Polo on the Prairie: Back in the saddle May 3

MD Anderson News Release April 22, 2014

West Texas fundraiser celebrates 28 years of support for UT MD Anderson Cancer Center

MD Anderson News Release 04/22/14

Polo on the Prairie returns to Albany, Texas, for another year of polo with a purpose. Proceeds will benefit The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Players from seven states and four countries will descend on Lazy 3 Ranch’s hayfield-turned-polo-field for a thrilling, U.S. Polo Association-sanctioned tournament, donating their time and bringing their equipment, horses and support staff at their own expense. 

Following the championship match, guests feast on a Texas-size chuck wagon barbecue dinner before two-stepping to the rugged, country-rock tunes of the Turnpike Troubadours, a band recently featured in Live Nation’s Top 10 “Ones to Watch.” The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks finale.  

What started as a passion for MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV) member Mary Anne McCloud, of Eastland, is now a longstanding fundraiser for MD Anderson. With last year’s record-breaking donations of more than $400,000 and this year’s contributions of $334,000 so far, Polo on the Prairie has raised more than $5 million to support the institution’s cancer research and patient care initiatives.  

McCloud’s son-in-law, Henry Musselman, of Midland, continues to open his ranch to six polo teams and 1,200 spectators for one purpose: to end cancer. He and his wife, Melinda, lead a team of more than 100 volunteers who donate their time and financial resources toward this single goal. Also a BOV member, Musselman and his three children regularly hop in the saddle and play in the tournament as well.

“The Musselman and McCloud families and everyone who attends Polo on the Prairie play a significant role in our mission to end cancer,” said Ron DePinho, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “Our many successes, including our ranking as the top cancer center in the nation, are greatly assisted by this generous support.”

Individual tickets, $75, are available at 866-262-9029 or at events@mdanderson.org. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the event.