23rd Annual Chukkers for Charity “Divots & Downton” to Return on Saturday, Sept. 7
Nissan returns as title sponsor of the signature polo match and classic car show at Riverview Farm
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Nissan’s Chukkers for Charity returns on Saturday, Sept. 7 for the 23rd annual polo match and car show held in Franklin, Tenn. This year’s theme, “Divots & Downton: An afternoon of Polo & Ponies,” will celebrate award-winning British historical drama Downton Abbey. Chukkers for Charity raises funds for Rochelle Center and Saddle Up! and has raised $3.3 million throughout the last 23 years.
“We are so excited for another year of Chukkers for Charity,” said Debbie Chadwick, president of Rochelle Center. “This family-friendly outdoor event directly supports the work of our programs and the programs at Saddle Up!, and it’s a pleasure to be a beneficiary.”
Chukkers for Charity is the largest polo event in Middle Tennessee and features a vintage car show parade during half time, a silent auction and cabana decorating competition. Guests are encouraged to participate in celebrating the theme through the décor of their individual cabana tailgating headquarters, as well as through their attire. Chukkers for Charity will feature a best dressed contest to highlight guests that are able to embrace the “Divots & Downton” theme most successfully.
Executive Director of Saddle Up! Laurie Kush added, “Saddle Up! is honored to share one of Middle Tennessee’s favorite fundraising events with non-profit partner, Rochelle Center. The proceeds from the event ensure that Saddle Up!’s special equestrians, ages 2-24, are able to access quality and safe therapeutic programming that uses the unique power and motivation of the horse.”
Matt Paco and Nina Lindley return as Chukker’s for Charity co-chairs for the second year in a row. Along with Nissan as title sponsor, additional sponsors include Canyon Ranch, Colonial Hill Farm, Ironhorse Farms, 12th Street Asset Management, LBMC, Williamson Medical Center, Jack Daniel Distillery, Tennessee Equine Hospital, Jackie and Barry Alexander, Publix Super Markets Charities, Ortale Kelley, Bank of America Private Bank, Lipman Brothers – R.S. Lipman Company, Ingram Entertainment, Lithographics, Nashville Geek, D’Andrews Bakery, and Outdoor Classic Structures.
The gates for the event will open at 1 p.m. for tailgaters and 2 p.m. for patrons. The opening ceremony will be held at 2:45 p.m. with the polo match beginning around 3 p.m. Following the polo match, dinner will begin in the Patrons Tent at 5:15 p.m.
Fieldside Patron Tables are available for $2,500 per table of 10. Standard Patron Tables are available for $1,750 per table of 10 or $175 per individual ticket. Tailgating cabanas are available for $300, which includes six wristbands and a cabana, two additional wristbands per cabana available for $50 each. To purchase tickets, please visit www.chukkersforcharity.net.
Chukkers for Charity is hosted by Lee Ann and Orrin Ingram at Riverview Farm in Franklin, Tenn. For more information, call 615-794-1150 ex. 320 or visit https://bit.ly/2MFjwDE to purchase tickets.
ABOUT ROCHELLE CENTER
In 1968, long time area educator W.R. Rochelle, began the foundation for the agency to offer support for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This support enhances skills necessary for these individuals to become as independent as possible in our community. Today’s Rochelle Center continues that mission with community integration, employment, in addition to residential services. For more information, visit www.rochellecenter.org.
About SADDLE UP!
Saddle Up! provides children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational and recreational activities with horses. Our programs include Adaptive Riding, Therapy Services (including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy), Advanced Rider Equestrian Club, Equine Assisted Learning, Interactive Vaulting, and the Alumni Transitions Program. Since 1991, our programs, education, and outreach make a measurable impact in the lives of Middle Tennessee youth from 11 counties, with more than 50 types of documented disabilities. Saddle Up! is Middle Tennessee’s largest and oldest Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Center. saddleupnashville.org.
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