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Feature Stories

American Superstar Polo Player Hope Arellano Will Rise To 10-Goal Status By The End Of 2023

American Superstar Polo Player Hope Arellano Will Rise To 10-Goal Status By The End Of 2023

Polo superstar Hope Arellano just completed a stellar season in Wellington that featured her being named Most Valuable Player of the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship held at the United States Polo Association’s National Polo Center-Wellington. It’s safe to say that the 20-year-old Arellano has taken the world of polo by storm — and she’s just getting started.

With a myriad of titles, championships and notable victories on her trophy shelf, Arellano’s dominance and dedication to the sport is an inspiration, especially for other young women.

The Arellano family has deep connections to Wellington, and she can often be found here when not at her home base in Aiken, South Carolina.

A fourth-generation polo player, Arellano knew at just nine years old that she wanted to be a polo professional like her father, Hall of Famer Julio Arellano. Her first adult tournament at the age of 11 served as the catalyst for her polo career, and since then, this phenom has yet to slow down.

“My dad was a professional polo player,” Arellano said. “So, ever since I can remember, I have been riding and been around the sport.”

At age 14, Arellano was rated as a 3-goaler in Women’s Outdoor. Now, six years later, she will achieve the ultimate mark of a professional with the coveted 10-goal handicap in both women’s outdoor and arena polo.

Set to rise to 9 goals in May and 10 goals in December, Arellano’s achievement also marks a significant accomplishment for American polo. She will be the first American woman to achieve a 10-goal Women’s Outdoor handicap since the legendary Sunny Hale, and the first American to achieve any 10-goal status since Polito Pieres in 2015. She is also the youngest American to reach a 10-goal women’s handicap.

It is an achievement that comes as a surprise, even to Arellano.

“I truly couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I definitely think I have a lot of work to do to be at that level.”

Arellano’s handicap raise comes fresh off her win in the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. Competing with La Fe alongside Winifred Branscum, Pamela Flanagan and Hazel Jackson, Arellano’s stellar performance contributed six goals in the final and earned her recognition as the MVP.

“I was very fortunate to play with La Fe in this year’s Women’s Open,” she said. “They are a great organization. I loved every moment playing with Pam, Hazel and Winnie!”

That feeling was mutual. Praising Arellano’s skill after the match, Jackson noted, “For me right now, she’s the best player in the world. I feel like she’s got much more talent than myself. I think Nina [Clarkin]’s incredible, but I think Hope has got some things that I haven’t seen in other young girls. It’s amazing.”

Arellano was very proud of how her team worked together during the final.

“We really wanted to open it up,” Arellano said after their big victory. “It’s really kind of me and Hazel’s style to hit and run. So going into this game, we were like, ‘Let’s hit, let’s run, let’s spread the field.’ Playing on Field One, we really got to open it up — play our game. When we got our runs, the plan was for one of us to always stay back. We didn’t really do that so well in the first two [chukkers], but we got it together.”

She also thanked Flanagan’s efforts in organizing the team, and the La Fe organization’s continued support. “Pam has put so much work into this. Since last year, she has been working really, really hard,” Arellano said. “To win with Pam and this whole organization… to all the boys that helped out, it took a village! It all wouldn’t have been possible without the organization, so thank you to all of them.”

Aside from her own MVP honor, Arellano’s second chukker spare and sixth chukker horse, 9-year-old Macumba, got Best Playing Pony honors. Like any good polo player, it’s all about the horses for Arellano.

“Macumba is a mare that I purchased from Matias Magrini. He actually sent her to me to play her and sell her. I ended up falling in love with her,” Arellano said. “At the moment I bought her, she wasn’t one of my best horses, and now she has turned into one of my top five. Every time she goes onto the field, she gives me her whole heart and more. Anything I ask her, she goes into. She never second guesses me, even probably when I should be second guessed. I love her heart. She won me over with her heart.”

Arellano previously won the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship in 2017 with San Saba. Just age 14 at the time, she is still the youngest player to ever win the tournament.

Aside from the Women’s Polo Championship, Arellano played in a number of other tournaments in Wellington this season.

“I had a wonderful winter season in Wellington,” she said. “Fortunately, I was able to play in many mixed tournaments, including a few 6 goal, 8 goal, 12 goal and 18 goal.”

Arellano also made headlines last fall with her participation in the XII FIP World Polo Championship, also held at NPC in Wellington, making history as the first woman to compete for the United States in the international contest.

Her addition to the starting lineup continued Team USA’s forward momentum, allowing the red, white and blue to emerge with an electrifying 9-8 overtime win against defending champions and competition favorites, Argentina, to advance to the final. Hope’s contributions also helped Team USA put forth a strong effort in the final, forcing the game into overtime. While they fell in a narrow 11-10 loss to Spain, Team USA’s silver medal finish offered a great deal of hope for the future of American polo on the global scene.

From Wellington, Arellano heads west this spring and across the pond this summer.

“I will be playing in Santa Barbara this spring then head to England in the summer,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming seasons and focusing on just trying to improve as much as possible!”

Meanwhile, Arellano is also quickly becoming a mainstay in the Women’s Argentine Open, competing the last two years in that prestigious competition. In 2021, she played with La Irenita Libra Seguros, placing third and receiving the Revelation Award for her performance. In 2022, she played with La Irenita E-Movility and advanced to the final, falling to La Dolfina in a hard-fought match. This year, she will compete with El Overo Z7 UAE, one of the strongest women’s polo organizations in the world.

A shining beacon of hope for the advancement of American polo, Arellano’s accomplishments pave the way for many other young professionals, showing that hard work and determination can flourish into a successful career in the sport. Now, with her soon-to-be 10-goal handicap, Arellano is set to continue breaking barriers and records in the years to come.

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Feature Stories

Enjoy Dinner By The Bite

Enjoy Dinner By The Bite Wellington Chamber’s Flavors 2023 Will Return On Thursday, June 1

By Mike May

If you don’t have dinner plans for Thursday, June 1, then consider signing up for Flavors 2023, the annual event which provides attendees with a chance to sample some of the tasty and diverse food from a number of different restaurants in Wellington.

This will be the 20th edition of Flavors, which is an annual event organized by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

“We have 20 exhibiting restaurants on board, and each one will provide a sample of something sweet and savory, plus a beverage,” explained Michela Green, executive director of the Wellington Chamber. “There will also be a few surprises along the way. Plus, we have three after-hours parties scheduled that night.”

