Wellington Derby Party: A Night Of Elegance And Giving Back

Story by Shannon Anastasio  |  Photo by Frank Koester

Wellington, known for its equestrian charm, will be the setting of an unforgettable event that combines southern elegance with a meaningful philanthropic cause on Saturday, May 3.

The official Wellington Derby Party, presented by the Wellington Community Foundation, will take place at the stunning Diamante Farms Dressage facility at 11223 Acme Road, starting at 4 p.m.

This exclusive event offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the legendary Kentucky Derby experience while supporting a cause that truly matters to the community. Attendees will be treated to an evening filled with the excitement of horse racing, gourmet cuisine and southern hospitality. It’s an ideal way to spend an evening with friends, family and fellow equestrian enthusiasts.

The Wellington Derby Party isn’t just about enjoying the thrill of the races, it’s also about giving back. Starting at $250 per ticket, guests not only gain access to a spectacular event but also help raise funds for the Wellington Community Foundation’s local initiatives.

Every dollar raised at the event goes directly toward projects that benefit Wellington’s seniors, children and veterans in need.

“Our official Wellington Derby Party is going to be an unforgettable evening where people can enjoy the excitement of the Kentucky Derby while also making a positive impact in our community,” said Jim Sackett, chair of the Wellington Community Foundation. “We’re excited to bring people together for an evening of fun, philanthropy and community spirit.”

In addition to the tickets, the event offers businesses and individuals the chance to make a deeper impact through sponsorship opportunities. Sponsors will align their brands with a cause that supports the local community, gaining visibility while contributing to meaningful projects.

Current sponsors, all of whom recognize the importance of supporting this philanthropic event, include Michael & Phyllis Gauger, Wellington Regional Medical Center, Jasmine Velez/Douglas Elliman, Katie Edwards-Walpole P.A., Wellington Florist, Star Wine & Spirits and Red Clover Farm & Nursery, as well as host venue Diamante Farms Dressage.

The culinary experience at the Wellington Derby Party is sure to impress. Renowned chefs will curate a mouthwatering selection of gourmet dishes, designed to enhance the evening’s refined atmosphere. From fine hors d’oeuvres to delectable main courses, guests can indulge in a dining experience that complements the event’s stylish vibe.

The spirit of the Kentucky Derby will fill the air, with the scent of mint juleps and the excitement of the race adding to the night’s energy. Whether you’re a horse racing enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable evening with a purpose, the official Wellington Derby Party promises an experience you don’t want to miss.

Organizers encourage all those interested in attending to secure tickets early. The goal is to make the 2025 Wellington Derby Party another huge success, raising funds that directly benefit the Wellington community while providing guests with an unforgettable evening.

Don’t miss out on this special occasion to enjoy a night of elegance and entertainment while supporting the Wellington Community Foundation. Purchase your tickets today at www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, with more information on the foundation’s web site.

To learn more, contact the Wellington Community Foundation at (561) 281-3603 or wellingtoncommunityfoundation@gmail.com.

GPL Reflects On 15 Years Celebrating Diversity In Wellington

By Rebecca Baldridge

As the Gay Polo League prepares to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the International Gay Polo Tournament in Wellington, it’s a good time to reflect on the enormity of what GPL founder Chip McKenney has achieved.

McKenney’s determination and leadership have built a singular organization that challenges stereotypes, promotes equality and expands access to a sport long considered elite. And while it may be the Gay Polo League, he stressed that the GPL is inclusive, open to anyone, regardless of sexual orientation.

“Our goal is to offer a rare space where everyone, LGBTQ+ and allies, feel comfortable being their authentic selves,” McKenney said. “We welcome others as we wish to be welcomed, and offer a safe, family-friendly space where everyone is free to enjoy the most beautiful of sports.”

McKenney also emphasized that the GPL would not exist if so many people along the way hadn’t demonstrated their commitment to inclusivity by contributing their support. “From the very beginning, I was lucky enough to meet wonderful people who wanted to help and be part of GPL’s evolution,” he said. “I’m thankful for the many people who have contributed to making the league what it is today, and I’m grateful that we can count on so much support as GPL continues to grow and evolve.”

Among those longstanding members is Jesse Lee Eller, CEO of Everbright Talent. “I discovered the Gay Polo League while searching for a community where my love for polo and my values could intersect,” Eller said. “From my very first match, I felt a profound sense of belonging and camaraderie that went far beyond the sport itself. Playing with GPL has enriched my life by introducing me to a vibrant and supportive community where authenticity is celebrated both on and off the field. It’s not just about polo; it’s about the friendships, shared experiences, and the joy of being part of something that champions inclusivity and passion.”

Through its visibility and advocacy, GPL sends a powerful message. It demonstrates how traditions can evolve, and how inclusivity can enrich even the most exclusive environments. It’s a shining example for other sports and organizations dedicated to the ideals of equity, diversity and equality.

