Meyer Center for Special Children was founded in 1954 by Dr. Leslie Meyer. Dr. Meyer was an orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Hospital for Children. His vision was simple: “In the right environment, all children can learn!” Sixty nine years later, the mission hasn’t changed. Families struggle with where to turn for help when parenting a child with special needs. Making the public aware of what a life-changing resource the Meyer Center can be is imperative. All the appropriate assistance a child may need is found under one roof. Parents, children and staff form a bond that lasts a lifetime. I was an employee for ten years, so I can attest to this fact!
We want to introduce you to a team of young professionals called Impact Meyer Center. Impact’s mission is “to empower community members to support children with disabilities so that they may reach their full potential.” This team of superheroes hosts a variety of events throughout the year to raise money. They lend overall support to our community’s most special school (I may be throwing in a little bias here, but I’m not sorry).
The Meyer Center Polo Classic is the newest exciting event. This happening will be held at Historic Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville on Sunday, October 22nd from 11:30-4:30pm. You guys know I have to mention that Hopkins Farm was the site of the Battle of the Great Cane Brake during the Revolutionary War. Not only is it a beautiful venue, but it’s historic. I’m here for all the history! What better way to kick off the fun than with cocktails and catering (thank you Southern Libations & Table 301!) The Meyer Center Polo Classic promises to be the premier fall event of the upstate, complete with stomping of the divots and an elegant champagne reception.
Although tickets are sold out, there’s still an opportunity for you to support the cause. Currently, the Meyer Center has a long waiting list of children in desperate need of all the resources the center has to offer. Hopes are high for this fund raiser. The Meyer Center family’s goal is to have this elaborate affair raise enough money to grow and sustain a new class each year. The more students they can serve, the better our community becomes!
Click here for more details or contact Executive Director, Meta Bowers, at mbowers@meyercenter.org. You can also text “23PC” to 76278 and make a donation.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE GAME OF POLO
- Polo is the oldest “ball” game in the world, dating back to 600BC
- Players can only use their right hand
- It began in Persia as a training game for Calvary units
- In some countries, the sport has been played using elephants, camels, and even donkeys
- The oldest polo club was started in Calcutta in 1862 by two British soldiers & is still in existence today
Because we’re creeping (pun intended) up on the month of October, I have to include this one traumatic fact: An Emperor in China hosted polo matches on his property each year. Sadly, one match ended with the death of his dear friend. As a result, he ordered the remaining players to be beheaded!
Supporting the Meyer Center through Impact is crucial to the success of the school. Be sure to visit their website here for a list of exciting opportunities to participate in their efforts.
Trust me, the children and their families will thank you!