In addition to the food and drinks provided at each restaurant, some venues will have live entertainment. Green said that all Flavors attendees are sure to enjoy themselves.

“Flavors is a great way to learn about the incredible hospitality partners, eateries and venues we have right here in Wellington,” she said.

Flavors will start and end at the new host location, which is the National Polo Center-Wellington, located at 3667 120th Avenue South. Attendees will gather there, register for the event, receive their armband, mingle with others, enjoy a snack, have a drink and then board one of the luxury buses, which will take the passengers to each of the eight stops. With 20 restaurants participating in Flavors, most stops will feature multiple places to sample food and drinks.

“We have eight luxury buses for Flavors,” Green said. “Each bus will have room for 56 people. Each stop will last roughly 17 to 19 minutes.”

The luxury bus service is sponsored by 10 businesses: Florida Power & Light (FPL), K&E Travel/Celebrity Cruises, First National Bank Coastal Community (FNBCC) Wellington, Meghan Buser, Hack Tax & Accounting Services, the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, JH Massey Group, the Edison Group, My Community Pharmacy and Casas Law PA.

The National Polo Center is delighted to be the host location for Flavors 2023.

“We are a very community-minded organization and enjoy being involved in events like this,” said Denise Dixon, the director of catering at the National Polo Center. “In addition to hosting the registration, we’ll probably serve a small pasta dish and garlic bread. We are also hoping to distribute our 2024 polo schedule.”

According to Green, registration will start at 5 p.m. and conclude just after 6 p.m.,

“We will then start boarding people onto the buses so we can get people to the first stop by 6:30 p.m.,” Green said. “People will be returned to the National Polo Center around 10 p.m.”

There are two main presenting sponsors for Flavors 2023 — K&E Travel/Celebrity Cruises and Florida Power & Light (FPL). Both are longtime supporters of the chamber and are involved because it’s a great way to support the local business community in Wellington.

“I sponsor Flavors because it’s good for my business,” said Mark Elie, president of K&E Travel. “It’s a phenomenal return on my sponsorship investment. I also plan to participate in Flavors. It’s my favorite Wellington Chamber of Commerce event of the year.”

To fully enjoy Flavors, Green suggests that people utilize a ride service to arrive and depart from the event or get a neighbor to drop them off and then pick them up at the end.

“You will be able to get Lyft or Uber to drop you off and pick you up from the National Polo Center,” Green said. “People should also utilize Lyft or Uber to travel to any of the after-hours parties.”

In addition to sampling the food, desserts and drinks, participants will be asked to vote on their favorite Best Overall Taste, Best Cocktail, Best Dessert and the Best Stop.

To secure a ticket to Flavors, and a seat on one of those eight luxury buses, Green suggests that you quickly access the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s web site at www.wellingtonchamber.com.

“This event sells out, so we encourage those interested in attending to sign up as soon as possible,” Green said. “The charge is $50 for members of the Wellington Chamber and $65 for non-members. You must be at least 21 years old to attend, and there are no exceptions. We have had people as old as 90 participate in Flavors.”

To learn more about Flavors 2023, contact the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at info@wellingtonchamber.com or (561) 792-6525.

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Feature Stories, Wellington Education

Gaining The Competitive Edge

Gaining The Competitive Edge How Wellington Students Can Sow The Seeds Of Success Over The Summer

Story by Jaime Joshi Elder |  Photos by Matt De Santa

Living in South Florida means no shortage of summer activities for high school students. Beating the heat by spending time on the water or visiting one of the state’s numerous theme parks provide a great chance to unwind, but summertime can also mean opportunity for high school students seeking to gain a competitive edge and secure acceptance to their dream college.

“Colleges not only want to see that a student is committed to extracurriculars throughout the school year, but they also look for evidence that students are developing their interests and stretching themselves during the summer, as well,” said Dr. Sapneil Parikh, principal and founder of Sapneil Tutoring.

An ardent believer in lifelong learning, Parikh graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida with a degree in finance and business administration. He earned his first master’s degree in public health from Florida International University and a second master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Touro College. He then went on to earn his dental degree from the LECOM School of Dental Medicine and completed a two-year general practice residency specializing in oral medicine and surgery from East Carolina University and Cornell University.

Parikh is also fluent in reading, writing and speaking Spanish.

If there is one thing that Parikh understands, it’s education, and he knows that the time spent outside of the classroom is just as important as the time students spend in the classroom.

“High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors might want to introduce an advanced class using FLVS or take courses through Coursera or edX,” he suggested. “In addition to offering the chance to earn professional certificates, these sites offer courses in many subjects from data science to American poetry. Students can participate in real time or watch past lectures from professors at schools like Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Yale.”

Incoming sophomores and juniors should start thinking about the SAT and ACT and how to best prepare for success.

Research shows that students who participate in tutoring not only build a foundation for successful work habits that will guide them through their educational journey, but they also have a distinct academic advantage over their non-tutored peers.

A study conducted by San Bernardino Valley College showed that students who received one-on-one tutoring saw an average increase of 12 percent in their standardized test scores and outperformed non-tutored students in STEM courses such as biology, computer science, chemistry and math.

“Students in 10th grade may want to introduce themselves to SAT assessments to increase their comfort with the process of preparing for standardized exams,” Parikh said. “The SAT is going digital in 2024, and it would be a good idea for students to familiarize themselves with the changes for that. The test will be shorter, there will be two sections instead of four, and it is vital to note that students will not be able to see their battery percentage while in the digital testing app, and that test centers are not obligated to provide power to every student. Prepare accordingly and make sure your device is fully charged in advance. Preparation on all fronts.”

Academics aren’t the only avenues worth pursuing. Parikh strongly advocates that students diversify and look to community service, research, and business or entrepreneurship to flesh out their applications.

“Colleges look for evidence that students are developing their interests and stretching themselves during the summer,” he said. “Whether a student wants to explore a new activity or build on a current interest, there are so many options available.”

Jobs, internships and volunteer work serve as a chance to stand out as well as leave an indelible impression.

Getting a summer job or internship shows a level of maturity and responsibility as well as the willingness to be part of a team, while community service not only showcases a passion for a cause and a sense of civic duty, but also serves as a chance to grow personally, increase self-confidence and network with like-minded individuals.

For students interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, Parikh recommended contributing to a research project.

