Cheers to Nina Lindley and Matt Paco! They co-chaired Nissan’s 23rd Annual Chukkers for Charity polo match. The theme was “Divots & Downton: An afternoon of Polo & Ponies” and a fabulous afternoon it was. The popular TV series, Downton Abbey, served as inspiration for the event. Several guests took that inspiration to heart and wore outfits that evoked the early 20th Century.
The event was hosted by Orrin Ingram at Riverview Farm and raised funds for Rochelle Center and Saddle Up! The Rochelle Center offers meaningful opportunities to adults with disabilities and their families so they can achieve their goals for quality lives and community inclusion. Saddle Up’s mission is to provide children and youth with disabilities the opportunities to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational and recreational activities with horses. The signature event raised nearly $200,000 for the charities and featured players from the United States and the British Commonwealth. The Ironhorse Farms team included Tim Kyne, Aaron Barrett, Wes Finlayson and Stevie Orthwein. The Colonial Hill Farm team included Lexie Armstrong, Zulu Scott-Barnes, Max Secunda and Whistle Uys. This year’s match was a good-natured sibling rivalry as the opposing team owners, Eleanor Menefee Parkes of Colonial Hill Farm and John Menefee of Ironhorse Farms are sister and brother. Ironhorse Farms won the match with a score of 6-5 and Stevie Orthwein was named most valuable player.
Guests were treated to a classic car show, a cabana decorating contest, petting zoo, and silent auction. They also enjoyed a full open bar that featured the signature Jack Daniels “Mr. Jack’s Tea” cocktail. Patrons dined on an English inspired meal from The Daily Dish. The menu featured London chicken, classic English pork roast, buttered peas and carrots, and roast English style potatoes.