COLTS NECK – A spirited polo match was not the only reason the 3rd Annual Family Fun Polo Match and Picnic Party was a success − splendid weather, fun children’s activities and delectable food all combined to make the September 21 fundraiser at Bucks Mill Park a great day for all. Some 200 guests attended the charity event, which raised $8,000 that will directly support Amanda’s Easel, a creative arts therapy program that is part of the Monmouth County nonprofit 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc.
On the Amanda’s Easel side of the field, sold-old tailgate spaces were filled with spectators who set up tables and chairs to enjoy picnics close to the action. Two women even brought a vase a flowers to complete their outdoor dining experience. Hospitality tents shaded children’s activities, tables displaying silent auction items and art works by young Amanda’s Easel clients and an array of refreshments provided during the festive event. Young people took part in art activities, lined up to have their faces painted or had a balloon artist make them animals, swords and other fanciful creations, while a magician kept them spellbound with his bag of tricks.
The match itself was expertly announced by Carol Stahl, who explained the rules as she gave play-by-play accounts so that first-timers could enjoy the sport. The Colts Neck Polo team had a stunning 12-3 win over Tinicum Polo, with local athlete Max Gerberding scoring nine of those goals. During half time, a mounted drill team gave a precision demonstration displaying intricate equine maneuvers.
The day was a success in large part due to 180’s enthusiastic and hard working Polo Committee, which sold advance tickets and planned the activities, and the generosity of sponsors including JCP&L, WithumSmith+
Amanda’s Easel is a nationally recognized arts therapy program designed to assist children traumatized by domestic violence and sexual assault and their non-offending parents. The program, which provides art, play and dance/movement therapies, is part of 180 Turning Lives Around, Inc.
