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economist suntribune polo for heart saturday june 8 2002 25 liili j i staff photomike barrett by stefania rizzi staff writer more than 10 years ago lana grainger and another courageous soul braved foul weather to sit in the stands and watch a charity polo game there were two people in the stands and it was pouring rain one man was sitting at the bottom and i was down on the other side with my umbrella said ms grainger when i was a child i rode every day horses have always been my favourite i always wanted to see a game so when i saw the sign i had to go to investigate ive been going ever since and i real ly wanted to get involved with them said the 54yearold stouffville resident referring to the charity event polo for heart polo for heart which takes places june 14 to 16 at the gormley polo centre in richmond hill is an annual fundrais er for the heart and stroke foundation of ontario now in its 23rd year polo for heart has raised more than 3 million for heart disease and stroke research it takes months of planning to organ ize such an event with countless volun teers working to ensure an enjoyable time is had by all its an accomplishment ive always wanted to be a part of it said ms grainger who will be one of a number of volunteers on hand at the threeday event the volunteers are warm kind and they work like horses no pun intend ed she laughed i am extremely thankful to be part of this great bunch of volunteers other polo for heart volunteers include newmarkets ron anderson and lynn vandebeek of aurora when he heard about polo for heart mr anderson said he couldnt resist not becoming a part of the charity event im a compulsive volunteer i cant say no when theres a need or a good cause he said i just care too much about things mr anderson will be volunteering at front gate and anticipates a big turnout 5000 people its not out of the unexpected he said its going to be a great three days ms vandebeek is heading up the silent auction and as the person in charge is hoping to beat last years record by raising more than 45000 people will bid up and over the retail value of an item because theyre hav ing so much fun with it said the real estate agent explaining some items to be auctioned off are valued at 3000 although her sevenmember team can spend up to eight hours a day talk ing to companies donating an item for the auction ms vandebeek said its worthwhile when i was told how many hours are required it was massive i thought id be crazy to do it she said its hard but i enjoy it this years event is especially signifi cant for richmond hills keri weir for the first time in its 23year history polo for heart will host an allwoman polo match for mrs weir a member of the toronto polo club this means she will be both a polo for heart competitor and volunteer its very exciting said the 30-year- old who is in charge of preparing gift bags for visiting polo players from such cities as montreal buffalo and hartford connecticut mrs weir has been a polo for heart volunteer for several years and has found the event to be fulfilling a lot of people come out because this is such a good organization and its for such a good cause she said you get to help other families in need if not your own king townships jackie mccasey is of the same opinion and encourages peo ple to attend the event the weekend offers so much to so many different people said mrs mccasey who will head this years added feature the players classic a 12- goal polo game followed by a buffet din ner and live auction held as the kickoff to the threeday event its going to be a funfilled weekend that offers more than what i think most fundraisers have she said and its a worthwhile foundation to help admission is 10 with children 12 and under admitted free for more information call 416-432- 9735 or visit wwwpoloforheartorg cure leukemia onlv excellence in is funded by lrf pit mr j v lwjlw tuesday june 11 2002 at700pm i premiere ballroom l 9019 leslie st richmond hill iff hwys 404 and 7 hear canadas bestknown scientist p author and environmentalist discuss the challenge of the 21st century tickets 1800 20 at the door wwwticketmasterca4168708000 or call 9059530011 for more info visit our website wwwyreaorg brought to you by the york region environmental alliance funded by ontarios trillium foundation jul luivlluali golf for 2002 we are now accepting membership in our private golf country club in 3 categories 1 weekday mon to fri 4 except holiday 2 trial 1 year membership 3 full membership featuring swimming pool tennis fine dining sauna newly decorated club house f you can play with our friendly members join in the many golfing events planned located on woodbine avenue for a personal tour with director of golf corey shanahan call 9054777711 gjwafkham v- vi golfcoutrmrcwb