All it took was one polo lesson. No, not even. Halfway through his first lesson, former show jumper McKenney pulled up his pony and had an epiphany. “Polo is a fantastic sport for gay people. I’m going to start a gay polo league,” he recalled thinking.

That was nearly 20 years ago. Looking at the organization today, it’s obvious that when McKenney has a brainwave, he makes things happen. From a few guys getting together for lessons at the Santa Barbara Polo Club, the GPL has grown to become the world’s only global LGBTQ+ polo league.

As a team sport, polo would offer a bonding experience that many gay men had missed out on during their school years. A gay polo league would create a safe and inclusive space to experience competition and camaraderie on the field.

With the idea firmly taken root, McKenney wasted no time getting the ball rolling. He called two friends on his way home from that first lesson, and they called two friends. In no time, a group of enthusiastic gay men and women were gathering monthly for lessons, arena polo, clinics and tailgates at the Santa Barbara Polo Club. With a fervent belief in building a solid foundation, McKenney focused heavily on skill-building clinics. The hard work paid off, and in 2008, the GPL was invited to play in a grass tournament at the Menlo Polo Club.

“We were so excited, you would have thought we were playing in the U.S. Open,” he recalled. “There we were in our shiny new boots and pristine whites, ready for action.”

The GPL not only fielded three teams but won the tournament, and the program was expanded to include three-day clinics. By 2009, the GPL had produced tournaments at many California polo clubs.

Not one to settle for the status quo, McKenney was thinking bigger. His ambitions were grand; he was determined that the GPL should play in Wellington, the center of polo during the winter high-goal season.

A conversation with Mason Phelps of the Phelps Media Group led to an article about the GPL. Intrigued, Polo Hall of Famer Joey Casey set out to help make their Wellington dreams come true. He introduced the GPL to Melissa Ganzi, owner of the Grand Champions Polo Club, and Argentine polo professional Juan Bollini.

“In the early years Joey, Melissa and Juan were incredible, introducing us to a superlative quality of polo that elevated our vision,” McKenney said.

The first International Gay Polo tournament took place at Grand Champions in 2010, and with enthusiastic support from the Ganzis, called Grand Champions home for the next four years.

In 2015, the tournament moved to the International Polo Club, the most famous polo venue in the United States. The storied Field One is where the world’s top professionals vie for glory.

“The GPL has allowed me to meet wonderful people from all walks of life and make friends who have become like family,” said Peter Secor, a longtime GPL member and executive with Harry Winston. “But winning on Field One is a crowning achievement for any polo player. There’s nothing like it.”

The league produced its annual tournament there for the next eight years.

In 2024, the tournament moved to the Patagones Polo Club, a breathtaking property where guests can enjoy spectacular outdoor art installations, as well as fast and open polo, an ever-expanding tailgate competition and luxurious hospitality.

Today, the Gay Polo League has welcomed players from more than 15 countries around the globe and has produced tournaments in London and St. Tropez. This July, the GPL will host its first ever tournament in Chantilly, France. The league also organizes an annual trip to Argentina, which includes the final of the Argentine Open, and offers members a chance to play for a week in Pilar, the polo capital of the world.

As the International Gay Polo Tournament prepares to celebrate this year’s milestone, it’s important to remember that the GPL is also deeply committed to its mission of giving back.

Over the past 15 years in Wellington, the organization has raised a total of more than $357,800 for organizations such as SAGE, OnePulse and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The 2025 event will once again support the Elton John AIDS Foundation, hoping to top the $111,000 raised last year.

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

 

International Gay Polo Tournament To Celebrate 15th Anniversary

By Rebecca Baldridge

This year the Gay Polo League will hit a milestone as it celebrates its 15th annual International Gay Polo Tournament in Wellington. As is only appropriate for such a significant anniversary, the event promises to be the biggest and best yet with several important additions this year.

The event will take place from Thursday, April 24 through Saturday, April 26 at the Patagones Polo Club. For the first time, six teams will hit the field instead of the traditional four, with two teams in the intermediate bracket and four in the senior bracket. Preliminary matches will be held on Friday, with the winners of the senior bracket games meeting on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. to vie for the Senator’s Cup. The runners-up will meet in the Founder’s Cup at 2 p.m. At the intermediate level, the two teams will play a preliminary match on Friday, then face off for the Futures Cup to kick off the tournament at 1 p.m. Saturday.

The addition of an intermediate bracket is intended to give less seasoned players an opportunity to gain valuable tournament experience, while the senior bracket will become even faster and more competitive. “Our goal is to continue helping players enhance their tournament skills while elevating the level of play to offer spectators a fast and open game,” GPL President & Founder Chip McKenney explained.

