poloCome enjoy an afternoon of picnics, ponies and polo at the 23rd Polo for Charity event, organized by the Rotary Club of Okatie, on Sunday, Oct. 23 at the historic Rose Hill Plantation, Bluffton. Gates open at noon, and the match begins at 2 p.m. You don’t want to miss this premiere event of the fall in Bluffton.

It’s an event unlike any other in our area with a beautiful setting, an action packed polo match and food and drinks fit for a king.

Polo is often referred to as the “Sport of Kings,” so many Polo attendees choose to dress the part. Everything from seersucker and bowties for the gentlemen to colorful maxi dresses and heels for the ladies, and of course flip flops and shorts – the fashion at the event seems to cover it all. And don’t forget to wear proper divot-stomping shoes for halftime. A prize is given for the best hat.

Patrons are also encouraged to let their tailgate spot reflect their personality and pizazz. Whether beer and brats are your food of choice or you prefer wine and cheese, pack your favorite Lowcountry cuisine and bring the family for an entertaining day of fun for a good cause. Prizes are also awarded for the best tailgate.

“Polo for Charity is definitely one of the highlights of the Lowountry social calendar,” says Okatie Rotary Club president, David Jacox. “It’s a fun event for every one and our Club looks forward to hosting it each year.”

The event will also feature a silent auction with many highly sought after “packages” including entertainment, vacations and dining. This year, event proceeds will benefit Moss Creek Marines and Paws4Vets, as well as other local charities.

Moss Creek Marines (MCM) is a non-profit group of former Marines who now reside in Moss Creek Plantation. Through this organization and Paws4Vets, the Rotary Club will help to provide funding needed for placing assistance dogs with veterans. MCM works with Paws4Vets to support several local Marines who need dogs due to PTSD, traumatic brain injury and other mental and physical injuries.

The Marine Corps Color Guard from Parris Island will be performing at the match as well.

A raffle will take place at the event. Only 500 tickets will be sold at $5 per ticket. The prize is an overnight stay at the Palmetto Bluff Inn with breakfast at Buffalos Café and a $100 gift card. Raffle tickets may be purchased from any Rotarian or at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market beginning Sept. 8.

Tickets are $20 at the gate on the day of the match or $15 per person in advance. Children under 12 are admitted free. For information, call Barbara McFadden (843)298-3055 or email rotarypolo@hotmail.com.

Advance tickets will be available at BB&T bank locations, Bluffton Pharmacy, Markel’s and the Engel & Volkers office, 800 Main Street, Hilton Head. Patron slots, and sponsorships are available for purchase. Be sure to “like” Okatie Rotary Polo for Charity on Facebook to get all the details on this year’s event.

Event organizers would like to thank this year’s sponsors: Platinum Sponsors – Engel & Vӧlkers, Premium Real Estate and Property Management and Lang Capital – Retirement, Investment, Tax Specialists; Gold Sponsors – Cook Farms Ltd, the Law Office of Barbara McFadden, J & S Construction; Diamond Sponsors – Haig Point Equestrian, Hilton Head Landscapes, John Mosca, CPA, Palmetto Electric and The Salty Dog Café; and Media Sponsors – Accurate Lithograph, Bluffton.com, Bluffton Sun/Hilton Head Sun, Bluffton Today, CH2/CB2 Magazine, Hilton Head Monthly magazine, Island Events, Island 93.5fm, Lowcountry Weekly, Premier Lowcountry Magazine, SC103.1/Surf 104.9fm/Easy 106.5fm, Tails of the Lowcounty, The Breeze magazine, The Island Packet, The Scout Guide and WHHI TV.