Shining a Light on Tomorrow
Newport, RI (June 10, 2026) …. Newport Polo is pleased to announce the beneficiaries of its 25th annual charity gala, Great Gatsby Gala, Presented by BD and Vanderbilt International Properties on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Hosted at the fabled Rosecliff Mansion on Bellevue Avenue, this dazzling affair will unite polo’s elite and Newport’s social set for a cause that matters. Newport Polo’s 25th annual black-tie charity gala —a Jazz Age Jubilee- celebrates child and youth philanthropy.
With generous team support by Vanderbilt International Properties, guests can expect an evening of unparalleled elegance and revelry. A special Live Auction will feature a line-up of the most extraordinary lots offered to date.
For over two decades, this highly anticipated event has helped raise over $2.3 million for nonprofit initiatives, and this year’s proceeds will champion RI’s most vital child and youth missions by benefitting World Pediatrics, Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, TeamFAME, Newport Historical Society, and FabNewport.
“While we leave prohibition firmly in the past, the spirit of celebration remains fully intact,” note Meg Stowe and Laurel Howe, Newport Polo Gala Ambassadors. “This year’s fundraising efforts will support meaningful initiatives advancing health and opportunity for future generations, both locally and beyond. We invite guests to raise their paddles in the spirit of generosity and championing the next generation.”
“We are deeply honored to be selected as a beneficiary of the Newport Gala and grateful to the Newport Polo Club community for standing with World Pediatrics in support of children and families around the world” said Vafa Akhavan, World Pediatrics CEO. “Through partnerships like this, World Pediatrics can continue to deliver life-changing care, empower local healthcare providers through education and training, and transform access to advanced pediatric healthcare for future generations. Together, we are creating a world where every child has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.”
The Newport Historical Society’s Kids on the Water program is an initiative created in partnership with Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail (WARO). Students in grades 6-12 engage in sailing and navigation, while learning about costal erosion and marine ecosystems, and exploring careers in history, maritime and STEM fields. “Like polo, sailing and maritime history are central to Newport’s story, making this an ideal partnership in service of kids in Newport and across Rhode Island. We are so grateful to Newport Polo for their continued support and generosity to the Newport Historical Society and mission-driven organizations throughout our community.” – Rebecca Bertrand, Newport Historical Society Executive Director
FabNewport is a Newport County based nonprofit building a connected ecosystem of learning for young people through hands-on experiences, mentorship, outdoor adventure, arts, design, leadership, and workforce pathways. Through programs such as Heart Club, the Newport Experience, and teen Navigator program, they help youth develop confidence, belonging, and a positive future vision. This fall, FabNewport will launch Endless Summer, a learner centered microschool designed to reimagine education through real world learning, wellness, creativity, and deep community connection so that all young people can thrive. “When young people are surrounded by trusted relationships and meaningful opportunities, extraordinary futures become possible.” – Steven Heath, Executive Director, FabNewport.
TeamFAME (Future Aces Modelling Excellence) is a National Junior Tennis & Learning chapter launched by the International Tennis of Hall of Fame (ITHF) in Newport, Rhode Island in 2018. TeamFAME was created to address the needs of underserved youth while helping to fulfill the inspire pillar of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Through more than 250 nonprofit youth development chapters, the NJTL network provides free or low-cost tennis and education programming to more than 160,000 under-resourced kids.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County is the largest youth organization in our community. Our vision is to provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, life and workforce readiness, and living a healthy lifestyle.
“Imagine a place where who you are, where you’re from or the circumstances that surround you don’t determine your access to experiences or opportunities. Through your support, Boys & Girls Clubs are making that vision a reality. We are grateful to be a charity of choice at your signature fundraising gala” Kelley Coen, CEO BGCNC
“BD is proud to support these child and youth initiatives and give back to the community that we’ve been a part of for over 100 years.” For over a century, BD’s Surgery Business Unit, with headquarters and design center in Warwick, RI, is advancing the world of health, employing nearly 300 associates to distribute over $1 billion in medical devices globally. To learn more, visit www.bd.com.
A Live Auction of rare and exclusive opportunities will be launched online in advance of the event, for nonattendees to have a chance to place competitive bids that could stand up against the final round of bidding to take place during the gala. Proceeds from the auctions will support the named beneficiaries.
Tickets for the black tie gala are sold out, and associated events are soon to be revealed. Newport Polo’s annual sellout charity gala has become the social highlight of the summer polo season and is reimagined each year through theme, tradition and a touch of theatrical flair.
The Diamond Jubilee polo match the following day in the Newport International Polo Series will echo the first interclub match ever played, which will feature Newport against its top New England regional rival in the finals of the USPA Governor’s Cup.
As the social pinnacle of the summer, the International Polo Charity Ball is just one highlight of a whirlwind weekend, featuring a festive preparty, the gala, the afterparty, the polo match and our annual Lobsterfest. Secure your place, enter your bids or make donations – at newportpolo.com – to be part of an unforgettable celebration of sport, society, and stewardship. Visit Schedule/Tickets for all upcoming events. Sign up to our private & secure guest list to receive event updates by email.
NEWPORT POLO’S CHARITABLE INITIATIVES
In it’s past 34 years, Newport Polo is proud to have helped raise over $2.3 million for nonprofit organizations through its gala auction, its benefit matches, and related fundraising initiatives. For Gala Sponsorship opportunities or Auction donations for the 2026 gala and auction, please direct inquiries to agnes@nptpolo.com. Newport Polo will host additional charitable initiatives in 2026, including Benefit Polo Matches on September 13th, offering fundraising opportunities to participating 501-c-3 organizations. For more information, please inquire.
ABOUT NEWPORT POLO
Newport Polo is the home of America’s first polo club, offering exhibition polo and club member services and instruction for outdoor & arena polo. Est. in 1876; founding member of the United States Polo Association and host of the Newport International Polo Series. Now in its 32nd season, acting as a global ambassador to the sport of polo, teams from 37 countries have taken to the field for the Newport International Polo Series, including challengers from England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, India, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Barbados, Canada, Hungary, Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Kenya, Brazil, China, Italy, Mexico, Sweden, Singapore, Monaco, Morocco, Peru, Poland, Switzerland, Columbia, Ukraine and Pakistan.
ABOUT ROSECLIFF
Commissioned by Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs in 1899, Rosecliff, a gilded age mansion, stands out among the big houses of Bellevue, after its multimillion dollar renovation last year. Architect Stanford White modeled Rosecliff on the garden retreat of French Kings at Versailles, the Grand Trianon. Upon completion in 1902, Rosecliff was the site of many fabulous entertainments. Gala attendees are entertained in the same room where Harry Houdini performed his renowned slights of hand at Mrs. Oelrich’s fairy tale dinner party.