In addition to consulting with the school’s guidance counselor to see what opportunities are available, students should also reach out to local labs, universities and hospitals to see who is seeking student support.

“Participation in research projects can help advance chances for competitive colleges and universities,” Parikh said. “Research provides focus and showcases that the student is trying to be part of the problem-solving process. Who knows? You may even be the first or second author on a publication!”

While Parikh focuses heavily on academics, he is quick to note that learning is a lifelong process that is continually occurring. He encourages students to look beyond the borders of their comfort zone and travel if possible.

“In addition to being a great way to relax and detach, traveling with family and friends can help you become more well-rounded as an individual and can even serve you academically depending on where you go,” he said.

Summer is just around the corner, and with a little planning and balance, high school students can have it all — enjoying some well-deserved time off and preparing for the bright future ahead.

Learn more about Sapneil Tutoring at www.sapneiltutoring.com.

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Feature Stories

The Future Of Arena Footing

The Future Of Arena Footing ArenaMend And NFW Partner To Create Environment-Friendly Noviun  Fiber

By Jillian Eberlein 

Dan Carr is a well-established footing entrepreneur who has been an active member of the Wellington community since 1993. Carr managed the Palm Beach Polo Club, worked on numerous golf courses and has been involved in various aspects of the horse industry for decades.

Carr, co-founder of ArenaMend, has dedicated the last 13 years to creating an arena footing that checks all the necessary boxes to meet the needs of both horses and riders. Through all of Carr’s years of experience, he noticed consistent issues in arenas all across the globe.

The first major problem he saw when installing arenas was how much water was needed for the footing to hold its integrity through each season. Carr aimed to find a solution in order to limit the amount of water used for arena maintenance. To tackle this, he decided to bring on another set of hands, his daughter and co-founder of ArenaMend, Alex Carr, who’s passion and background is in sustainability.

Using their combined knowledge, they began testing new footing materials. In 2019, they released their first product, which allowed them to fix some of the issues they saw in footing, and thus ArenaMend was born.

ArenaMend was founded to offer the equestrian industry first-in-class surface solutions with plastic-free, natural materials. In an industry saturated with synthetic, petroleum-based surface materials, ArenaMend is pioneering premium solutions that eliminate microplastic contamination and water usage without compromising on performance characteristics.

Sustainable innovation is at the core of ArenaMend’s forward-thinking products. Constantly striving, the company’s focus is to make all footing materials not just safe for the horse and human, but also the environment. In the last year, ArenaMend has saved more than 20 million gallons of water.

Through its collaboration with Natural Fiber Welding (NFW), ArenaMend via Noviun will eliminate millions of pounds of microplastic pollution from the ground, air and watershed. NFW is a material science innovation company giving industries plastic-free solutions to create responsibly.

Based in Peoria, Illinois, NFW invents and manufactures sustainable materials from nature, displacing petrochemical-based synthetics. Using only naturally circular ingredients to create high-performance, biobased textiles, foam, composites and more, NFW has been changing material reality for good since 2015.

Determined to find a plastic-free solution for its footing business, ArenaMend conducted exhaustive outreach and research to companies around the world to find the right fit. They chose to create Noviun with NFW, and together, they developed the first plastic-free solution for equestrian sand surfaces.

“Partnering with ArenaMend allows NFW to directly replace existing synthetic materials with more natural options, the core of our company mission,” said Steve Zika, president of NFW. “We are excited about this partnership and providing a climate-friendly, plastic-free option to this industry.”

With Noviun, energy efficiency is maximized by natural elastomers that reduce concussion and provide natural rebound for horses.

“Noviun offers a unique performance advantage over industry-standard waste polypropylene or synthetic tires. Our plastic-free, natural fiber blend gives sand surfaces both grip and absorption, providing confidence underfoot more like turf grass — horses’ natural and preferred riding surface,” Dan Carr explained. “The result is faster speeds, fewer injuries and quicker recovery.”

He said that Noviun is suitable for all sand types and environments and can be applied at a range of concentrations to meet the needs of every discipline.

ArenaMend has big goals for the future of the company and the arena footing industry as a whole.

“We want to continue to push the envelope,” Alex Carr said. “Our hope is that the industry continues to cater to the horse, rider and environment. We are a company unlike any other. Our goal is to help impact the industry and leave a lasting impression on our clients and the environment.”

For additional information about ArenaMend and Noviun, e-mail Dan Carr at dan@arenamend.com or Alex Carr at alex@arenamend.com. To learn more, visit www.arenamend.com.

 

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Wellington Health

Intimacy Blueprint For Couples

Intimacy Blueprint For Couples Relationship Expert Richard Heller Explains The Seven Areas Of Intimacy

By Rich Heller

Intimacy is the holy grail of relationships. While often couples can slip into becoming roommates or living parallel lives, intimacy is our natural state. Reintroducing intimacy into the mix is the most surefire way to breathe greater life into your marriage.

You meet someone, and for a while, it’s all about the two of you and “love.” “In love” is super intimate. In this state, we are focused almost completely on one another. Studies show that this stage lasts about two or three years. Eventually, the “in love” part fades, and what you are left with is life, kids and a relationship that has evolved into tag-team child rearing. Perhaps friends with benefits.

Living like roommates may beat living alone, but when you get into a committed relationship with someone, “roommates” is not what you signed up for. It was all about the intimacy, and believe it or not, you can have that back.

We are super intimate from birth. We allow ourselves to be dependent on and enjoy the intimate care of our parents. Over time, we lose that sense of safety, and intimacy starts to become something of a challenge.

The beginning of re-establishing intimacy in a relationship lies in caring communication, trust and empathy. Caring communication establishes trust and safety. In caring communication, couples can tackle topics they may have been avoiding because it simply did not feel safe enough.

There are seven areas of intimacy where you can practice caring communication and rebuild trust and empathy — emotional intimacy, physical intimacy, financial intimacy, spiritual intimacy, recreational intimacy, sexual intimacy and playful intimacy.

These are seven areas where your intimacy can grow and blossom. Couples should take on one or more of these areas to work on. Talk about areas where it has felt a little unsafe, or explore areas where you have had success in the past.

Don’t know where to start? Read this together with your partner. Talk about each area. Which ones feel safer? Which ones feel a little scarier? Pick at least one area you will work on. Start with something that feels safe to you both, and also note the areas where you may need some outside help.

