Palamountain Scholarship Benefit marks 29th year

Skidmore will hold its annual scholarship benefit, "Polo by Twilight," Tuesday, July 29, at the Saratoga Polo Field, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

All funds raised will go to the Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Fund, created to honor the college's fourth president and his wife for their 22 years of leadership. Joseph Palamountain served as Skidmore president from 1965 to 1987.

During the most recent academic year, 20 students were able to attend Skidmore with financial assistance from the Palamountain Scholarship Fund. In the last four years alone, the benefit has raised some $1 million for scholarships.

The event will offer a gourmet dinner, entertainment, live and silent auctions, and a polo match. The two teams will compete for the Palamountain Cup.

The co-chairs of this year's Palamountain Benefit are Holly Schwarz-Lawton and Marcia MacDonald, both of Saratoga Springs.

For those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of polo, the event will offer "Polo 101, an Introduction to the Game." Led by Tony Coppola, Hall of Fame polo player and Saratoga Polo Association's director of polo operations, the class will provide an overview of the game, including the equipment used, rules of the game, and basic polo shots. The class runs just prior to the event, from 5 to 5:30 p.m.

This year's Palamountain Benefit auction boasts dozens of items, including trips to Fiji and St. Thomas, a day with acclaimed thoroughbred horse owner Cot Campbell of Dogwood Stables, and a day in the owner's box at Shea Stadium. Other items include "pamper packages" and spa treatments, gourmet restaurant meals, and works by well-known local artists.

Saratoga Springs-based Artist Frankie Flores is playing a special role in this year's Palamountain Benefit. Flores, whose vibrant painting of two polo players was reproduced on the event's invitation and program, has donated the original oil painting to the auction.

For those unable to attend the benefit, there is the option of submitting virtual bids. The high bidder?in competition with other bidders both online and in attendance at the event?will be notified no later than Aug. 1. In addition, there is an online-only auction for which winners will be announced on July 30. For online bidding, click here.

The general ticket price for the event is $125, with a special price of $95 for those under age 35. For more information on the Palamountain Scholarship Benefit. go to the link above or call 518-580-5671.