Growing List of Sponsors on Board To Support International Gay Polo Tournament
When the 10th annual Land Rover Palm Beach International Gay Polo Tournament, presented by RSM US, returns to Wellington from April 4 through April 7, it will bring with it a growing list of sponsors helping to make the event a success.
Land Rover Palm Beach continues its longstanding commitment to the community as the title sponsor of the event for the third year.
“Participating in the annual International Gay Polo Tournament gave us a chance to promote our support for equality actively,” said Matt Adkins, general manager of Land Rover Palm Beach. “We’ve enjoyed working with [Gay Polo League founder] Chip McKenney in the past, and when he approached us about getting involved in the GPL tournament, something we knew was significant to him, we felt honored to take part.”
Whether it’s supporting local high school athletics, the area Boy Scouts council, or the dealership’s strong ties with Furry Friends Adoption Clinic and the Ranch Humane Society of Greater Jupiter/Tequesta, Land Rover Palm Beach enjoys supporting the community.
“The annual GPL tournament is unlike any other event we participate in throughout the year,” Adkins said. “It’s a chance to use our creativity as a company to celebrate diversity in an inclusive and fun way. GPL quickly became our favorite — and most talked about — community event of the year, and it’s one we look forward to every spring. Land Rover has always been a fantastic supporter of polo globally, and this was another way to support the sport locally in Wellington.”
No stranger to equestrian events, Land Rover is a longtime supporter of equestrian sports, with decades of show jumping and event sponsorships. Land Rover Palm Beach’s 2019 status will further solidify its pre-eminence in the equestrian sphere. As an elegant luxury brand, Land Rover Palm Beach aligns perfectly with the vision of the Gay Polo League’s flagship tournament, and the capabilities of Land Rover’s vehicles equally match the rigors of equestrian sport.
GPL is also thrilled to welcome back RSM US LLP — a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market — as the event’s presenting sponsor.
“At RSM, we demonstrate our core values of respect, integrity, teamwork, excellence and stewardship every day through our interactions with one another, with our clients, and with our communities,” said RSM’s Kerensa Butler, partner, southeast private equity leader and national pride employee network group leader. “We’re honored to be a part of the Gay Polo League.”
RSM’s goal is to deliver the power of being understood to clients, colleagues and communities. Initially introduced to GPL through a major wealth management client, RSM’s support has grown tremendously over the years, as has the firm’s commitment to the LGBT community.
“Our decision to sponsor GPL started out of support for an organization that one of our clients was passionate about,” said Mike Lin, a manager with RSM Wealth Management. “Over time, our relationship with GPL grew as we learned more about its charitable mission and the potential to align with our commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
Meanwhile, Cherry Knoll Farm returns as the tournament’s VIP tent sponsor. Located at midfield, VIP guests will experience excellence from the ground up, feel the power of the ponies as they race toward the goal posts and be front and center for all the action. The royal treatment includes tableside service throughout the day with a full open bar and a gourmet lunch buffet catered by the International Polo Club Palm Beach.
Cherry Knoll Farm, located in West Grove, Pa., operates on the philosophy of “quality over quantity.” This is true for its great success throughout the Angus industry, as well as high-performance equestrian sports, such as show jumping, dressage and para-dressage. Cherry Knoll Farm owns some of the most esteemed high-performance Grand Prix dressage horses and show jumpers in the industry today.
“Our sponsors represent organizations that proactively support and advance equality and diversity. It is important that we recognize the importance of our LGBTQ allies — the people, brands and companies who enthusiastically embrace and support our community, namely our wonderful sponsors,” McKenney said. “To these people and companies, we extend a heartfelt thanks. We are proud and grateful to be associated with you.”
Other sponsors include Black Hound Sports, Celebrity Cruises, Cedar Crest Stables, Chervo, Consign & Design, David Lerner Associates, Discover the Palm Beaches, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, GJ Racing, Goshen Hill/Caroline Moran, OutClique Magazine, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, Patricia Quick, RBC Wealth Management, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Sperry Tents Miami, Stefano Laviano, the Tackeria and Wölffer Estate Vineyard.
Tickets for the 10th annual International Gay Polo Tournament and its festivities are currently on sale at www.gaypolo.com/tickets. The Gay Polo League is still offering sponsorship opportunities at different levels for the tournament. For more information, contact Chip McKenney at chip@gaypolo.com.
