Mother Nature Shines At Annual Green Cup of Polo

Be sure to check out all of our photographs from this event HERE and tell us what you were wearing that night!

POOLESVILLE, Md. -- Driving through the rolling green hills of Potomac on my way to the annual Green Cup of Polo Sunday afternoon, I couldn't help but appreciate the serene landscapes that I passed and their indirect relationships with the event I was about to attend.

For you see, preservation of the environment for future generations goes to the very heart of why the Green Cup was founded. Washington's only sporting event to be certified as carbon-neutral, the annual polo match and surrounding events serve as a vehicle through which all area parties that are working to solve today's environmental issues can come together to celebrate their accomplishments.

Indeed, the Green Cup is as much about networking as it is about socializing. Rather than trying to build awareness through a simple fundraiser, the event's organizers invited local politicians, foreign dignitaries, corporations, as well as fashionistas, socialites, and the general public so as to create a setting in which environmental issues could be freely discussed by as many affected parties as possible -- all while enjoying a beautiful fashion show and reception.

Representatives from the office of Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley were in attendance on Sunday, as were Ambassador of Pakistan Husain Haqqani, Ambassador of Afghanistan Said Tayeb Jawad, Ambassador of Ireland Michael Collins, and Minister Matthias Sonn from the German Embassy.

Large corporations, such as Red Bull and Under Armour, as well as many local merchants were represented during the event, with each one showcasing a specific product or service that benefits the environment.

Other VIPs that were in attendance included MIX 107.3 radio personality Tommy McFly, Ask Miss A's Andrea Rodgers, and ABC 7 News' Rebecca Cooper. Also not to be overlooked was the Georgetown University chapter of the Delta Phi Epsilon professional foreign service fraternity and sorority.

As the well-dressed crowd of tailgaters started to arrive just after noon, local members of the Capitol Polo Club competed in the day's opening match. Guests were free to browse the tents of numerous event sponsors who had turned out for the day to showcase their environmentally-friendly products and services. Given the day's extreme heat, the Marble Slab Creamery, Honest Tea, and Red Bull tables were all especially popular!

Guests who had purchased VIP tickets were also treated to an open bar and buffet table, as well as a bird's eye view of the polo field in the shade from the club's bleachers. Designer Evelyn Brooks, a Green Cup partner who had created a special line of jewelry specifically for the event, had also set up a display table where visitors were invited to make an "eco-chic" purchase benefiting three prominent, area environmental organizations: the American Council On Renewable Energy, Montgomery County's Equestrian Partners In Conservation, and Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau's EarthEcho International.

A fashion show that highlighted some of the hottest environmentally-conscious designs was held immediately following the main polo match. To be sure, the models and designers deserve special praise for continuing despite a passing summer shower!

Sun, rain, horses, and a fashionably dressed crowd. Polluters would be green with envy!


Be sure to check out all of our photographs from this event HERE and tell us what you were wearing that night!