Fun Isn’t Limited to the Polo Field — The tournament will return to the Patagones Polo Club for this year’s anniversary event, and for the first time, the league will host an elegant black-tie dinner under the stars for players and their guests. As they dine al fresco, attendees can marvel at the breathtaking sculpture installation, courtesy of the Sladmore Gallery in London, with the meal to be followed by a candlelight concert.

On Friday night, April 25, the evening will be dedicated to raising funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. GPL members and guests, along with ticket holders, will trade black-tie for their most fashion-forward ensembles and their most outrageous wigs for GPL Polotini presents “Wigstock!” International DJ, singer and songwriter CJ Citizen Jane will be on hand with her unique blend of Latin rhythms, percussion and electronic sounds. Guests will enjoy an open bar and delicious hors d’oeuvres when they’re not grooving on the dance floor.

Saturday Offers Something for Everyone — There’s not much more fun than watching polo on a sunny Saturday afternoon, champagne glass in hand. This year, the GPL will be offering the best opportunity yet to do it in style in the Cherry Knoll Farm VIP tent.

Sheltered under the welcoming roof of the VIP tent, guests can take advantage of an open bar and enjoy an expanded buffet. In addition to shrimp Creole and smoked salmon, the buffet will include a carving station and a seafood extravaganza, as well as savory sides and luscious desserts.

As if the polo weren’t enough, the 2025 tournament will offer entertainment, including the Gay Marching Band, Miami Cheer and the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. GPL is strongly committed to allowing other organizations to use its established platform to increase awareness of their talents. In addition, spectators will be invited onto the field at half time to enjoy the traditional champagne divot stomp.

Partnering for Diversity in Sport — One of the beloved highlights of the International Gay Polo Tournament is the annual tailgate competition. With 64 spaces available, expect plenty of participants and a flamboyant exhibition of creativity. Gates open for tailgate ticketholders at 8 a.m. to allow ample time to set up the often-elaborate installations. Attendees are invited to visit all of the tailgates, where the fun lies in sparking new friendships while enjoying the extravagant and often witty displays.

The United States Tennis Association will sponsor this year’s tailgate competition, as both the USTA and the GPL have parallel goals. Polo and tennis have traditionally been viewed as “country club sports,” and each organization is working to change perceptions and increase diversity in their sports. Each reach out to diverse audiences and the goal is the same — to ensure that all feel welcome to participate in an atmosphere where each person’s unique contributions are valued.

Tailgaters play a special role in helping to create the tournament’s party atmosphere, and their hospitality is an essential part of the GPL experience. McKenney noted that the tailgaters “bring spirit and value to our culture. Their buy-in through planning and investing their time, creativity and money is as important as the matches in enhancing visibility.”

Visibility is the essence of the International Gay Polo Tournament, as it leads to awareness, stimulates conversation and promotes understanding. Creating this path to acceptance is the very cornerstone of inclusion. The Gay Polo League is proud to offer an environment of inclusivity and acceptance where the LGBTQ+ community, allies and families can come together for a wholesome and uplifting day of sport.

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

Behind The Scenes With The Gay Polo League

By Rebecca Baldridge

Putting together an event like the International Gay Polo Tournament, set for April 24-26 in Wellington, is a Herculean task that begins many months in advance of the big day. The thousands of moving parts involved in a tournament of this magnitude are a lot to manage, and there are key figures who are essential to its success.

Tournament Features Professional Players — The International Gay Polo Tournament is unique in that it features teams made up of participants who don’t regularly play together. Players fly in from all over the world, have one stick and ball session on Thursday, one game on Friday and then comes the big day in front of the crowd. An even bigger challenge is that they’re not competing on their own horses; their mounts are provided for them. Riding new horses with people you may never have played with before is a bit like being thrown into the deep. Fortunately, each team’s professional is there to help.

The polo professionals make a huge contribution to success. They put the teams together based not on handicaps but skill sets, seeking to find players whose abilities are complementary. Once the teams are set, the pros offer coaching and advice to ensure that each game is designed to help players improve.

Argentine polo professional Lala Laplacette has a long history of playing with the GPL. “As a gay pro, I feel there’s nothing more wonderful than the ability to be truly myself on and off the field,” Laplacette said. “The fact that I can do so while helping amateur players build their skills is fantastic. The GPL is all about learning, and every year the polo gets more competitive.”

Sponsors are Highly Valued Partners — No philanthropic event can succeed without the right sponsors, and the Gay Polo League has been blessed with an embarrassment of riches in this respect. Since the tournament’s inception in 2010, the GPL has enjoyed the support of many high-end sponsors, corporate and private. Lexus has been the title sponsor of the event since 2021. In September 2025, Lexus will extend its title sponsorship to the second annual International Gay Polo Tournament in Lexington, Kentucky.

“Lexus has been an incredible partner. They understand our demographic and send a wonderful activation team to engage our audience and promote their brand. They’re truly a pleasure to work with,” GPL President & Founder Chip McKenney said.

