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Foto: Pablo Corradi / corradifoto.com
Sunday July 24th Bethpage State park seemed more like the Parque Palermo in Buenos Aires as close to 500 polo enthusiasts enjoyed the HelpArgentina High Goal Polo Challenge organized by Nacho Figueras and the New York Chapter of HelpArgentina. This second edition of the annual benefit event attracted significant participation from the New York area Argentine community as well as many others with a special affinity for their country. Among the spectators were Nacho's wife, the model and photographer Delfina Blaquier and the actress Kirstie Alley.
The hard fought 21 handicap match was won by the Black Watch team consisting of Nacho Figueras, Mariano Aguerre, Mauricio Devrient and Nick Stieg. The rival Proskauer Rose team was made up of Esteban Scott, Magoo Laprida, Naco Taverna and Felipe Viano.
In addition to providing guests with the opportunity to experience polo as it is played on the pampas, the event also raised funds to improve education for at risk children in isolated communities in Argentina. Proceeds from last year’s event are being used for the construction of a new school building in an impoverished community in the argentine province of Corrientes and the proceeds of this year’s event will be used for a similar education project that will be selected by the event organizers and for other projects associated with HelpArgentina.
After the match Nacho said; “I am very happy to be involved with this event again this year and to see how it is growing. It is an important opportunity to make more people aware that even from far away they can support the work of nonprofits in Argentina, and that HelpArgentina provides them the way to do it.”
Marina Michelutti, president of the New York Chapter of HelpArgentina added; “The Chapter's goal is to increase awareness among the local community of the social problems in Argentina. This event is an important step in that direction”. She and Nacho hosted the event along with the other leaders of the chapter, Natalia Hrehoraszczuk Saba and Jeanette van Campenhout.
In closing the event, Emilio Ocampo, President of HelpArgentina said; “I want to thank Nacho and the members of our New York Chapter for their ongoing dedication and commitment, and to thank all of the people who collaborated in this great event. At HelpArgentina we will continue working to promote the social development of our country and to engage more people living abroad in these efforts. "
The success of the event was made possible by the generous support of Proskauer Rose, Piaget and Deutsche Bank. The participation of Poltrona Frau and Cassina created an elegant atmosphere in the VIP tent where quests enjoyed products contributed by Bodegas Renacer, Quilmes, Hermes, Hint Water and Dulce de Leche Bakery. Beautifully crafted prizes for the players were supplied by Aracano and Marcelo Toledo. Invaluable support for the event was also provided by Yuyo Studio and Polo Line.
A luxurious auction was held during half-time featuring works of art donated by Alejo Vigilente, Alejandro Tawil and Daniel Fox as well as products donated by the Oasis Collection, Hotel Los Cerros, Hotel Los Notros, JJ Wingshooting, David Denies Wingshooting, Nervous Waters, Pehuen, Edwina Hunt, Rossi Carusso, Nespreso and Maserati.
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