Polo & Friendship: An Afternoon of Polo with the Friendship Center

Next week, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club will play host to more than a thrilling afternoon of sport – it will serve as a chance to learn about a local nonprofit that’s been quietly making a difference for nearly 50 years. On July 18th, from 3:30 to 6:30 pm, the Friendship Center will host a polo experience in the Mountain Tent, inviting new friends and longtime supporters alike to enjoy some drinks and small bites while learning more about the organization. 

Founded in 1976, the Friendship Center has become one of Santa Barbara County’s most vital resources for families navigating the challenges of dementia. With a mission rooted in dignity, compassion, and inclusion, the Friendship Center offers adult day services for older adults – primarily those living with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments. What sets the Friendship Center apart is its unwavering commitment to accessibility: no one is turned away due to an inability to pay, thanks to a sliding scale payment system and dedicated fundraising efforts.

“The people we serve are not just clients – they’re part of our family,” explains Executive Director Kathryn Cherkas Westland. A former program manager who returned to lead the organization in 2023, Westland’s connection to dementia care is deeply personal. Her experience supporting a grandfather with advanced dementia has shaped the Center’s renewed focus on culturally responsive care, inclusive programming, and stigma reduction. Under her leadership, the Center launched Herencia Latina, a Spanish-language program, and opened a new satellite location in Carpinteria—doubling down on efforts to reach more families where they are.

The upcoming polo event – sponsored and hosted by longtime supporter Claudia Uretz – is a celebration of these efforts and an invitation to the wider Montecito community. With light appetizers, desserts, an open bar, and a silent auction, the gathering promises a convivial atmosphere amid one of the area’s most iconic settings. Guests will also enjoy a “Polo 101” crash course from Uretz and a warm welcome from Westland herself, offering a glimpse into the values and vibrancy that animate the Center’s work.

“This is something new for us,” says Justine Casady, Friendship Center’s events and marketing lead. “We’ve never done a polo event before, but it felt like the right opportunity to reach people who might not know we’re right across the street from the Miramar.” The goal, she adds, is twofold: to raise essential funds and, perhaps more importantly, to build relationships with potential supporters who care about family, community, and quality of life for older adults.

Indeed, the numbers speak volumes. Over the past few years, the Center’s daily attendance has climbed from 17 to nearly 50 members, a sign of both growing need and strong community trust. With the addition of the Carpinteria outpost – open two days a week and already easing travel burdens for local families – the organization is expanding its footprint while remaining grounded in its mission.

Events like the polo fundraiser are key to sustaining this growth. With no state funding and a commitment to affordability, the Friendship Center relies heavily on donors to bridge the financial gap. And yet, as any family touched by their services will attest, the return on investment is immeasurable: peace of mind, joyful moments, and a loving, supportive environment where elders can thrive.

Tickets for the July 18th event will be available through July 16^th or until sold out. For those unfamiliar with the Friendship Center, it’s more than an afternoon outing – it’s an open door to learn, connect, and help shape the next 50 years of compassionate care in Santa Barbara County. Plus, of course, make some new friends.  

For tickets and more information, visit fcsb.org/events