Margaret H. Duprey of Cherry Knoll Farm is another one of the GPL’s most enduring sponsors. She has been involved from the very beginning. Cherry Knoll traditionally sponsors the VIP tent, as well as fielding a team, and McKenney emphasized her hands-on approach.

“Margaret is extremely invested in the event and goes above and beyond; she plans the menu for the VIP buffet, pays attention to all the details to be sure the GPL VIP tent is built to enhance the spectators’ experience,” he said. “She also donates to our philanthropic partners and is a truly devoted ally. Margaret has miles of experience in planning major fundraisers and is a trusted sounding board for us.”

RBC Wealth Management is another longstanding sponsor and has been a proud partner of the GPL for 14 years. International law firm Greenberg Traurig is also an established sponsor, as is Dr. Sarah Cohen’s Equity Performance Equine. The practice sponsors the divot stomp, and Cohen traditionally turns out with her entire family and staff to support the GPL. This year, the league welcomes Mars and Veuve Cliquot as new sponsors, with both to provide premium products for the event.

It Takes a Village — As the GPL’s marquee event, the International Gay Polo Tournament rests on the shoulders of legions of people who do more than just talk the talk when it comes to supporting diversity and inclusion. From the players, the pros and the sponsors to the attendees who come from parts far and wide to cheer the teams on, the community is united in its commitment to a cause. This year, the GPL hopes to raise more than $200,000 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation while celebrating the beauty of acceptance and being yourself.

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

Great Food With Amazing Service At Lewis Prime Grill

By Mike May

If you’re searching for a desirable dinner destination with many delectable dishes, then head to Lewis Prime Grill in the Publix plaza at Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Orange Blvd.

Lewis Prime Grill is as appropriate for a family dinner as it is for a group of business associates or a couple on a romantic date. The menu provides enough variety to satisfy any potential patron. The doors open daily at 4 p.m. for happy hour or those wanting to eat dinner early. The quality and diversity of the menu selections at Lewis Prime Grill — and the 48 whiskey choices on the bar menu — are the main appeals of this standout local restaurant.

The quality of the food and the generous portions have positioned the restaurant as one of the finest in the western communities and one of Palm Beach County’s best restaurant choices for dinner. At Lewis Prime Grill, you’ll never leave hungry, and the price for your high-quality meal won’t break your budget.

Lewis Prime Grill is a restaurant with a strong pedigree, as it’s owned by Ralph Lewis, who is a co-owner of West Palm Beach’s historic Okeechobee Steakhouse, which has been in the Lewis family since it first opened in 1947.

According to Lewis, if you have enjoyed past visits to the Okeechobee Steakhouse, you’ll also enjoy eating at Lewis Prime Grill, where the price points are a bit lower, yet the quality of the food remains top notch.

“We have the best happy hour in Loxahatchee, and you eat for free on your birthday,” said Lewis, whose favorite steak is a dry-aged, bone-in ribeye served medium rare. “We provide a legendary dining experience, which has superior food and exceptional service.”

Convenient to all of the western communities, the restaurant is located in the heart of the Acreage/Loxahatchee area and only 10 minutes from Wellington.

The atmosphere inside Lewis Prime Grill, which opened in November 2022, is cozy, comfortable and very welcoming. When you walk through the front door, you’ll have three seating options — at the U-shaped bar, at one of the tabletops or in one of the many high-back booths. The restaurant has a seating capacity of 120.

“We have a family-friendly restaurant, and we pride ourselves on making the dining experience special and memorable,” said Ron Streib, the general manager at Lewis Prime Grill. “Our staff is personable, accommodating, well-versed in our menu and understands the importance of hospitality. Many of our regular customers eat here two or three times a week.”

The menu is filled with many delicious options that include 10 starters, eight premium sides, seven house specialties, four salads, four steaks,

four handhelds and six desserts. There’s also a separate menu offering four weekly features, which include items such as Shepherd’s Pie, Crispy Chicken Burrata, Yellowtail Snapper, the Butcher’s Cut, Black Grouper, Filet Mignon Stroganoff and Short Rib Quesadilla, among others. It will be a tough decision sticking to the traditional menu when there are such mouth-watering featured dishes, which change every week. I ordered the Yellowtail Snapper accompanied by pan-seared, roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus and a butternut squash puree, accompanied by the broccoli au gratin side dish and finished with the Crème Brûlée dessert. Every bite was better than the previous one.

The two most popular starters are the Bang Bang Shrimp and the Dip Flight. There is enough delicious Bang Bang Shrimp in one order for a quartet of diners to enjoy this tasty seafood appetizer. There’s a three-way tie for the most popular premium sides, with garlic spinach, broccoli au gratin, and the gourmet mac and cheese requested the most by customers.

Of the seven house specialties, the Country Fried Chicken, Linguine Alfredo and the Slow-Braised Short Rib are the most popular choices. After trying the Country Fried Chicken, you may never order fried chicken from anywhere else. It may well be better than your grandmother’s fried chicken.

