Polo Match Makes Record

Lifestyles Inc. surpassed previous fundraising efforts to earn more than $63,000 from the 14th annual Polo in the Ozarks event.r

The polo match in Goshen drew more than 1,000 spectators and about 450 people stayed for the ensuing dinner and dance.r

Lifestyles, a nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities, has increased revenue from the event by more than 500 percent since its totals ranged from $10,500-$15,500 in the first three years. r

Connie Stout, Lifestyle’s development director, said the final tally from this year isn’t in yet but it’s expected to actually gallop past $65,000.r

Because of the rainy weather in the days and hours leading up to the event, the field was too wet to auction several heavy items such as the hand-painted piano and a children’s play house.r

The 2002 polo event brought in $58,000, giving Polo in the Ozarks at least a 9 percent annual increase even in the down economy.r

“We really didn’t even break $20,000 until the fifth year,” Stout said. r

The polo match has always been held at the farm of Dr. Brian and Donna Buell and is the biggest fundraising event of the year for Lifestyles Inc. r

“There is a tradition and emotional attachment that everyone has to the farm,” Stout said. “Everyone loves coming there.”r

Lifestyles earned more than $90,000 total for 2002.