods that encourage social interaction and physical well-being. Our commitment to connectedness extends beyond physical spaces. The Wellington Village Council and the dedicated team of public servants who work for Wellington are committed to community engagement in everything that they do. From dozens of public meetings, to community events and programs, we provide many opportunities to be involved. Wellington’s Community Services team plays a pivotal role in offering programs that empower residents to learn, serve and connect. Meanwhile, our Parks & Recreation team organizes activities that promote health, interaction and a shared sense of belonging. These efforts ensure that everyone who wants to engage in our community can do so in meaningful ways.

Social connectedness is a basic human need essential for both individual and community health. Research consistently shows that being connected to social groups, causes, cultures or places enhances health and longevity. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that those with stronger social bonds are more likely to live longer, healthier lives, and that is what we want for our residents.

In Wellington, our team members are encouraged to value their impact and make a difference. This idea extends to our residents. Never underestimate the role you can play in being a good resident and a great neighbor. Thank you for being an integral part of what makes our “great hometown” exceptional. Let’s continue to connect, build relationships and create an environment where everyone feels they belong.