The Cobb Salad is the top salad option, but the other three salads — Classic Caesar, House Gorgonzola and Iceberg Wedge — are equally as good and are terrific additions to your dining experience. For each salad, you can add either chicken, shrimp or steak as an added protein.

The four signature steak options — the Filet Mignon, Delmonico, Split Bone Cowboy and the Prime Ranch-Cut Sirloin — are terrific cuts of beef. Of those four steaks, the most popular choice is the filet mignon. The four handhelds — the Lewis Prime Burger, Classic Burger, Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich and Prime Rib French Dip — are tasty and delicious. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich is the most popular handheld option.

Each of the six dessert options are worthy of being labeled as the best on the menu. As good as each dessert item looks on a plate, when each bite hits your taste buds, it will generate a delightful satisfactory smile.

The Chocolate Mousse is delicious; the Reese’s Pie appeals to lovers of chocolate and peanut butter; the Key Lime Pie is as good as you’ll find; the New York-Style Cheesecake will get “two-thumbs-up” from the harshest critics; the Crème Brûlée gets better with every bite; and the Triple-Layer Chocolate Cake is a perfect choice for chocolate lovers and big enough to share.

Lewis Prime Grill also offers a kids’ menu featuring three entrees — a burger, chicken fingers and mac-and-cheese. For dessert, there’s a weekly ice cream feature.

While Lewis Prime Grill prides itself on the 48 types of whiskey that it serves, other popular alcoholic beverages are a variety of wines and the signature, hand-crafted cocktails.

While the majority of white and red wines come from California, there are also wines from Argentina, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and Spain. Besides California, other U.S. wines on the list come from Oregon.

The most popular hand-crafted cocktails are the Blackberry Smash and the Classic Old Fashioned.

“We sell three times more Blackberry Smash cocktails than any other drink. We also sell a number of Classic Old Fashioneds,” said Layden Pruitt, who is Ralph Lewis’ grandson, works on marketing Lewis Prime Grill and doubles as a waiter at the restaurant. “Out here, we market to a younger crowd.”

After a great meal, when customers walk out the door, everybody leaves happy, nobody leaves hungry and there are always plans made for another visit to Lewis Prime Grill.

Lewis Prime Grill is located at 7040 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Suite 31, at the corner of Seminole Pratt and Orange Blvd. in the Publix plaza. For more information, call (561) 619-5115 or visit www.lewisprimegrill.com.

Polo Hall Of Fame Honors Newest Members At Emotional Ceremony

Story by Y.A. Teitelbaum  |  Photos by Krystal Zaskey Photography

An emotion-filled night permeated the Valentine’s Day-themed 36th annual Polo Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Museum of Polo.

Jorie Butler Kent, an iconic figure in polo, received three standing ovations as she accepted the Iglehart Award for exceptional lifetime contributions to the sport. She delivered heartfelt remarks while flanked by her daughter, Reute Butler, and nephew, Adam Butler.

“This is an honor beyond all honors,” said Jorie, who managed Oak Brook Polo and was instrumental in the success of several other clubs, including Palm Beach Polo, Greenwich and Windsor in Vero Beach.

Another trailblazer for women in polo, Susan Stovall, received the Iglehart Award posthumously, honoring her tremendous achievements on and off the field, mainly on the west coast at Eldorado. Her sister, Gratia Brown, represented Stovall, along with family friend Fergus Gould.

The newest Polo Hall of Famer was “Smokin” Joe Henderson, who was a 10-goal arena star and reached 8 goals on grass, winning numerous major tournaments.

Henderson said his father wanted him to become a lawyer, but when that didn’t work out, he advised his son to “go to America.” So, Henderson “just showed up” at the Gulfstream Polo Club office without a job or a place to stay. His extensive career took off as he worked for Carlton Beal, Fred Mannix Sr. and the Rooney family.

Jimmy Bachman, who dominated the 1980s and early 1990s, was inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame posthumously. The 7-goaler had considerable success at all levels but was known as “the king of low-goal polo.” His daughter, Candy Gaines, accepted the award, along with Tony Coppola.

Gene Fortugno accepted the Horses to Remember Award in the post-Hartman era for Flash, owned by John T. Oxley. In 1973, Flash earned three Best Playing Pony awards, played by Billy Linfoot, Roy Barry and Corky Linfoot.

Beatrice, the equine honoree of the early pre-Hartman era, was owned by Laddie Sanford and played by Dev Milburn in the 1924 Westchester Cup, and Winston Guest in the 1928 Cup of the Americas and the 1930 Westchester Cup. A statement from Sandford’s nephew Pierre Manigault and read by Marty Cregg acknowledged the award.