EMOTIONAL INTIMACY
Emotional intimacy is all about closeness through sharing feelings. The safer your marriage is for sharing emotions, the more intimate it will become. Whether you are talking about goal setting, child rearing, your role in the family, budgeting or sex, it needs to be safe.

Set a goal: What is a ground rule that will make it even safer to talk about feelings? How will you remind yourselves to practice it? What if things start to get a little hot while you are talking together?

“When you recognize a topic is becoming heated, give yourself a time out,” explained Melyssa Edmunds, a licensed marriage and family therapist with the Marriage Couch. “Make sure your partner knows that you will come back in 30 minutes (set a timer in front of them) to discuss the topic again. When our adrenaline is peaked, we don’t have access to the part of our brain that allows us to think rationally. It takes 30 minutes for that adrenaline to no longer be activated. During your time out, do not think about the hot topic. Listen to music, make sure you’re relaxed, then come back to address the topic so your partner doesn’t feel as if you’re avoiding the situation.”

It’s OK to disagree. Make a reminder sign to hang in the kitchen, on the fridge; somewhere you will see it daily.

To learn more, contact the Marriage Couch, located at 12012 South Shore Blvd., Suite 108, in Wellington. Call (561) 424-7175 or visit www.marriagecouch.com.

PHYSICAL  INTIMACY

This one is all about caring touch, such as holding hands, stroking hair, cuddling — any contact that feels caring. Touch is one of our most basic and ignored senses. The way we touch, the feeling behind the touch, the circumstances of the other person when we touch communicates so much more than words. If these little touches seem silly, like a waste of time, that means you need it even more!

Make a point of touching when you come together and separate in the beginning and end of your day. This could be a quick hug, kiss on the lips, holding each other’s hands and make eye contact. As you do this, notice what you are feeling when you touch. Where are you coming from? Where would you like to be coming from? Are you in a hurry or truly in the moment? If it feels rushed, what are you putting in front of this brief investment into your intimacy? When you are truly in the moment, how does it feel? Talk about this experience from time to time and express your feelings around touch.

Set a goal: Touch lips for seven seconds daily. You will be amazed at the intimacy it builds.

To learn more, contact Rich in Relationship at (917) 309-9045 or visit online at www.richinrelationship.com.

FINANCIAL INTIMACY
Believe it or not, 76 percent of all couples fight about money. When both partners understand their short-term and long-term financial goals, there is greater financial harmony. The trick is to get comfortable talking about money.

“To get comfortable talking about money, think of it as a tool to help you accomplish the things you want in life and nothing more.” financial planning expert Melissa Gannon said. “In and of itself, it only has the power we give it. It alone doesn’t make you happy; it’s not moral or immoral; it doesn’t love or hate you. Thinking of it as a tool makes money less taboo and allows couples to open up a dialogue. A more concrete approach is to explain to your partner what you want in ‘I’ language. For example, ‘I want to better understand how we invest our money.’ Or ‘I am afraid that if something happens to you, I won’t know how to find our accounts.’”

Set a goal: Have regular financial meetings to review how you are doing together. Make a point of being constructive rather than critical.

To learn more, contact Gannon at Castle Wealth Management, located at 201 Arkona Court in West Palm Beach. Call (561) 686-9604 or visit www.castlewm.com.

SPIRITUAL INTIMACY  
Being spiritually intimate is all about feeling connected to a greater whole. It could also encompass shared beliefs and practices. This may or may not be religious. This can be prayer, meditation or mindfulness together, and/or attending services. Spirituality can seem a little abstract.

“We can all benefit from our reconnection with spirit. Let our feet kiss this earth and nurture every piece in our intertwined environment,” said Sarah Palmer, a life coach at Dovecot Farm in Loxahatchee Groves. “In our daily distractions, let us take mindful moments to connect. Through breathwork and silence, we can feel more grounded and connected.”

Set a goal: Practice prayer, meditation and/or mindfulness together. Studies show that practicing any one of these four times daily will lead to you being less likely to get into a fight and increase marriage harmony.

Learn more about Dovecot Farm by calling (713) 969-8289 or visiting online at www.dovecotfarm.com.

RECREATIONAL INTIMACY
What are activities you both enjoy? Gardening, jogging, cooking together, any activity you both like will serve here. Pick activities based on your shared interest. Maybe you both like to travel, but you’re not sure the best way to go about it.

“Most people don’t know where they want to go. We find out what they want and how much they really want to invest for the experience. We want to make sure they have the best experience for what their budget allows,” travel agent Mark Elie of K&E Travel said.

If travel is not your thing, try something creative. All humans create. We may not be Michelangelo or da Vinci, but we are born creative.

“Art is really about self-expression. You don’t have to be a pro to have a good time creating. When couples create together in our studio, they have fun, relax and enjoy one another through open communication, appreciation and even a little laughter,” said Kris Barnett of the Wood, Paper, Glass art studio.

Set a goal: Find an activity that you both enjoy and add it to your calendar at least once a week and watch as your relationship continues to blossom and grow.

Learn more at K&E Travel, located at 12789 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 2C, in Wellington. Call (561) 966-9808 or visit www.ketravel.us. Wood, Paper, Glass is located in the original Wellington Mall at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd. To learn more, call (561) 557-9583 or visit www.woodpaperglass.com.

SEXUAL INTIMACY
Don’t be afraid to explore new ways to express yourself sexually together while leaving room for your partner to say no. If you’re less inclined than you used to be, there is no shame in that.

As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down. Talk to a medical professional about actions you can take to revitalize your metabolism.

“At Calla Genics, we believe intimacy is one of the cornerstones upon which stable, healthy communities are built,” Dr. Tiffany McCalla said. “Difficulties with sexual performance often starts in the 30s, with vascular issues being the most common cause. Luckily, there are noninvasive treatment options available to address several of the common causes, including wave therapy, hormone replacement therapy, platelet-rich plasma and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Ultimately, achieving intimacy wellness through these non-surgical treatments can lead to deeper connections with others and a greater sense of satisfaction in relationships.”

Set a goal: Schedule a getaway at least once a season to explore sexual intimacy together.

Calla Genics is located in the original Wellington Mall at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suites 9 and 10. To learn more, call (561) 252-5398 or visit www.callagenics.com.

