Donors pony up support for MD Anderson

Polo mallets were swinging from Florida to Texas this spring, raising more than $600,000 for cancer research and patient care programs at MD Anderson. Polo Under the Palms in Florida and Polo on the Prairie in Texas are unique fundraising events with championship polo matches as main attractions.

BY Victor Scott

Intense polo competition at the Sarasota Polo Club marks the second annual Polo Under the Palms. Photo by Eric Nalpas.

More than 1,500 supporters had the opportunity to watch world-class polo, dine on an abundance of local cuisine, listen to live music and dance the night away ― all while supporting MD Anderson’s mission to eradicate cancer.

2nd Annual Polo Under the Palms

When: March 24, 2012
Where: Sarasota Polo Club, Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
Chairs: Mary and Jamie Uihlein, Christie and James P. Uihlein
Committee: Lisa Barnott, Rebecca Gutierrez, Candice McElyea, Maryellen Paterson, Michelle Qualley, Michelle Wynne
Team sponsors: Toyota of Lakewood, Harris Private Bank/M&I Wealth Management
Major sponsors: Nancy and Gene Phipps, Mary and Jamie Uihlein, Christie and James P. Uihlein
Total raised: More than $236,400

26th Annual Polo on the Prairie

When: April 28, 2012
Where: Musselman Brothers’ Lazy 3 Ranch, Albany, Texas
Chairs: Melinda and Henry Musselman
Chair emeritus: Mary Anne McCloud
Committee: Michele Arnot, Susan Cook, Pat Everett, Liz Green, Prissy Harvick, Virginia Musselman, Marci Pearson
Presenting sponsor: Blue Bell Creameries
Major supporters: Melinda and Henry Musselman, Jimmy Musselman, Beal Family, Dian Graves Owen Foundation, Kay R. McMillan, Amy and Timothy Leach, Kathy and Tripp Wommack
Total raised: More than $368,500

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Michael C. Linn of Houston is founder and former chairman, president and CEO of LINN Energy LLC. A member and past chairman of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, he serves on the National Petroleum Council and the Natural Gas Council. He's been a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors since 2010.

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Wyatt McSpadden, of Austin, Texas, has been a freelance photographer since 1976, his work appearing in Texas Monthly, the New York Times, Fortune and People, among others. McSpadden has worked on various MD Anderson assignments for almost a decade. University of Texas Press published his book, "Texas BBQ," in 2009.