The event’s success was due to generous dinner sponsors Melissa and Marc Ganzi of the Grand Champions Polo Club and Aspen Valley Polo Club, as well as major sponsors Olexa Celine and the Robert I. Goldman Foundation, U.S. Polo Assn. and Karlene Beal Garber.

Thanks as well to wine and spirits sponsors Robert S. Lipman, Margaret Lipman Orthwein, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Old Hickory Bourbon & Whiskey, Cielo Tequila, Sachetto 071 Prosecco and Lonely Cow New Zealand Wine. Other sponsors included the Iconica Foundation, Martin and Amanda Cregg, and Melinda Brewer. Alex Pacheco Photography and Krystal Zaskey Photography were also thanked for their hard work and contributions.

Learn more about the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame at www.polomuseum.org.

Show Jumping Hall Of Fame Inducts Laura Kraut And Sandsablaze

Story by Marty Bauman  |  Photos by Kind Media LLC

Four-time U.S. Olympian Laura Kraut and Sandsablaze, Buddy Brown’s 1976 Montreal Olympic mount, were inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame during an induction gala held Sunday, March 2 at the Wellington National Golf Club. The Hall of Fame also presented its International Award to four-time Canadian Olympian Mario Deslauriers, the youngest rider ever to win the FEI World Cup Final.

Additionally, the Hall of Fame welcomed Francisco “Pancho” Lopez, Katie Prudent’s longtime barn manager, who was inducted last year but was unable to attend, to receive his Hall of Fame blazer and give an acceptance speech. Before Kraut’s induction, she was introduced by Barbara Roux. Hockey Hall of Famer Gerry Cheevers was also in attendance to speak on what it means to be a hall of famer.

The gala also recognized 16 others in attendance who have previously been inducted into the Hall of Fame, including Olympic veterans Mary Chapot, Norman Dello Joio, Margie Engle, Leslie Howard, Anne Kursinski, Beezie Madden, Michael Matz, Melanie Smith Taylor and Katie Prudent, as well as Linda Allen, Jane Forbes Clark, Anthony D’Ambrosio, David Distler, Peter Doubleday, Danny Marks, and former Olympic rider and current U.S. chef d’equipe Robert Ridland.

Others in attendance included Olympic veterans Buddy Brown, who accepted the induction on behalf of his mount Sandsablaze, McLain Ward, Lauren Hough, Will Simpson, Nick Skelton and Mac Cone, and Grand Prix riders Carly Anthony, Molly Ashe Cawley, Heather Caristo-Williams, Lucy Deslauriers, Cathleen Driscoll, Elle Ehman, Lillie Keenan, Marilyn Little, Carlee McCutcheon, Brittni Raflowitz, Schuyler Riley, Callie Schott, Jimmy Torano and JJ Torano.

Dinner sponsors included the Wheeler family, who sponsored the cocktails and open bar; Charlie Jacobs, who sponsored the attendance of all the Hall of Famers; Robin Parsky; Beth Johnson; Double E LLC; the Deslauriers family; Friends of Pancho; and Schuyler Riley. Support was also provided by Jennifer Matts, Susan Garrett, Champion Floral Blankets and Ethel M Chocolates.

The Show Jumping Hall of Fame is sponsored by CMJ Sporthorse, the Hampton Classic Horse Show, the Kentucky Horse Park, Lauracea, LEG Colorado Horse Shows, Markel, Nilforushan Equisport Events, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, the United States Hunter Jumper Association, the Washington International Horse Show and Wellington International.

The Hall of Fame also honored last year’s Rider of the Year on the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series, Elle Ehman.

Induction into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed annually upon select individuals whose accomplishments and contributions to the sport have set them apart and whose influence has had a significant impact on the sport of show jumping and the equestrian community.

With several decades’ worth of experience and an impressive résumé, Kraut has had an illustrious career representing the U.S. on the international stage. She has competed successfully in four Olympic Games (winning three medals), three World Equestrian Games (winning two medals), the 2023 Pan American Games (winning team gold), and many FEI World Cup and Nations Cup events.

Kraut’s first major team came in 1992 when she was named as alternate for the Barcelona Olympics. She made her Olympic debut in Sydney in 2000 with the all-female American team, then helped the U.S. win team gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. She returned to the podium in Tokyo and Paris, earning team silver medals at both events. Her 2024 podium appearance made her the oldest American to win a medal at the Olympics since 1952.

Kraut’s mother, Carol, encouraged her and her sister, Mary Elizabeth, to take their first riding lesson when Kraut was just three years old. Since then, Kraut has credited much of her success to her relationship with her horses and to Mary Elizabeth’s help with the organization and horse-care side. Based in both Florida and Great Britain, Kraut and her longtime partner Nick Skelton run a successful training business that focuses on developing prospective show jumpers, both riders and horses, to their full potential.

