PTF Names 2015 Award Winners

PTF Polo Fundraiser a Resounding Success

The Polo Training Foundation’s recent annual Polo Party was a resounding success. Party-goers enjoyed the gourmet cuisine of the Mallet Grille at International Polo Club Palm Beach before the festivities kicked off.

Elizabeth Fenner, Most Improved

Junior Player

The awards for Most Improved Player and Sportsmanship were presented following dinner. The 2015 Most Improved Junior Players were Elizabeth Fenner and Oliver Firestone. The 2015 Junior Sportsmanship Awards went to Zoey and Cipriano Echezarreta. Cipriano Echezarreta was unable to attend, but sister Zoey Echezarreta read a heartfelt acceptance letter from him expressing his gratitude for the award. Grant Ganzi was awarded 2015 Most Improved Youth Player, and Wesley Finlayson received the 2015 Youth Sportsmanship Award. Melissa Ganzi was awarded Volunteer of the Year and Gil Johnston was recognized with the Lifetime Benefactor Award.

Dick Riemenschneider, Chairman of the PTF Board and Most Improved Junior Player, Oliver Firestone

Dick Riemenschneider and Zoey Echezarreta who was presented the 2015 Junior Sportsmaship Award for herself and her
brother Cipriano.

The fundraising silent/live auction had something for everyone, with items ranging from a guitar signed by The Who to a jersey signed by both teams competing in the 111th U.S. Open Polo Championship. Bidding was spirited throughout the auction, with the seven-night stay at the Flying H Ranch in Big Horn, Wyoming as the high-selling item for $8,750.

Grant Ganzi, Most Improved Youth Player and Dick Riemenschneider

Overall, the event raised roughly $38,000 for the Polo Training Foundation. The funds will be used throughout all of the PTF programs.

Wesley Finlayson was honored with the 2015 Youth Sportsmanship Award. Photo by Alex Pacheco

Gillian and Gil Johnston, who was awarded the Lifetime Benefactor Award with Dick Riemenschneider.

Unless otherwise noted, photos by Alannah Castro / Phelps Media Group