Polo event raises funds for Batavia Arts council

"Game of Thrones" proved to be a successful theme for the annual polo tournament Aug. 2 at the Blackberry Polo Field in Batavia.

More than 100 people came out to tailgate, watch polo and support the Batavia Arts Council and Shakespeare on Clark for the fundraiser.

Those attending enjoyed a sunny day, with a cooling breeze, as they set up their themed tailgate entries, and the children were amused with a variety of games and activities created by Heather Kochen of Batavia, including a Dragon Egg Drop, thrones, and a knighting ceremonies. Bruce Worthal of North Aurora acted as King for the day and visited all of the attendees with his Lord Matt Heine of Batavia at his side.

"This was by far the most successful of our polo fundraisers," said Leigh Tracy, treasurer of the Batavia Arts Council. "With tickets sales, raffle tickets and sponsorships, we exceeded our $3,000 target."

Presenting sponsor, Batavia Fine Arts Centre, is working with the Batavia Arts Council to host the upcoming "Grease Sing-Along" on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Winning the match and the first-place Tiffany trophies this year was the team sponsored by the Batavia business A Mirror Image. A brief cloud burst pushed the head-to-head match into a game-ending shootout with A Mirror Image triumphing over Bulldog Plumbing Inc.

"Attendance was at an all time high," said Barb Alexander, owner of the Blackberry Polo Field and host of the competition. "The committee did a great job pulling the event together."

"Sharon Harwick of Salvaged Heart Vintage Wares, who chaired solicitation of auction items, was a champion this year," said Julane Sullivan, president of the Batavia Arts Council, Shakespeare on Clark and owner of All Dressed Up Costumes. "We had over $2,500 worth of prizes donated by local business, assembled into beautiful baskets for our auction table."

The Batavia Arts Council raises funds throughout the year to meet their mission of granting scholarships and funds to local artists and art projects in the community. Each year since its beginning, grant totals awarded have doubled.

"This past year, we had $2,500 to grant. Three different organizations were awarded monies for their works," Tracy said. "We hope to be able to double that amount for the 2016 awards. In addition to the Polo Tournament, we have the 'Grease Sing-Along,' 'Halloween Hooligans,' our online holiday auction, and another original play by Donna Latham planned for this year."

Shakespeare on Clark presents a Shakespeare comedy to the public each summer. This summer they moved their program to the courtyard at the Batavia Fine Arts Center with "Much Ado About Nothing."

"The funds raised from the polo event are a blessing, as ticket sales do not cover the cost of the production," Sullivan said.

To see more photos of the tournament, find the event on Facebook. To learn more about the Batavia Arts Council, visit www.bataviaartscouncil.org or on Facebook.