Sandsablaze had a storybook career that was never meant to be and may be unequaled in show jumping history. The chestnut Thoroughbred foaled in 1967 was meant to be a hunter and not a jumper. When he became a jumper, most thought of him as a backup and not a first stringer; but with rider Buddy Brown, he defied the odds and became one of the most dominant horses of the 1970s, going from the hunter and equitation ring to become a Grand Prix champion and a standout on U.S. teams in Nations Cups, two Pan American Games and the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

The Show Jumping Hall of Fame was organized to promote the sport of show jumping and to immortalize the legends of the men, women and horses who have made great contributions to the sport. Visit www.showjumpinghalloffame.net to learn more.

Second Generation Continues Schaefer Legacy Serving The Community

By Mike May

The Schaefer family has been taking care of the health of Wellington residents since nearly the birth of the community. Family patriarch, the late Chuck Schaefer, founded Schaefer Drugs, which has been recognized as Wellington’s first retail business.

“The UPS delivery guy always said it was Wellington’s first business,” said current owner Lauren Henley, Chuck’s daughter.

Schaefer Drugs is not your ordinary drug store. Instead, it’s a unique community institution within Wellington’s business sector. At a time when other pharmacies, doctors, hospitals, even supermarkets, were many miles away, Schaefer Drugs was there to take care of Wellington’s early pioneers.

Founded in 1979, Schaefer Drugs remains in operation today by being true to its roots and providing the type of personalized service that people want but can’t easily find.

Interviewed for a 2010 story in Wellington The Magazine, Chuck recalled his memories of starting his landmark business.

“When we opened Schaefer Drugs in 1979, there was no shopping center,” he said. “Wellington didn’t even have any stop lights. We were out here by ourselves. I can say with 100-percent certainty that people were happy to have a drug store nearby. That’s when I knew we had made the right move at the right time.”

Chuck and his wife Susan owned and operated Schaefer Drugs from the outset until Chuck’s death in 2020. At that time, Lauren and her husband Jay Henley took over daily control of the 6,000-square-foot store, the same size as its footprint back in 1979.

“The size of the store has not changed since the store first opened,” said Lauren, 48, a 1994 graduate of Wellington High School and a 1998 graduate of Stetson University.

The personal and professional service at Schaefer Drugs that started with Chuck and Susan Schaefer continues to this day with Jay and Lauren Henley.

“Chuck was a success because he worked hard and always put his customers first,” said Jay, 52, who grew up in Fort Myers and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1996 from Evangel University in Missouri and his master’s degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2000. “He had the foresight to see Wellington before it was Wellington.”

Back then, Susan did the books for the store, and Chuck did the rest.

A special part of Chuck’s unique job description was being willing to personally deliver much-needed emergency prescriptions to a customer’s home at any time of day or night.

Sadly, Chuck’s passing was followed a year later by his beloved wife Susan in 2021.

Now, the present and future of Schaefer Drugs is in the hands of Jay and Lauren. Fortunately, they are willing and able to provide the same customer service as the founding generation.

The generational transition at Schaefer Drugs started years before Chuck passed away.

Both Lauren and Jay started working at Schaefer Drugs in 2009. Lauren was the store’s chief financial officer, and Jay worked as a manager. During the next 11 years, they learned about the ebb and flow of any given day in the life of Schaefer Drugs.

Now, Lauren is the owner. She oversees human resources, inventory, purchasing and in-store compliance. Jay is the chief operating officer. His main job is to build and maintain the store’s strong relationships with its customers. He also meets on a regular basis with dozens of local doctors who write prescriptions for their patients.

“I keep local doctors aware of our inventory and new drugs being introduced,” Jay explained.

According to Jay, the main reason why Schaefer Drugs is still in business is because of the ability of the ownership to make changes and adjustments to the business model as needed. That ability to go with the flow started with Chuck and Susan and remains with Lauren and Jay.

The difference between Schaefer Drugs and the competition — mostly national chain stores — is that the staff at Schaefer Drugs has a strong, personal relationship with the customers. The store’s 18 employees are willing to do whatever it takes to make every customer happy.

“At Schaefer Drugs, we have a strong level of customer service,” Jay said. “We know our customers’ names, the names of their family members and the names of their pets.”

Another great example of customer service started in 2000.

“Chuck started a service known as compounding,” Jay explained. “Compounding means that we can customize and personalize a prescription for humans and pets. We can customize the form of medication, the flavor and the exact dosage. The form of medication can be a capsule, liquid, cream, pellet or a troche. We continue compounding for our patients to this day.”

Another key to success is the word-of-mouth communication that takes place among the business’s roster of customers.

“I appreciate their willingness to go the extra mile to help me find the right solution,” one customer said.

“Their pharmacists know me by name and always go the extra mile to ensure I get the personalized care I need,” added another.

As part of Schaefer Drugs’ ability to remain current, the business has a web site, as well as a social media presence on Facebook and Instagram.

