Supporters 'pony up' for cause

Maria and Joey Amenta, of Heritage Harbour, brought their dog, Minnie. "We come every year," Maria Amenta says.

University Park' s Brenda Gradl gets puppy kisses from Harrison.

Kelly Pomerville, of Punta Gorda, gets some puppy love from a pup up for adoption.

East County residents Carol Patulo, Lynn Shepardson, Lydia Martin and Jody Darling all volunteer with Nate' s Honor Animal Rescue.

Heather Chadwick gets help from her daughter, Kinsley, 2, in picking out silent auction items.

Lisa and Mike Evans, of Sarasota, got their two cats from Nate' s Honor Animal Rescue.

Lisa and Jerry Reeve, of Sarasota, bring their dogs, Jagger, Bowie and Angie.

Michelle Senglaub and her husband, Keith, not pictured, brought their dog, Lily, to the event.

Dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studio perform before the match.

Nate' s Honor Animal Rescue Executive Director Dari Oglesby greets event chairwoman Jessica Ortiz.

Sarasota' s Donna Koffman is on the board for the Animal Rescue Coalition.

Erica Morton, an employee of sponsor Sarasota Orthopedic Associates, indulges in a strawberry cheesecake.

Sara Ferguson and Taylor Karp enjoy a catered lunch in the pavilion.

Debra Swain and German Carmona have been coming from Tampa for the event for about four years.

Longwood Run residents Nancy Collins, Kathryn Collins and Rachel Westheimer — grandmother, daughter and granddaughter — cool off with ice cream.

Michelle and Bob Filander, with their 4-year-old daughter, Seton, were visiting from Texas. Michelle holds her niece, Quinn Long, of Sarasota.

The polo match started promptly at 1 p.m.