Aging Mind Foundation’s Polo Cup Finals Bring North Texas Together for a Cause

What: United States Polo Association and Aging Mind Foundation Polo Cup Finals presented by The Pharma Group

Where: Willow Bend Polo & Hunt Club in Oak Point, Texas

PC Moment: In support of Aging Mind Foundation, a sold-out crowd of more than 250 stylish guests combined philanthropy, fashion, and fieldside fun as they watched Willow Bend defeat Eastern 12-9 in the Polo Cup Finals. Carolyn DeVan Payne joined returning chairs Courtney Reynolds, Olivia Lowery, and Louis Landen to co-chair the event, which serves as the official kickoff to Aging Mind Foundation’s Gala. 

One of the highlights of any polo match? The traditional divot stomp, of course, which Park Place Dealerships sponsored at this year’s Polo Cup. In addition to watching the action unfold during the match, there were plenty of fieldside activations to delight the crowd. Highlights included “White Mallet” cocktails made with Pezuña Blanca Tequila, floral installations from Jackson Durham Events (the “Petals and Ponies” sponsor), a pop-up shop from beloved Texas bootmaker Lucchese, and a custom hat bar experience from AB.Lino Hat Bar. Just as they did last year, Ralph Lauren hosted a shopping event in advance of the Polo Cup, so the best-dressed guests arrived in their classic, “very Ralph” inspired equestrian ‘fits.

When asked what’s special about Polo Cup, Reynolds said, “It brings people together for an incredible cause while getting to experience a sport that you don’t get to see every day. The polo players are so talented, and it’s such a fun and unique way to spend a weekend in Dallas.”

About the event’s growth, Landen said, “It’s been impressive to see how much the event has grown since last year, especially with the younger generation and the Dallas community getting involved. Some amazing sponsors stepped up, and we nearly doubled what we raised last year.”

Impact: Aging Mind Foundation funds scientific research focused on identifying the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It’s a cause that hits home for Payne, whose late father had vascular dementia.

“Although our family’s journey with his dementia has ended,” Payne said, “my desire to make a difference has only grown stronger. I know what it feels like to have someone you love receive this diagnosis and to desperately want answers that simply aren’t there yet. I also know how difficult it is to watch someone you have known and loved your entire life slowly change because of a disease you cannot control. That is why the Aging Mind Foundation and its mission are so important to me. Being involved gives me an opportunity to turn one of the most difficult experiences of my life into something positive. I want to put as much energy as I can into supporting research, raising awareness, and helping move us toward a future where other families facing these diseases have more answers, better treatments, and ultimately, hope for a cure.”

Lowery said, “The health of our minds is something that touches every generation, every family, and ultimately all of us.” She continued, “If we can introduce even a few more people to this extraordinary organization and inspire them to become involved, that is something truly worth celebrating.”

The organization also announced that Darin Kunz and Jacob Sampson will co-chair Aging Mind Foundation’s next Legacy Gala on Saturday, April 3, at Delilah Dallas.

PC Seen: Libe and David Lindsey, John Muse, Peg DeVan, Ashley Henschel, Brynlea and Ben Lee, Anne and Bill Seanor, Cara and Gary Owens, Tessa Patterson, Tamara and Larry Denbrock, Donna Morrow, Kristin Zamorano, Isabel Waggoner, Nicole Hill, Carolyn and Rob Payne, John Waggoner, Carol Hatton, Lisa Bennett, Dan Owen, Jo Marie Lilly, Ben Lee, Jonika Nix, Libe Lindsey, Stacy Phillippe, and Carlton Ferguson.