While Schaefer Drugs is open six days a week and closed on Sundays and major holidays, Lauren and Jay never forget about the business. “We’re always on call,” Jay said.

While Lauren and Jay Henley are fully committed to continuing the work started by Chuck and Susan Schaefer, the next line of succession for the business could fall to Lauren and Jay’s two daughters, 22-year-old Olivia and 18-year-old Kiersten.

Olivia is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and she works for Edward Jones. Kiersten will graduate from the King’s Academy in May and will then head off to college. While both girls have not expressed that much interest in the family business, Jay still has hope. “You never say never,” he said.

When Lauren and Jay do have some down time, they enjoy attending Family Church on Sundays, spending time at home with Olivia and Kiersten, and playing pickleball.

“We both love to play pickleball,” Lauren said.

Moving forward, Schaefer Drugs is in the same “pole position” within Wellington’s business community as it was when the store first opened in 1979. It was a unique institution back then, and it remains that way today.

Schaefer Drugs is located in the Wellington Plaza at 12797 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite C. For more information, call (561) 793-0151 or visit www.schaeferdrugs.com.

Faces Of Dressage

Photos by Susan J. Stickle

Each winter, the majestic sport of dressage is on display here in Wellington, home of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The Olympic sport of dressage — often compared to “dancing with horses” — showcases the grace, beauty and elegance of a horse and rider pair working together as one. Top riders from around the world have returned to participate in North America’s most prestigious dressage series. AGDF opened in January and continues at Equestrian Village through this month. As part of this year’s series, the festival now boasts four qualifiers for the 2025 FEI Dressage World Cup Final, in addition to its regular roster of evening freestyle performances during Friday Night Stars, as well as a CDIO Nations Cup, a para dressage Nations Cup, a CDI5* event and the ever-popular Palm Beach Derby. From elite dressage riders to the sport’s up-and-coming riders, to the uplifting sport of para-dressage, all levels of this unique discipline are on display here in Wellington. In Faces of Dressage 2025, we highlight just a few of these riders.

 

Benvenuti! Inaugural Galbani Festa Italiana Arrives In Wellington On March 29-30

By Jennifer Sardone-Shiner

The inaugural Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington will be held at the Wellington Amphitheater on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30.

This unique event will create an experience rich in Italian culture through food, music, art and tradition. There will be food booths serving up all the Italian favorites, such as sausage and peppers, pasta, pizza, Italian ice, zeppoles and more.

There will be stage entertainment all weekend on the Beachside Golf Cars Stage, and the mistress of ceremonies will be Virginia Sinicki of the KVJ Show on 97.9 WRMF. Performing will be Italian American entertainers or tributes to them. There will be performers all day Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night will feature Blonde Ambition, a tribute to Madonna. Sunday will feature a Rat Pack tribute. Other performers include Franco Corso, the voice of romance, Angelo Venuto, and Philippe Harari.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for seating. Special VIP seating is also available for purchase at Eventbrite.com. There will be a stage pod for four people with a table, and VIP villas with a table and seating for eight. Both offer bar service.

Among the special areas to highlight will be the Aperol Spritz Piazza, the place to be seen. Toast to your Italian American heritage with a Birra Moretti Italian beer in the Moretti Beer Garden. In addition, there will be the Schumacher Auto Group Family Picnic Area for festival goers to sit and eat while enjoying the concerts.

Another highlight will be the La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage, which will feature nationally known chefs, including Galbani celebrity chef Marco Sciortino. Known for his dynamic personality and culinary mastery, Chef Marco will be showcasing his signature dishes, blending authentic Italian flavors with his own innovative twists. Festivalgoers are in for a treat, as he brings his passion for Italian cuisine to life, offering mouthwatering creations that highlight the rich heritage and exceptional quality of Galbani products.

Local favorite Anthony Acampa from “Fat’s Where the Flavor’s At” and many others will also be featured. Do not miss a taste of the free Voga Wine seminars by wine connoisseurs throughout the weekend. On Saturday, there will be a pizza-eating contest by the Sicilian Oven, and Galbani will host a celebrity cheese stacking competition for charity.

For the entire family, there will be festival rides and carnival games for all ages. Little Smiles, the official festival charity, will be on site with fun activities for kids. This nonprofit organization works tirelessly to bring smiles to children’s faces by allowing them to be kids during difficult times.

Festival organizers thank inaugural sponsors Galbani, Beachside Golf Cars, the Schumacher Auto Group, Aperol Spritz, American Bath and Shower, Stormtight Windows, Birra Moretti, Voga Italia, Fat’s Where the Flavor’s At, and Tom Cerrito of Cerrito Electric, who spearheaded getting this festival to Wellington.

Admission to the festival is $5, and children 12 and under will be admitted free with an adult. Sponsorships are available, and special VIP seating will be available at Eventbrite.com. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

To learn more about the inaugural Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington, visit www.wellingtonfestaitaliana.com.