The Charity Polo Classic was founded in early December 2011 by advertising executive and professional polo player Chris Gannon and Children’s Cancer Center board member Patrick Moraites. Their vision was to merge their passion for philanthropy and polo, creating a one-of-a-kind event in the Tampa Bay area. After enlisting the support of their business contacts and friends, they formed the inaugural Charity Polo Classic Planning Committee. Despite the challenge of organizing a large-scale event within just three months, the team succeeded.