PLAYFUL INTIMACY
Play is unbelievably underrated and will enhance all of the other areas. Play can be games; it can be humor. The root of play is imagination. If you are competitive, however, play can become a blood sport. My family has a law against mini golf for this reason. Luckily, there are many ways to build teamwork.

“Dancing is a great way to rekindle the romance because you play and work together as a team. Many of our students use dance as their date night so that they make sure to make time for each other and have fun,” said Doreen Scheinpflug of Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

Set a goal: Take a dance class. Have game night once a week and try out new games until you find at least one you both think is fun. Keep playing and be playful about it.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio is located at 157 S. State Road 7, Suite 103. To learn more, call (561) 812-3825 or visit www.fredastaire.com/wellington.

If these topics feel a bit uncomfortable, that is actually good! Intimacy is all about expanding comfortability with your partner. Having those slightly uncomfortable talks make it safe to do so, and your marriage will continue to grow.


Once you have tried out an area or two, make it a habit. Remember, it takes 30 days to start a habit and 90 days for it to take root. Each month, try a new area and expand the ways that you are growing your intimacy together.

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Feature Stories

The State Of Our Village Is Strong

The State Of Our Village Is Strong The Wellington Community Regularly Demonstrates Resilience, Compassion And Determination

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

As May greets us, summer is just around the corner. We are two-thirds through fiscal year 2023 and already starting to plan for fiscal year 2024 and beyond. We also look back on the last few years in order to better plan for the future. Over the last several years, our community has demonstrated its resilience, compassion and determination to protect each other. It’s through this spirit of “community unity” that we continue to grow stronger than ever.

Focus On Resilience
Resilience is a word we have leaned on and leaned into of late. More than a “theme” or a “slogan,” in Wellington, it is an area of strategic focus for the village and has been long before COVID-19. It means more than being able to take a punch; it is about bouncing back after adversity as strong as before. It is not something that just happens; it is a result of forward-thinking, planning and preparedness.

Smart Government
Despite the global pandemic, economic recession and financial uncertainty, Wellington has been able to maintain a high level of service and infrastructure investment due to our ongoing commitment to our areas of strategic focus: fiscal health; smart, customer-focused government; community engagement; and a safe and resilient community. These focus areas are the result of the Wellington Village Council’s vision and leadership, and they are at the core of everything we do in Wellington.

I’ve learned a lot about this organization, and here is what I can tell you without hesitation: The Village of Wellington is made up of passionate people, who work hard every day to find solutions to some of our greatest challenges while pursuing our most promising opportunities.

How do we answer the call for sustainable growth and economic opportunity without displacement and gentrification? How do we invest in infrastructure and new technology for a sustainable tomorrow without overburdening our neighbors today? Together with our ongoing studies and efforts, we need to lay out priorities and actions that the village will take over the next several years.

With smart, customer-focused government, Wellington aspires to be the most engaged community, and due to that commitment, we have been aggressively pursuing, developing and utilizing technology to improve the lives and experiences of our residents and business community. We work smarter and harder.

With the launch of our GoWellington mobile app, we put Wellington in every resident’s pocket. It’s now easier than ever for residents to submit service requests, report issues and stay informed. Residents turned to the village’s numerous communication platforms in record numbers as we have transformed our web site into a hub of information, send regular electronic updates, and leverage the power and reach of social media platforms to provide a continual stream of information.

We previously participated in the National Community Survey to gauge resident opinions on village programs, services and policies. The survey, administered by the National Research Center, surveyed randomly selected Wellington residents and included questions related to the overall quality of life in the community, including community amenities, governance and infrastructure. We plan on reaching out to our residents once again to gauge our overall quality of life, satisfaction with community amenities, governance and infrastructure by again participating in the National Community Survey this year.

Centering Equity
We have centered equity as an aspect of our operations and processes. The aim is to create an equitable community — a Wellington everyone can call home. That is a place where people can live, thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their race, age, gender identity, personal history or economic background.

Achieving equity in education is fundamental to our success. Though public education is not a primary function of municipal government, we must embrace our role in this critical responsibility. This effort incorporates aligning our after and out-of-school programming with the needs of working families and at-risk youth, addressing the relationship between our programs and school programs, and providing additional support to assist our Wellington schools.

Let’s not forget that much of a child’s life and education happens outside of the classroom. That’s why we must also prioritize building strong neighborhoods throughout Wellington. Who we are as a community is defined by how we serve our most vulnerable and by the ways we work to create a sense of belonging and preserve our shared history. We believe that belonging is a key ingredient in our future. Being more inclusive also means being more responsive and welcoming to our neighbors from around the globe.

Building The Economy 
To build our local economy, we must recognize that partnership and collaboration will be essential in our efforts to stimulate job creation, workforce retention and expansion. This includes supporting existing local employers and small businesses by creating a business-friendly environment and supporting the need for home and remote-based businesses. How we earn a living is fundamental to our ability to support the people and communities around us. Our sights are set on high-growth sectors that create jobs with living wages, like those in the medical field, agriculture, technology, trade and business support.

We are tackling this monumental challenge in many ways. We continue to establish our partnerships with organizations like Palm Beach State College and the School District of Palm Beach County to drive more economic opportunity. We also work with organizations like Career Source and others to help residents align their skills with job opportunities.

By investing in infrastructure today, we will prepare our community for an accessible, safe and sustainable tomorrow. The increasing costs of climate change and statewide population growth means that responsible management of our resources and infrastructure will be critical to ensuring that Wellington is prepared to adapt and prosper.

Throughout the last 25 years, in the face of steady population growth, the village has reduced its carbon footprint steadily by investing in more efficient infrastructure and green technology. There is still more work to do. We continue to be a model in our treatment and protection of surface waters through our comprehensive best management practices and regulations. Wellington’s residential water use per person is almost 20 percent lower than the state average. Through its investment of nearly $11 million per year in renewing and replacing water and wastewater infrastructure, our Utilities Department consistently provides reliable service to our customers while meeting its commitment to protecting our environment.

A Healthy, Safe Community
Healthy lives start with healthy options, whether it’s access to clean drinking water, healthcare and/or our great parks. Village staff works diligently to improve factors that directly impact our residents’ quality of life. Our commitment to maintaining our excellent parks and recreation levels of service has made possible the completion of improvement projects at our parks and facilities, including the addition of needed multipurpose fields, basketball courts and tennis courts at Greenview Shores Park, as well as continuous improvement of our neighborhood parks.

