VERO BEACH — It was a family day at the Second Annual Benefit Polo Match on Sunday between Charlie Replogle’s Ocean Grill Polo Team and John Walsh’s Shamrock Polo Team. Attendees who lined the polo field at the Polo Field in Vero Beach ranged from toddlers to octogenarians, from the philanthropic set to polo aficionados.
The cheerful crowd could not have asked for a better day. The crisp air and clear sky and the sunny and breezy weather brought out tailgaters in sundresses, bright colors and for many of the ladies in attendance, the requisite sunhat, all in support of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Fellsmere.
Once again, Giselle Rodriguez and Raquel Searcy organized and hosted this year’s polo game to benefit the children of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission. Their goal – to collect gifts for the children of the families of the hard working families in Fellsmere.
“This wonderful organization serves many families and children in need and we are proud to be here today to join the community in spreading joy during the holidays,” said co-organizer, Raquel Searcy.
“This is a family event that we wanted our children to be part of,” said Giselle as she held onto her children’s hands as they watched their father, Gaston Rodriguez, professional polo player, play in the field behind them. “Teaching our children about the spirit of giving is very important to us.”
“My husband, Gaston, was eager to help,” Giselle continued. “When I told him about the families in need he immediately joined me to organize this benefit for this organization.”
Gaston Rodriguez, polo player from Argentina, a Vero Beach resident, first asked his friend, Charlie Replogle, owner of the Ocean Grill to join him, who immediately came on board with his son, Cole, 23. Father and son Replogle, lead their team with great enthusiasm as well as stepped up to sponsor the charitable effort.
“We are happy to join Gaston and his family in this event,” said Replogle, owner of the historic Vero Beach restaurant. “Hundreds of gifts for the children have been donated here today and we are collecting gifts at the restaurant as well.”
Joining Replogle was avid polo aficionado and celebrity polo player John Walsh, who contributed by generously co-sponsoring the event and promoting the Benefit Polo Match on radio and television, as well as playing in the match.
“So many of these children are forgotten,” said Walsh. “This is such an important organization. My team and I were so happy to be part of this and hope we can continue to help this event grow and receive notice throughout the community.”
Being a benefit event, the traditions and excitement of a day in the polo field were not lost. Polo may be the only sport in which the spectators are called upon at intermission to mend the field. So, not missing a beat during the half-time divot stomp, the crowd and their dogs stood and moved almost rhythmically across the field in polo match tradition.
It was a day filled with tradition, elegance, good old fashioned fun, family spirit, and, most impressive of all, philanthropy.
The event collected hundreds of toys which will directly benefit the children of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Fellsmere. Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission is located at 12896 County Road 512, Fellsmere, FL 32948.
The game was a friendly one, but the score was close and competition was fierce. With one minute left on the clock, Gaston Rodriguez made an aggressive move and scored with moments on the clock breaking the tie and taking the game to a last minute victory for the Ocean Grill Team.
Smiles were shared throughout the match with an upbeat social atmosphere of handshakes and good humor. The spirit of Christmas was felt by all and the reason for the gathering was evident by the enthusiastic reaction of the crowd when the large loaded wagon of toys was presented and the success of the day was celebrated by all.
“The children who will receive these gifts come from hard working families who live and work in Indian River County,” said Sister Delores from the Guadalupe Mission. “We are grateful for this day.”
“We collected more toys today than last year and many generous people gave donations to contribute directly to the families in the Fellsmere community,” said Giselle Rodriguez.
“This was a great event to bring friends and family together and spend an afternoon watching the fastest team sport in the world,” said Peter Busch, who umpired the match for the day. “This crowd has seen some of our finest polo talent playing today.”
He was joined at the event by his 25-year-old daughter, Tiffany Busch, renowned polo player and local athlete, who was the only female player of the day and a member of the Ocean Grill Team.
“Polo is one of the fastest growing sports for women today,” Tiffany said. “I enjoy this sport and love playing year round. I was so happy to help this worthy organization today.”
“Tiffany is one of the best women polo players in the country,” said Shamrock Team member, George Kale. “She is a tough competitor.”
Polo, called at times the “sport of kings,” makes for a thrilling spectacle for the crowd, but everyone on this gorgeous Sunday afternoon couldn’t help but feel the spirit of the holiday season as both teams joined in the celebration of giving.
“I can’t think of a better way to spend the day,” said Olivia Rogge, Ocean Grill server, in attendance on the sidelines to cheer on her employer’s team. “This was great fun for a great cause.”