The Windsor Charitable Foundation board is pleased to announce the return of PNC Bank as the presenting sponsor for the 2022 Windsor Charity Polo Cup. Additionally, the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) and the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) have been selected as the event’s two benefitting charities. Net proceeds for the biennial polo event, taking place Feb. 19, 2022, over President’s Day weekend, will be donated equally to both charities in support of their respective causes.

“Supporting the preservation efforts by ORCA, the nation’s first technology-based marine conservation organization, and ELC’s mission to educate, inspire and empower people to be active stewards of the environment, aligns closely with PNC’s national environmental and sustainability efforts,” said Cressman Bronson, PNC regional president of Southeast Florida. “We are proud of our continual involvement with Windsor Charity Polo Cup and its efforts to raise funds for such meaningful charities.”

The Windsor Charity Polo Cup is recognized as the signature high-goal charity polo match of the Vero Beach season. The last event in 2020 featured an exciting roster of top-level international players including Nachi Du Plessis from South Africa and Justin Taylor from London, UK.

The 2020 Charity Polo Cup raised $333,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County, the Literacy Services of Indian River County, and the Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County local community charities – the highest amount of charitable dollars in the event’s history.

“The Foundation’s goal for the biennial polo event is to give back to our local community. For the 2022 event, we selected two environmentally focused organizations to support, which are doing exceptional work in the areas of protecting critical habitats, research and education,” said Betsy Hanley, president of Windsor and vice chair of the Foundation board.

Both charities selected this year have several Windsor Members as supporters and donors. Event beneficiaries play an active role in the success of the event and serve on the event planning committee.

“ORCA is incredibly grateful to be named a beneficiary of the 2022 Windsor Charity Polo Cup. This support comes at a critical time for our organization and for the Indian River Lagoon,” said Dr. Edie Widder, ORCA president, CEO and senior scientist.

“All of us at the Environmental Learning Center are thrilled to have been chosen as a co-beneficiary of the Windsor Polo event this February,” added Barbara Schlitt Ford, the organization’s executive director. “Windsor is a premier, internationally known residential enclave and we are so proud to be working with these special neighbors. They embrace their role as stewards of this unique ecosystem. We look forward to an impactful and long-lasting partnership with this local treasure.”

Sponsorships are available for purchase now. For the latest information on the 2022 Windsor Charity Polo Cup, visit windsorcharitypolocup.com.

About the 2022 Presenting Sponsor and Event Beneficiaries

PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit pnc.com.

The Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) is focused on preserving the Indian River Lagoon through science, restoration, advocacy and education. As the nation’s first technology-based marine conservation organization, ORCA’s niche in responding to large-scale deterioration of the marine environment is to collect accurate and scientifically defensible data on water quality and its impact on the marine ecosystems; provide the data to the public and decision makers in an easily understandable format; and to engage communities in marine conservation action. By combining innovative technology, applied science, and community outreach, ORCA is leading the way in protection and conservation of our valuable coast, estuaries and oceans – saving these precious habitats for the generations of tomorrow. ORCA’s facilities are located in Vero Beach and Indian Harbour Beach. teamorca.org

The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is an attractive destination for people of all ages to frequently return to for adventure, learning and wellness. Visitors experience and appreciate the benefits of immersion in nature, understand the value of a healthy environment, and are inspired to create a sustainable world. The ELC’s mission is to educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own wellbeing. Through participatory, immersive, nature-based experiences, the ELC’s goal is to deepen the human connection with and understanding of other species, so that all humanity can live in harmony with the natural world. The unique 64-acre lagoon island nature center is open seven days a week and offers guided pontoon boat excursions; a 1,500-gallon aquarium/touch tank and interactive science museum; canoe/kayak rental and programs; events for the young and young at heart; and a multitude of volunteer opportunities. discoverelc.org

Windsor is a private residential sporting club community spanning 472 acres of lush barrier island between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean in Vero Beach, Florida. Established in 1989 by Hilary and W. Galen Weston of Toronto, Canada, Windsor was designed by renowned town planners Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk in the New Urbanism style of residential living, one that offers public and community spaces framed by timeless architecture and landscape design that celebrates its tropical and unspoiled setting. Windsor is comprised of 350 homesites in several styles including village homes, cottages, and country estates, all remarkable for their signature Anglo-Caribbean architecture and gracious living. Residents enjoy privacy and seclusion combined with the finest amenities, exemplary services, and sporting activities. windsorflorida.com