Memphis Polo and Fayette Cares Fundraiser exhibition polo match By Tommy Brannon Memphis Polo Club held an exhibition polo match to raise funds for Fayette Cares on Sunday August 22, 2010 at the polo grounds in Rossville, TN. The polo match was a draw: Memphis 4, Rossville 4, but Fayette Cares was the overall winner. Fayette Cares is a non-profit organization that provides emergency food, clothing, and shelter for destitute families in Fayette County, Tennessee. They also assist in domestic violence intervention and operate a thrift shop in Somerville, TN. Proceeds from the sale of donated items to the thrift shop help fund the program and provide items for the needy. Tailgating was the order of the day, with clever themes for the tailgate contest, such as Team Bistro whose wine bottles sported homemade labels like Polo Noir and Polo Grigio. Leslie Shockey, Stacy Rich, and Mike Maness were the judges of the tailgate contest. Artist Michael Maness donated a painting titled “Polo” for the fundraiser to commemorate the sport. Bob Martin brought his four-in-hand team of Fresians to give carriage rides at halftime. Quite a number of spectators from other horse disciplines were present, among them Mesa Pate of Weatherford Texas, wearing a sundress, heals and bonnet instead of her customary cowboy hat. Mesa was in town for the Professional Bull Riders Memphis Invitational. She raises bucking bulls and is owner of the bull “Highway 12,” who has bucked off every cowboy who has tried to ride him this year. Upcoming exhibition matches are September 5 to benefit St Jude Children’s Research Hospital; October 3 to benefit the Jr. League of Memphis; October 17 to benefit the Wolf River Conservancy; and October 24 to benefit Shelby Farms. The next regular home game is September 19. For more information about Memphis Polo Club, visit http://www.memphispoloclub.com.