We continue to coordinate funding and services of our Community Services and Parks & Recreation departments with the goal of increased opportunities and better coordination of sports, recreation and educational opportunities for our young people. An added benefit of youth involvement in positive activities like sports, arts and mindfulness is that it significantly decreases crime and other related harmful activities.

Above all else, Wellington remains a safe and resilient community, which is always our top priority. In partnership with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, we know we will continue to be a great place to live, work and play. It is who we are as a local democracy, as strategic planners, as fiscal stewards, as service providers and as a community. We look forward to emerging stronger, healthier and more vibrant than ever in the coming year.

The State Of Our Village
I do not make grandiose claims that the village is above reproach, but please hear me when I say: The state of our village is strong!

Our annual visioning sessions and strategic planning initiatives are the tools needed to forge a place of shared understanding, expectations and opportunity. This organization does impactful and important work, and we are making significant progress. Can we improve? Yes, we can, and yes, we will.

Let’s also take time to celebrate our successes and set our sights on the future we desire while we celebrate the many things that make Wellington both unique and full of hope. Arts and culture. Lively music. World-class parks. Bike paths and walking trails. Excellent schools. Safety. Diverse neighborhoods and neighbors. Community groups that are active and invested.

I am so proud of Wellington and grateful to call this community home. Together, we will stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, we will build on their progress, and fully unlock Wellington’s potential as a world-class community. By elevating policies that expand access to services, quality education, great jobs, a healthy environment and thriving neighborhoods, we will continue to become the nation’s standard-bearer as a fully equitable and inclusive community.

 

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Wellington Table - Signature Dish

The Hot New Brunch Spot Is Your Home

The Hot New Brunch Spot Is Your Home Local Foodie Alina Davidov Of Real Gourmet Food Offers Tips For Hosting The Perfect Brunch

Story by Jaime Joshi Elder  |  Photos by Sunman

The hottest new brunch trend is to host one yourself. Delicious gourmet dishes, a perfectly curated playlist, exclusive clientele and the best table in the house can all be found at your home.

Local epicure and the owner of Real Gourmet Food, an online luxury gourmet marketplace, Alina Davidov is a passionate and visionary food lover with a taste for the finer things in life, and a belief that everyone, from beginners to seasoned chefs, can host a delicious and memorable brunch for family and friends without leaving the comfort of their home.

“I can say with confidence that the right dishes can elevate any brunch experience from ordinary to sublime,” she said.

And for Davidov, caviar is king. Her favorite food since the age of two, she was introduced to caviar by her family and distinctly remembers the experience, calling it the most perfect thing she had ever tasted, her comfort food and her indulgence.

“Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook looking to host a truly spectacular brunch, I would recommend simple-to-make, eye-catching, canapé presentations,” she said. “Create a tantalizing caviar and lox canapé by topping a mini blini with a layer of crème fraîche, some smoked salmon and a dollop of caviar for a briny flavor.”

Living in South Florida means access to premium seafood, and Florida fishermen catch more than 84 percent of the nation’s supply of stone crab, pink shrimp and spiny lobster.

By using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and combining them with more exotic imported items, hosts can create a true gastronomic adventure.

“Spread a generous dollop of salmon mousse on top of a locally grown cucumber slice, fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing and upscale bite,” Davidov said.

Don’t like seafood? She has plenty of options for the discerning palate.

“French delicacies are always a hit. For example, hors d’oeuvre like escargot seasoned with garlic butter and herbs. I like to serve Achatines in shells,” Davidov said. “Duck is an innovative idea for brunch. We sell an amazing pâté that you can layer on a crispy brioche toast and top with a sweet red onion marmalade.”

For the more seasoned home cook, Davidov said that there is nothing more inviting than the heady aroma of freshly baked bread.

“We sell premium pastry butter sheets, imported all the way from France,” she said. “They’re the perfect balance of richness and flakiness, and guests will be delighted when they come over and you pull a tray of freshly baked croissants out of the oven. I recommend serving them with one of our organic fruit spreads. We have classic flavors like strawberry and raspberry, but also more exotic options like red fig and clementine.”

For main courses, Davidov likes to wow her friends and family by pan-searing foie gras or offering an upscale take on the classic breakfast staples of sausages and eggs by serving lamb merguez or wild boar and cranberry sausage with fresh quail eggs.

If celebrating a special occasion with a birthday or Mother’s Day brunch, Davidov loves the simplicity and sophistication of surf and turf — wild-caught lobster tails and Wagyu A5 beef.

A sweet treat is the perfect ending to a perfect meal for both novice and seasoned hosts. For those looking for simplicity, Davidov said that Morello cherries in brandy served over French vanilla ice cream or pre-packaged almond-sweet macarons are a crowd-pleaser. For more enterprising cooks, she turns to France again, recommending crêpes filled with fruit spread or chocolate-hazelnut spread as a must.

Brunch wouldn’t be complete without cocktails. Bottomless mimosas, bellinis and bloody marys are mainstays, but for those looking to really impress their guests, Davidov has a bold suggestion.

“The food scene in South Florida is so rich with different cultures and innovative fusions that we thought it would be fitting to kick things up a notch when it comes to caviar pairing,” she said. “Real Gourmet Food has been working with Don Sueños, an award-winning premium tequila brand, in carefully pairing tequila with caviar.”

Known for its smooth taste with notes of agave, lime and mint, their blanco tequila offers a bright contrast to the rich and buttery flavor of caviar.

“The sweetness of the tequila pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the caviar, while the mint and lime notes cut through the richness of the roe, creating a blend of flavors that lingers on the palate,” Davidov said. “We have found that the experience elevates the palate to new heights.”

For those who prefer the classics, the Don Sueños web site offers a twist on the bloody mary — the Sweet and Spicy Bloody Maria with tequila, Tabasco hot sauce and the secret ingredient, a very Floridian shot of orange juice.

Planning the perfect event is even easier thanks to the Real Gourmet Food web site, which not only offers a vast array of caviar, seafood, fish, meats, cheeses, vinegar, oils and other gourmet delicacies to meet your needs, but also offers free shipping on purchases over $250. With a little planning and creativity, anyone can host a fabulous brunch in their home that will leave guests raving.

“We don’t settle for ordinary when we can indulge in the extraordinary,” Davidov said.

To see all the amazing luxury gourmet items that Alina Davidov has on offer, visit the Real Gourmet Food web site at www.realgourmetfood.com.

