The pounding of hooves, the zing of a mallet striking a ball, the cheers from the crowd—there’s a palatable excitement to a polo match. Every year, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital channels that energy for good by inviting St. Louisans field-side for Glennon Gallop. The annual polo match and party supports The Danis Pediatric Center, which provides outpatient pediatric care to children, regardless of their families’ ability to pay.
“Our mission is to meet kids where they are and ensure every child receives the care they deserve, regardless of circumstance,” explains Sandy Koller, president of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation. “The Danis Pediatric Center serves as a medical home for many children in underserved communities who may otherwise go without consistent care. By providing accessible, comprehensive services, we help close health gaps and ensure kids are healthier, safer and better prepared to thrive.”
The impact of The Danis Pediatric Center is clear. Each year, more than 20,000 visits are made to the center, and 75% of the families served live at or below the federal poverty level. To ensure that families can overcome barriers to health care, its CARES (Connection & Resource Equity Services) program connects them with appropriate resources while care coordinators offer personalized support. The clinic provides care to children in the foster care system through its Fostering Healthy Children program. It also supports immigrant and refugee children through the EnRICH Clinic (Enhancing Refugee and Immigrant Children’s Health). Additional services include behavioral health support through onsite counselors and partnerships with the psychology and psychiatry departments, as well as specialized care for children with chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes through the Primary Care Health Home (PCHH) program.
The need for The Danis Pediatric Center’s services has increased 200% in the last decade. To meet the rising demand on its programs, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon opened a new location in Tower Grove, replacing its Midtown clinic in 2023. This year, the funds raised by Glennon Gallop will go toward continuing to renovate the new location so it can provide care to more young patients. “Glennon Gallop plays a critical role in supporting The Danis Pediatric Center’s mission,” Koller says. “Proceeds from the event directly benefit the center’s programs and services, helping us expand our reach and enhance the care we provide to thousands of children each year.”
This year’s Glennon Gallop is Sept. 20 at August Busch Polo Club in Defiance. Along with watching an exciting polo match, participants can choose from two experiences. VIP guests gain access to a climate-controlled tent where they can enjoy fine wine, a luncheon and auction, and Field-Side Party guests can choose to tailgate or watch from the bleachers. “Glennon Gallop is a stylish, spirited afternoon that brings together fundraising and sport in a one-of-a-kind setting,” Koller notes. “Guests enjoy a thrilling polo match, elegant hospitality in our VIP tent and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of children served by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon.”
While Glennon Gallop’s polo match is thrilling, the impact the funds raised make on the community is truly impressive. Thanks to the support of the St. Louis community, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon is able to help thousands of families receive important pediatric care. “We’re deeply grateful to the sponsors, guests and volunteers who make Glennon Gallop possible each year,” Koller says. “Their generosity directly impacts the families we serve and reflects the heart of our community’s commitment to children’s health.”
Glennon Gallop, Sept. 20 at August Busch Polo Club in Defiance, supports the Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. For more information, visit glennon.org/gallop.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation
Pictured at the top: The Danis Pediatric Center provides care to young patients
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation