Two fast-moving polo games featuring some of the San Francisco Bay Area’s highest rated polo players and well bred polo ponies, live jazz, and a champagne divot stomp will be among the featured highlights of the 19th Annual Polo in the Wine Country benefit. The day of outdoor festivities at this annual gala takes place 1-4pm, Sunday September 18 at Trione Polo Field, 550 White Oak Drive (Oakmont) off Highway 12 near Santa Rosa.

“This event is a perfect opportunity to spend a Sunday afternoon relaxing in an elegant setting, to watch good polo and sample fine wines and beers, while raising money to help fund financial literacy programs in both K-12 classroom and after-school settings,” said Lisa Cannon, Director of Junior Achievement of Northern California (JANC).

The benefit, sponsored by JANC and hosted by the Wine Country Polo Club (with AT&T sponsorship) will also include a "Royal Ascot" ladies' hat competition, gourmet food, a classic car show, gourmet dessert bar and a silent auction and raffle.

Junior Achievement, an international non-profit organization, gives young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA’s corporate and community volunteers deliver relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.

JA programs empower students to make a connection between what they learn in school and how it can be applied in the real world – enhancing the relevance of their classroom learning and increasing their understanding of the value of staying in school. Junior Achievement of Northern California reached 119,000 students during the 2010-2011 school year. To learn more: http://bayarea.ja.org/.

General, grass seating, $40+, VIP Chukker Club Tables (Seat 8, fully catered luncheon) $800. Information: http://2011japolo.eventbrite.com.