Source:  News Release/PMG Inc.

Omar Cepeda Benefit Saturday At IPC Mallet Grill

WELLINGTON, FL----The polo and equestrian community is banding together to help Omar Cepeda, who lost eight prized horses in a tragic barn fire in Lake Worth on March 9th.

International Polo Club Palm Beach and Hall of Famer Tim Gannon will host a cocktail reception at the Mallet Grill on Saturday, March 23 at 6 p.m. to benefit Cepeda.

Eight of Cepeda's best horses perished after an electrical overload caused a barn to catch fire. The horses, some of them valued at $50,000 each, could not be saved by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue's 31 firefighters and nine fire trucks. Saddles and other equipment were lost in the fire.

"The polo community is grieving," said John Wash, IPC president of operations.

Immediately, Cepeda received tack and stable supplies from The Tackeria and various other items from other caring friends.

Dave Offen of the Polo Players Support Group, Inc. said although the loss falls outside the scope of the foundation, its Board of Directors are coming to the aid of Cepeda by trying to raise $100,000 through a special group, Friends Of Omar, asking for a minimum donation of $1,000.

"Omar is a great horseman and a true gentleman on and off the field," Offen said. "Omar relies on selling horses as his primary source of income and was counting on selling all or most of this group as a very large part of his overall yearly income.

"Imagine for a moment being in Omar's position and the pain he must be feeling not only financially but emotionally as well," Offen said. "Like all of us, Omar truly loves his horses. Omar desperately needs our help in the form of dollars to purchase a new group of young horses and reserves to pay for their expenses until they are ready to be sold."

Those who have already pledged at least $1,000 are: Tim Gannon, Steve and Ginny Orthwein, Phil Heatley, Tony Coppola, Joe and Diana Dimenna, Nic Roldan, April Clark, Richard Schechter, Neil Hirsch, Beau and Dea Van Metre, Scott Swerdlin, Jim Braden, Phillip Staples, Bart Frye, Gerry Spitler, Barb Uskup, Nick Brien, Joe Meyer, Jim Whisenand, Tom Sikes, Doug Matthews, John Ingram, Harley Stimmel, Bill Farish, Don Dufresne, Scott Devon, John Walsh, Steve Felker, Barbara Wyatt, Dennis Trescott, Mike Egan, Team USPA Players, Anonymous, Cliff Sifton and Mason Phelps.

Any and all donations will be appreciated. Make checks payable to Omar Cepeda. The checks may be brought to the cocktail reception or mailed to David Offen, 11924 Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 22-287, Wellington, Fla. 33414.

OMAR CEPEDA BENEFIT

When: Saturday, March 23, 6 p.m.

Where: Mallet Grill, International Polo Club Palm Beach, 3667 120th Avenue South, Wellington, 33414

Contact: David Offen, 11924 Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 22-287, Wellington, Fla. 33414 (516-528-3821).

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