From the Classroom to the Polo Field: Childcare Resources at Windsor Charity Polo Cup

Childcare Resources Board Members Gail Nourse, Melissa Shine, and Gerri Smith represented the organization at the Windsor Charity Polo Cup tailgate, hosting the “Heart of Early Learning.”

The Childcare Resources booth featured an interactive activity where community members voted for their favorite classroom horse.

Love was in the air at this year’s Windsor Charity Polo Cup as Childcare Resources of Indian River proudly participated as one of the event’s beneficiaries. Held on Valentine’s Day, the annual gathering brought together community members from across Indian River County for an afternoon of sport, generosity, and celebration in support of local nonprofits.

At Windsor, the Childcare Resources tent became a lively hub where guests learned more about the power of high-quality early learning and the hardworking families and children served each year. Visitors even got in on the fun, voting for their favorite classroom horse, each one decorated by the program students.

David and Suzu Neithercut with Childcare Resources Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman at the Windsor Charity Polo Cup luncheon.

Across the polo field, Board Members Melissa Shine, Gail Nourse, and Gerri Smith represented the organization at the tailgate, hosting a “Heart of Early Learning” tent. Guests stopped by to enjoy pink lemonade, sweet treats, and conversation about the lasting impact of investing in the first five years of life.

“Representing Childcare Resources at the tailgate was such a meaningful experience,” said Board of Director Melissa Shine. “I believe deeply in our mission because I’ve seen how access to quality early education changes the trajectory of a child’s life. Events like this give us the chance to share that message with the broader community.”

Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate. “We are so thankful to have been selected as a beneficiary of this year’s Windsor Charity Polo Cup,” said Bowman. “The generosity shown by this community allows us to continue serving children and families who rely on access to high-quality early learning.”