Return of a legend: Polo on the Prairie rides again April 27

MD Anderson News Release April 08, 2013

West Texas fundraiser celebrates 27 years of support for UT MD Anderson Cancer Center

MD Anderson News Release 04/08/13

It’s been almost 30 years since Henry Musselman first climbed into a saddle and grabbed a polo mallet in a concerted effort against cancer. The Midland native and his wife, Melinda, and her mother, Mary Anne McCloud, of Eastland, co-founded Polo on the Prairie to support The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and its mission to eradicate cancer.

“My mother-in-law is a longtime member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors,” says Musselman. “Several years ago, after attending an exhibition polo match on our ranch, she asked us to host a match to raise funds for and awareness of the institution. Our first event was in 1987, and we never imagined it would grow into the magnificent fundraiser it is today.”

The annual Polo on the Prairie event features a U.S. Polo Association-sanctioned tournament played on a hayfield-turned-polo-field at the Musselman Brothers’ Lazy 3 Ranch in Albany.  Following the championship match, attendees feast on a Texas-size chuck wagon barbecue dinner before dancing to a private country music concert. The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks finale.  

For the first time in Polo on the Prairie history, two Texas bands unite to offer an evening of unforgettable music as critically acclaimed singer-songwriters and brothers Charlie and Bruce Robison take the stage together at the Lazy 3 Ranch.  

Musselman, also a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors, no longer focuses his efforts on scoring goals.  Instead, he and Melinda lead a team of more than 100 volunteers who donate their time and financial resources towards a single goal: ending cancer. With last year’s record-breaking donations of more than $368,000, Polo on the Prairie has raised more than $4.3 million to support cancer research and patient care initiatives.  

“The Musselman and McCloud families and everyone who attends Polo on the Prairie play a significant role in our mission to end cancer,” said Ronald DePinho, M.D., president of MD Anderson. “Our many successes, including our ranking as the top cancer hospital in the nation, are made possible 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.

04-08-13