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Wellington Real Estate

Today’s Real Estate Outlook

Today’s Real Estate Outlook The Wellington Area Remains A Thriving And Dynamic Real Estate Market

BY ANDREW BURR OF THE ANDREW BURR GROUP

Wellington is a thriving and dynamic real estate market that has experienced significant growth in recent years. As a premier equestrian destination and a sought-after community for families, Wellington has become a prime location for real estate investment and development. In this article, we will explore how the real estate market looks here in Wellington and delve into the factors that are driving its current trends.

One of the key factors that contributes to Wellington’s robust real estate market is its desirable location. Wellington is known for its top-rated schools, beautiful parks and extensive equestrian facilities, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a family-friendly community.

The community’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Palm Beaches also adds to its allure, making it a popular destination for those seeking an upscale lifestyle. This has led to increased demand for homes in Wellington, resulting in a strong seller’s market.

In terms of housing inventory, Wellington has a diverse range of properties to offer. From single-family homes to townhouses and condos, there is something for everyone in Wellington’s real estate market. Many of the homes in Wellington are situated in gated communities with amenities such as golf courses, clubhouses and equestrian facilities, catering to a wide range of lifestyle preferences. There are also a number of new construction developments, providing buyers with modern and updated homes that cater to contemporary living. However, due to the high demand, the housing inventory in Wellington can sometimes be limited, leading to increased competition among buyers.

Wellington’s real estate market has also experienced a steady increase in property values. Over the past few years, Wellington has seen a positive trend in home prices, with the median home value well surpassing the national average. This appreciation in home values has made Wellington a lucrative market for real estate investors looking for long-term appreciation potential. Additionally, the community’s strong rental market, driven by its equestrian industry and seasonal visitors, has made it an attractive option for investors looking for rental income properties.

Another factor that has contributed to the positive outlook of Wellington’s real estate market is the area’s strong economic growth. Wellington has a diverse and vibrant economy, with a strong focus on the equestrian industry, healthcare, education and professional services. The community is home to the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival, one of the largest equestrian events in the world, which attracts riders, trainers and enthusiasts from all over the globe. This has not only boosted Wellington’s economy but has also contributed to the growth of the real estate market, as many equestrian professionals and enthusiasts seek to purchase properties in Wellington to be closer to the equestrian events and facilities.

Despite the positive trends, it’s worth mentioning that the real estate market in Wellington is not without its challenges. One of the main challenges is the lack of affordable housing options. The median home price in Wellington is higher than the national average, which can make it challenging for first-time home buyers or those with lower budgets to enter the market. Additionally, the competition among buyers can be fierce, with multiple offers on desirable properties being common, which can drive up prices.

In conclusion, the real estate market in Wellington is currently experiencing a strong seller’s market due to its desirable location, diverse housing inventory, strong property value appreciation and robust local economy. However, challenges such as limited affordable housing options and increased competition among buyers do exist.

If you are considering buying or investing in real estate in Wellington, it’s important to work with a qualified local real estate agent who can provide you with expert guidance and help you navigate the market’s nuances. With its unique combination of lifestyle offerings and economic opportunities, Wellington continues to be a well-sought-after market.

Broker Associate Andrew Burr is part of the Andrew Burr Group at the Keyes Company Wellington. The Keyes Company is located at 13920 Wellington Trace, Suite 200. For more information, contact Burr at (561) 324-8914 or visit https://theandrewburrgroup.keyes.com.

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Feature Stories

GPL’s Impact Continues To Grow

GPL’s Impact Continues To Grow The Gay Polo League Advances The Goal For Investment In LGBTQ+ Sports

By Jennifer Martinez

Chip McKenney, founder and president of the Gay Polo League (GPL), knew he had created something special when he received a simple, but powerful compliment from the event’s parking lot supervisor at the end of the 2014 International Gay Polo Tournament.

“People arrive happy and leave happier, which is rare,” the supervisor said. “We noticed because we are the first and last group to interact with your attendees.”

McKenney felt the significance. “He was moved to share that,” McKenney recalled. “It showed that the tournament resonated with him in a deeper way.”

This year’s Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament, presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate, will be held April 6-8 at the National Polo Center-Wellington.

McKenney, a branding expert and president of McKenney Media, knows the tournament’s experience is critical to growth.

Founded in 2006 as the only LGBTQ+ polo organization in the world, GPL is dedicated to producing high-end LGBTQ+ polo events and experiences. McKenney endeavors to unite and celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, including polo celebrities, aficionados, sports enthusiasts and the general public. “I wanted GPL to be as inclusive and as far-reaching as it could be,” McKenney said.

His vision has been a formula for success. Since McKenney brought the tournament to Wellington in 2010, attendance has grown to more than 2,500. Sixty-five percent are in-state, and 35 percent come from outside Florida and the United States. An astonishing 80 percent have never attended a polo tournament.

The players have also grown — in diversity and skill. In GPL’s early years, most players were novices. Those players have honed their game, and the league has attracted more experienced players — gay and non-gay — from all over the world. Now, games are “fast and open,” McKenney said.

While the league has evolved, McKenney has stayed true to GPL’s inclusiveness by putting forward only one expectation.

“Anyone who comes on any given day makes it better because they are there,” he said. “You can be a complete novice, and never get out of the walk, and we will welcome you as much as a high-end polo fast champion.”

Fueling GPL’s growth are the high-end sponsors drawn to the tournament’s success and its mission.

Luxury automotive brand Lexus has been the tournament’s title sponsor since 2021. Presenting sponsor Douglas Elliman Real Estate, a company passionate about delivering exceptional experiences, has also been on board since 2021. Both were a perfect match for GPL, believing in the value of inclusiveness by partnering with the league, and appealing to the tournament’s luxury-oriented demographic. The prestige of the brands “speaks volumes about our event and the quality,” McKenney said.

Sponsor of the tournament’s VIP tent every year is Cherry Knoll Farm. Owners and allies Bob and Margaret Duprey, whom McKenney describes as a “fan favorite,” are an example of how all sponsors at every level share a common denominator with the league. “We want to be special, we want to be valued and we want to do good,” McKenney said.

GPL’s growth has also come from the support of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission and the United States Polo Association.

In 2022, GPL was inducted into the Palm Beach Sports Hall of Fame and received the prestigious Palm Beach County Sports Commission “Champion of Equity & Diversity in Sports” award, recognizing its work to create an atmosphere that affirms and supports the understanding and acceptance of all individuals. McKenney received the award during the commission’s 45th hall of fame induction ceremony.

