More than 3,000 guests gathered at Bouckaert Farm in Fairburn for the 9th Annual Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic, turning the September 19 event into one of the largest celebrations in the organization’s history.

Presented by the Miguel Wilson Collection and the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, the annual event blended fashion, competitive polo, celebrity appearances, live entertainment and philanthropy while raising approximately $30,000 to support youth equestrian programs.

What began as a distinctive Atlanta social experience has developed into something with a much broader purpose. The Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic now serves as a major fundraising platform for the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, which works to increase access to equestrian sports for young people from underrepresented communities.

The weekend began Friday, September 18, with an exclusive welcome party sponsored by Ben Crump Law at The Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel. By Saturday afternoon, the celebration had moved to the sprawling grounds of Bouckaert Farm, where guests arrived dressed for one of Atlanta’s most recognizable fashion-forward outdoor events.

Throughout the property, fashion and luxury met the competitive energy of the polo field. Guests enjoyed gourmet food, signature cocktails, entertainment and networking while watching some of the most significant youth and collegiate polo programs in the country take center stage.

Among the featured teams was the Morehouse Polo Club, recognized as the nation’s first certified HBCU polo team.

The Atlanta B.E.S.T. Academy Polo Team also competed during the event. The program holds its own historic distinction as the first all-Black high school polo team registered with the U.S. Polo Association.

The day also brought an international element to the competition with the appearance of a visiting Nigerian Polo Team, further expanding the reach and visibility of the event.

For Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic founder Miguel Wilson, the turnout represented something greater than attendance numbers.

“Even after nine years of doing this event, we honestly did not expect to receive as much support and excitement as we received this year,” Wilson said. “It means a lot that people took the time to come out and be with us. This means a lot not just for me, but also to the kids that we support.”

Entertainment was another major part of the afternoon.

Singer, songwriter and actor Tyrese delivered a special live performance inside the event’s main party area, adding another layer to an experience already built around fashion, culture and entertainment.

The guest list reflected the broad reach of the event across Atlanta’s entertainment, media, political and business communities.

Attendees included former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, entertainment executive Mona Scott-Young, Toya Johnson-Rushing, Grammy Award-winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox, actors Lamman Rucker and Terri J. Vaughn, Mimi Faust, Big Tigger, Kenny Burns, Portia Bruner, Guy Lambert, celebrity photographer Derek Blanks and Pastor Jamal Bryant.

But beyond the celebrity appearances, the strongest story of the afternoon remained the mission behind the event.

Approximately $30,000 was raised to support the Ride to the Olympics Foundation and its ongoing youth programming.

The organization works to remove financial and cultural barriers that have historically limited access to equestrian sports in many communities. Its programs introduce young people to disciplines including polo, show jumping and dressage while also emphasizing mentorship, leadership and personal development.

A portion of the funding also supports the continued development of the Atlanta B.E.S.T. Academy polo program.

Wilson has made it clear that the long-term goal reaches far beyond one team or one annual event.

“Our mission is to expand our support for the youth polo teams we’ve established while building new teams across the nation,” Wilson said. “Over time, our goal is to create a national competitive circuit of youth teams competing against one another, opening doors to life-changing educational, athletic, and career opportunities.”

That vision has helped distinguish the Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic from a traditional fashion or lifestyle event.

Yes, the afternoon is intentionally stylish. Guests come dressed for the occasion, fashion is central to the atmosphere and the Miguel Wilson Collection remains an important part of the event’s identity.

But the larger purpose is access.

Polo and other equestrian sports have historically carried significant financial barriers, from training and equipment to access to horses, facilities and competitive opportunities. Programs supported by the Ride to the Olympics Foundation are designed to create entry points for young athletes who may otherwise never encounter the sport.

That mission was visible throughout this year’s event as experienced polo players, young athletes, business leaders, celebrities and community supporters shared the same grounds.

The ninth annual event was supported by presenting sponsors Bentley Atlanta, Ben Crump Law and Indigo Road Realty, along with Crown Wealth Management, Envo Water, West End Gin, 16 Solutions, The Fly Lawyer, Sweetie’s Caring Hands, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Don Henrique Tequila.

Their support helped turn the weekend into both a major social gathering and a fundraising opportunity with tangible impact.

As the Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic approaches its tenth year, the 2026 event demonstrated just how much the platform has grown.

More than 3,000 guests. An international polo presence. A live performance from Tyrese. A high-profile Atlanta guest list. And $30,000 directed toward expanding opportunities for young people in equestrian sports.

For Wilson and the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, however, the number that matters most may be the number of young people who gain access to opportunities that once felt out of reach.

That is ultimately what sits at the center of the Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic. Fashion brings people in. Polo creates the experience. But purpose gives the event its staying power.

For more information about the Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic, visit fashionandpoloclassic.com.

To learn more about the Ride to the Olympics Foundation and its youth programs, visit ridetotheolympics.org.

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