Goal! TCA Annual Polo Fundraiser Scores Big

All photos courtesy Craig Weston Photography

On Saturday, June 15, Teen Cancer America (TCA) hosted its annual fundraiser Rock’n’Polo at the historic Will Rogers Polo Club in Pacific Palisades. The event benefited the work of TCA, the national non-profit founded by rock icons Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend of The Who, which develops age-specific facilities and services for adolescents and young adults with cancer. 

A wide range of food tastings kept attendees sated all afternoon.

The evening before the event, attendees met at Bruce Lurie Gallery in Pacific Palisades for the Meet the Players Art Gala. There, they mingled with professional polo players among a special exhibit by artist Carol Bennett, with refreshments and a raffle benefiting Teen Cancer America. 

Face painting (above) and a Kids Stick Pony Race (below) were among the popular family-friendly activities.

During the main event the next day, besides watching polo, attendees participated in a handful of family activities. There were plenty of ways to have fun: a champagne divot stomp, the popular Kids Stick Pony Race, an Activity Meadow with a Snapchat experience, magicians, Henna hand painting from Neha Assar, puppy petting from A Purposeful Rescue, kids activity table, and an exciting silent auction and raffle, to name a few. 

The afternoon was brought to life by live music from Grammy-nominated Ryan Ellis, iHeart DJ Von Bellows, and other artists. As for the food, attendees were treated to a gourmet lunch and desserts, as well as tastings by Dulce Vida Tequila, Hedonistas de la Fe mezcal, The Original Southside Gin, Wine Insiders, Fall Brewing Company, Aguas Locas, INDOxyz cold brew, Linda's Cookies, What the Fudge, Positive Foods, Jing Sauces, and more. 

The event was well-attended on a glorious summer day.

Polo was the main spectacle of the event.

Grammy-nominated artist Ryan Ellis performing.

There were more than a few special appearances at Rock’n’Polo V, too. Celebrity guests graced the event with their presence, including TCA ambassadors Nia Dennis (Olympic gymnast), actor Barry Watson (7th Heaven), actress Emily Tosta (The Mayans), actress/author Grace Wethor, actress Natasha Gregson Wagner, actress Iris Almario, actor Eoin Macken, and actor Taj Cross. 

Overall, the event was a sunny day of horses and family fun and a successful fundraiser for the books. 

Attendees had fun on the red carpet photo op.