“What made it so meaningful was that we were voted in by non-LGBTQ+ people,” McKenney said. “It reinforced my belief that what we do has value way beyond the people who play on our fields.”

McKenney’s invitation to join the USPA’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee last year was another milestone. He played a significant role in developing the association’s diversity policy, which acknowledges the value of the entire diversity spectrum to sports.

“Sporting organizations are recognizing that diversity enhances the sport, the experience and the events,” McKenney said.

GPL’s partnership with the Village of Wellington, a new tournament sponsor, is another milestone.

Wellington Village Manager Jim Barnes sees how the GPL aligns with advancing the community’s goals, particularly as a Palm Beach County Sports Commission partner.

“The Wellington Village Council has identified sports tourism as a component of what we do here in Wellington,” said Barnes, citing the linkage to the village’s investment in parks and recreation as a key part of building community. “It’s in our DNA.”

Equally important, Barnes noted, is greater support for the LGBTQ+ community. “Sponsoring GPL is another step to being an inclusive community and acknowledging and supporting the members of our community who are here,” he said.

Wellington’s LGBTQ+ inclusiveness is recognized at state and national levels. The village was chosen as the partner and host community for the inaugural Florida state LGBTQ+ Liaison Summit hosted by Florida’s Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services in October 2022. Nationally, the village was awarded the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Municipal Equality Index “All Star” designation. Wellington voluntarily submitted for the nation’s only assessment of LGBTQ+ equality regarding municipal policies, laws and services, scoring 100 out of 100 points in 2021 and 2022.

“We want to be the gold standard,” said Kimberly Gibbons, the village’s HR director and LGBTQ+ liaison. “It’s so important for everyone to chart this path and be open and inclusive, welcome everyone, and make sure everyone feels valued and safe.”

The relationship between the village and GPL began when McKenney was introduced to Barnes and Gibbons through Rand Hoch, founder and president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.

Gibbons sees the connection between supporting the GPL’s development and the village’s. “There is a growing body of research that shows an openness to diversity and inclusion is a key element that leads to economic growth,” she said.

Barnes noted the dollars that flow from the tournament into the area’s hotels, restaurants and retail stores, as well as the supporting equestrian businesses and services utilized by the GPL.

“There is a direct economic benefit to the local community. We have a local case study right here in our backyard,” Barnes said. “It’s 12 years of success and growing.”

McKenney has his sights set on continued growth by making the tournament a destination for LGBTQ+ tourism. “We are well on our way, and we’re going to keep going,” he said.

True to his inclusivity mission, McKenney recognizes all who helped GPL get this far.

“A lot of people over the years have touched and improved this event,” he said. “I really owe the success to everyone.”

Learn more about the Gay Polo League at www.gaypolo.com.

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Feature Stories

At The GPL, It’s All About The Mission

At The GPL, It’s All About The Mission

By Jennifer Martinez

When Chip McKenney reflects on why he founded the Gay Polo League (GPL), memories of exclusion and isolation come rushing forward.

“I felt like I was the only gay athlete in the world,” said McKenney, the league’s founder and president. “There was pressure then, that still exists today, to keep quiet if someone is gay and athletic. I felt team sports were not a safe place for me, so I avoided them.”

Polo became the vehicle for McKenney to create belonging. As a former show jumper, he saw polo as a way to bring the LGBTQ+ community together for sport and fun. He launched GPL in Los Angeles in 2006 by inviting gay athletes and allies to a monthly tournament at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. Beyond the joyful camaraderie of the matches, he saw the greater impact that GPL was making.

“We have an opportunity to model athletes who are LGBTQ+ in a way that shows younger people that you can be a gay person, you can participate in a team sport, and you can do both authentically and openly,” McKenney said.

McKenney also sees the Gay Polo League’s broader role in uniting all on the field.

“We are a gay-identified organization. However, we are inclusive, not exclusive,” he said. “We believe there is power and great value in allies playing on our teams and supporting our events.”

He sees it all as part of the GPL’s mission, which is “to inspire and empower those individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender via the promotion of and participation in the sport of polo.”

As the league grew, it wasn’t long before McKenney set his sights on Wellington, bringing the first International Gay Polo Tournament to the village in 2010. He saw the power of GPL just as that first tournament concluded.

As McKenney left the stage at the end of the trophy presentation, a security guard approached. He shared the story of his close cousin, a Vietnam veteran, who disappeared to San Francisco after the war. The guard never heard from his cousin again, learning later that he was gay and died of AIDS. He told McKenney, “Protecting you today was something I couldn’t do for him.”

In that moment, McKenney experienced the GPL’s mission coming to fruition.

“Awareness stimulates discussion, discussion generates understanding, and understanding is the foundation and cornerstone of inclusion and equity,” he said.

The league’s efforts to advance inclusivity grew when the tournament became a nonprofit charitable organization in 2016. Since then, the league has chosen an LGBTQ+ charity as the beneficiary of each Wellington tournament, creating awareness of the isolation and exclusion that has hurt gay people of every age.

The first year, the tournament donated funds to the Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center in Lake Worth to support its youth center and homeless youth outreach. The following two years, GPL chose SAGE, a national advocacy organization that looks out for LGBTQ+ elders who face financial hardship, challenges in finding care facilities that will accept them, and other, often unseen, barriers.

This year and last, GPL chose the onePULSE Foundation, established in the aftermath of the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre, to honor the legacies of the 49 people killed. The four pillars of the charity’s mission are to create and support a memorial, a museum, educational programs and scholarships for students who share the same ambitions as the victims.

McKenney credits Barbara Poma, owner of the Pulse nightclub and founder of onePULSE, for inspiring an exponential increase in giving — from $20,000 in 2020 to $135,000 in 2022 — through sharing her moving story at GPL events.

“OnePULSE is helping us move the needle toward visibility and acceptance,” McKenney said. “It also gives us an opportunity to give back to the LGBTQ+ community.”

It’s a needle that McKenney will never stop moving. His vision is for the tournament is to become a “massively successful $1 million fundraising event.”

“It can be done,” he said with the conviction of a polo player who sees nothing but an open field ahead.

Learn more about the onePULSE Foundation, this year’s beneficiary, at www.onepulsefoundation.org.

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