Pink in Abundance at 2nd annual Gateway to Hope Polo Match July 30

July 11, 2016 7:54 pm

ST. LOUIS (July 12, 2016) — The color pink will be prevalent when the ball drops, the horses gallop off and the divots start flying at the second annual Gateway to Hope Polo Match on Sat., July 30, at McGehee Polo Field at Spirit Valley Farms (17879 Wild Horse Creek Rd.) in Chesterfield. All proceeds from the event will benefit Missouri women currently being treated for breast cancer who are underinsured or lack financial resources through Gateway to Hope’s innovative programming. Last year’s inaugural event raised more than $30,000 for the organization, critical funding that helped ease the financial burden and relieve the stress associated with undergoing treatment by covering the cost-of-living necessities, including help with rent, gas cards to get to treatment, critical medications, and so much more. “The polo match provides us with an innovative and refreshing approach to support what we do at Gateway to Hope on behalf of patients in need who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer,” said Dawn Van Houten, executive director of Gateway to Hope. “This is a disease that affects everyone, regardless of income, gender or insurance coverage. The diagnosis, in and of itself, is significant not only for the patient, but for their spouse, children, parents and co-workers.” Everyone — from polo enthusiasts to first-time spectators — is invited to attend the July 30 event at Spirit Valley Farms.

Gates open at 3 p.m. and the match begins at 4 p.m. Patrons may purchase tickets at any one of three levels: General Admission ($25/carload); Tailgate Parking ($50 /carload); Bridle Club Tent ($70/adult, $25/child; food and beverages included). Food and beverages will be available for purchase onsite for general admission and tailgate attendees, though in the spirit of tradition, patrons are allowed to bring their own. For more information, or to order tickets, visit www.gthstl.org. General admission tickets will also be available for purchase that day.

Diane Gantner, senior vice president of Community Markets, Associated Bank, is the event chairperson. Since 2005, more than 1,000 breast cancer patients have received support from Gateway to Hope. An estimated 300 are expected to receive support this year alone, representing a nearly 25 percent increase over 2015. Through its innovative Insurance Premium Program, Gateway to Hope assists patients with help in paying their insurance premiums by providing them with direct access to comprehensive care through the physicians and facilities of their choice. Additional financial resources through its Thelma’s Gift fund are made available to help cover the cost of the necessities of life they may be unable to pay for during treatment. Anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, or knows someone who has, is encouraged to call the organization’s Breast Cancer Lifeline (314-569-1113) for more information.

About Gateway To Hope
Founded in 2005 by Dr. David Caplin, a plastic/reconstructive surgeon, and Dr. Marlys Schuh, an oncologic breast surgeon, Gateway to Hope has provided comprehensive donated medical care and financial assistance to uninsured or underinsured individuals in need who have been diagnosed with or are at high risk for developing breast cancer. More than 1,000 women have received services ranging from financial assistance with mortgage and utility payments to the full spectrum of surgical and medical care, at little or no cost. Through corporate and private sector donations, the Gateway to Hope Insurance Premium Program was initiated in 2015.

For more information, if you or someone you know has breast cancer, please call the Gateway to Hope Breast Cancer Lifeline, 314-569-1113, or visit www.gthstl.org.