Polo raises another $775,000 for MDA
Despite the early morning storm that wreaked havoc on plans for this year’s Polo on the Prairie, scheduled to take place last Saturday, May 18, at the Musselman Brothers’ Lazy 3 Ranch in Albany, the rains failed to dampen a record-breaking fundraising effort, according to MD Anderson program director Sarah Watson.
“More than 1,100 supporters of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center enjoyed a live performance by Grammy Award-winning country music star Dwight Yoakam,” said Watson. “The event raised more than $775,000 for cancer research and patient programs at MD Anderson. This year’s fundraising brings Polo on the Prairie’s total support of MD Anderson to more than $7.4 million.”
The annual event typically includes a U.S. Polo Association-sanctioned polo match, a chuck-wagon style barbecue dinner by Joe Allen’s Pit Bar-B-Q, a private concert, and a fireworks show – all held at the Musselman Brothers’ ranch.
“Instead, with muddy roads too dangerous to travel and two inches of water in the tent, event planners quickly changed gears,” said Watson. “With seven hours until the event was to start, MD Anderson staff and event volunteers contacted guests, procured a new stage and sound system, arranged for security and parking, and moved lights, linens, decorations, food and equipment to the Stephens County Airport.”
MD Anderson’s chief financial officer Ben Melson addressed all of the guests assembled for the relocated dinner and concert.
He thanked Polo on the Prairie chairs Melinda and Henry Musselman of Midland, event hosts along with the John Musselman and Jimmy Musselman family, chair emeritus Mary Anne McCloud of Eastland, and committee members Michele Arnot, Suzan Cook, Pat Everett, Liz Green, Prissy Harvick, Marci Pearson and Virginia Musselman.
Melson also recognized MD Anderson faculty and staff who traveled from Houston for the event.
“The success of this year’s event is due to the dedication of countless volunteers who refused to let a little rain dampen their spirits, but instead pulled off another record-breaking year in support of MD Anderson,” said Henry Musselman, who has served on the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors since 1988. “This community-wide effort represented what Polo on the Prairie is all about: our West Texas neighbors united in Making Cancer History. We’re grateful for everyone who pitched in to make this event happen in support of the ground breaking research and multidisciplinary care for which MD Anderson is known worldwide.”
Polo Championship
Weather has cancelled the polo matches three times over the years, twice due to drought and once because of a rain-slicked field.
Organizers decided to hold the polo matches in Midland this year because an overabundance of spring precipitation had the field too soggy for play even before the Saturday morning storm.
The Lazy 3 and Prevalecer teams were featured in the games held on May 16 and 17.
Lazy 3’s Bauti Crotto, Nicolai Galindo, Mitch Horne, and Molly Musselman took home the winning trophy, winning by a score of 6-3.
