41st annual Polo by Twilight to be held virtually
The Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Benefit, which has provided scholarship aid for hundreds of students, brings together members of the Skidmore College and Saratoga Springs communities each year to support a worthy cause and celebrate the summer season in Saratoga.
This year’s Polo by Twilight, the 41st celebration of the Palamountain benefit, will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as requests for financial aid reach record highs, the need has never been greater to ensure a Skidmore education remains accessible to all talented students, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Registration is now open for the virtual event, which will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, and include traditional components of Polo by Twilight such as special guest speakers, recognition of the 2020 Palamountain scholarship recipient and a live auction. Event participants may also make real-time donations to Fund-a-Scholar and take advantage of take-out meal specials through a partnership with local restaurants.
“I hope that in the midst of this pandemic crisis, our invitees will consider donating to the fund, as many students need the support now more than ever,” said Kristin Grosso ’91, co-chair of the event alongside Yvonne McEachron.
The recipient of this year’s Anne T. Palamountain Scholar Award, presented to a student who has demonstrated leadership, service to others and a commitment to the larger good of society, is Naira Abdula ’20. Abdula is a Davis Project for Peace Grant recipient and the founder of Edutrer, an afterschool program in her hometown in Mozambique that teaches underprivileged children how to read, write and count using interactive technologies. Her plan for the nonprofit organization won third place in Skidmore’s 2018 Freirich Business Plan Competition. She also served as a peer mentor, teaching assistant, member of the Investment Club and International Student Union while earning her Bachelor of Science in management and business with honors.
“I hope our invitees will join us in celebrating Naira, who greatly deserves, but unfortunately will not be able to receive, in-person recognition,” said Grosso.
In lieu of a polo match, celebrity polo player Leighton Jordan will share his polo perspective. He’ll join new Skidmore President Marc C. Conner and Bruce Palamountain, son of Anne and Joseph, as this year’s guest speakers.
Although Skidmore College’s award-winning chefs won’t be able to serve their signature gourmet dinner this year, the event’s planning committee has partnered with local restaurants to feature special takeout meals, with proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund. Longfellows Hotel Restaurant and Conference Center, owned by Skidmore graduate and Trustee Steve Sullivan ’78, and Hattie’s Restaurant are participating.
Event participants will also be able to bid on live auction items throughout the program.
“I am so excited about the great work our auction committee has done in putting together many interesting and fabulous items,” said Grosso. “Our goal is to keep the one-hour program engaging and focused on celebrating this year’s scholar and continuing to raise funds for the scholarship program, as Anne Palamountain would wish for.”
The Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Fund, which honors the late Skidmore president and his wife, has provided over 400 scholarships to financially eligible juniors and seniors with outstanding academic and co-curricular service records since Anne Palamountain started the fund in 1979.
Visit the Polo by Twilight event website for more information and acknowledgment of special friends and event sponsors.
