Taj Ma Ball Honors Indian Polo Team, Raises Funds for Performing Arts Center

“Polo is the sport of the land” – Winston Churchill

Agnes, Dan & Honey Keating

It was East meets West, with some Bollywood costuming thrown in, as many of the guests sported authentic saris and Indian formal attire for the 9th annual ball of Newport International Polo, held recenty at Rosecliff. The event was honored by the presence of Raghav Raj Singh, 8th Maharaj Sahib of Shivrati.

Mark & Brooke Still

Agnes Keating, in costume, looked quite the role of an Indian princess as husband Dan Keating, President of the Newport Polo Club, wore the traditional western tuxedo. Among the exuberant guests were Stacie Mills, who chaired the live auction, and helped to arrange the donation to the Newport Performing Arts Center, Baroness Calvet de Madillon, polo player Raj Jain and wife Arpana Jain, talking and bidding on silent auction items, which included a number of vintage 78 rpm recordings and music memorabilia. Captain Michael Waters wore his kilt, and Jasnina Bakir and Laurie Consoli sported gorgeous, nearly backless gowns.

Friends with Pamela O'Connor

The Polo Ball raised over $29,000 to benefit the restoration of Newport's historic Opera House.

Dining on gourmet Indian fare, the nearly 300 guests participated in a competitive live auction, led by auctioneer Kathy Kingston, whose proceeds support the efforts to restore the Newport Opera House, Newport’s future live theatre and performing arts venue.

Alison Vareika & Michael Murray

Newport Seen spotted Colonel Brian and Elizabeth Rogers, John and Jae French, Sarah Peppercorn Janes, Brendan Smith and Barbara Nestingen, Emlen and Liz Drayton, Mark and Brooke Still, Mark Urman and his wife, author Deborah Davis, and Jonathan and Marcella Baggot among the revelers.