This September, one of Pittsburgh’s most cherished traditions gallops back to Hartwood Acres. The 43rd Annual Family House Polo Match takes place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, and once again, Baird Private Wealth Management will be in the winner’s circle as the sponsor of the event’s Best Playing Pony Award.
A Pittsburgh Tradition Since 1983
Since 1983, what started as a fundraising idea has become a Pittsburgh tradition, drawing more than 3,500 guests to Hartwood Acres each year.
This year’s match, presented by F.N.B. Corporation, features a rematch between the #1 Cochran Potomac Polo Club and the Howard Hanna Pittsburgh Polo Club. Gates open at 10 a.m., with festivities starting at 11 a.m., Opening Ceremonies at 1 p.m., and the match at 1:30 p.m., including the fan favorite halftime Divot Stomp at 2:15 p.m.
The day also includes the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Car Show, boutique shopping, a Food Truck Garden, live music, pony rides, kids’ activities, a Silent Auction, and the VIP Wine Tent Experience.
A Relationship Rooted in Family
Baird’s connection to Family House traces back to Al Vallano, whose journey with the organization began through his wife, Jeanne, a longtime Family House volunteer. It was during this same period that Al learned about Family House through his work at Hefren-Tillotson, which eventually led him to join the Family House Board. Around 20 years ago, Hefren-Tillotson became a sponsor of Family House.
At Hefren-Tillotson, Al worked closely with his boss, Kim Fleming, and Craig Tillotson, who oversaw the business alongside him. When Hefren-Tillotson was later acquired by Baird, Al’s continued influence and guidance ensured the sponsorship carried forward under the new ownership.
Al went on to serve on the Family House Board for approximately 20 years before retiring, including a term as Board Chair. “I was blessed to serve on the Family House Board for over 20 years, including as Chairman during our transition to the single house,” Al stated reflecting on his time. “It has been awesome to see so many caring board members, volunteers, and employees who truly exemplify the Family House mission year after year.”
Nearly 10 years ago, he proposed the idea of Baird becoming the Best Playing Pony Sponsor, an initiative that includes feeding carrots to the Polo Match’s Best Playing Pony.
Polo has always held special meaning for Al, his family, and now his colleagues at Baird. That connection continued through Baird’s commitment as a campaign donor to the Under One Roof Capital Campaign, and Baird has also contributed to the Family House Gala. Jeanne Vallano has contributed her time as well, having served as the Family House Polo Match Chair in 2005.
“Family House has a special place in my wife Jeanne’s and my heart,” says Al. “We’ve had the pleasure of spending time with guests at the houses and seeing how grateful they were to have such a wonderful, caring place to stay made us realize what a special and necessary home Family House is.”
Baird’s Best Playing Pony Award
Among the most anticipated moments of the day is the post-match awards ceremony, where the Best Playing Pony Award is presented in recognition of the horse whose skill, stamina, and heart made the biggest impact on the match. As the award’s sponsor, Baird Private Wealth Management continues its support of an event that celebrates not just the athleticism of the sport, but the community spirit that drives Family House’s mission forward.
Polo is, at its core, a partnership between horse and rider and Baird’s sponsorship of this award is a fitting reflection of the firm’s own philosophy of partnership. Baird is one of the largest employee-owned financial services firms in the country, offering Private Wealth Management, Asset Management, Investment Banking, Capital Markets, and Private Equity services across more than 155 offices nationwide.
For more than a century, Baird’s financial advisors have built lasting relationships with individuals, families, and communities, an approach that mirrors the “home away from home” spirit at the heart of Family House.
“At Baird, and at Hefren-Tillotson before that, we recognize how important it is to give back to and be involved in the community,” Al explains. “We are proud to have supported the Family House Polo and Gala for over 20 years. These events not only raise funds to help our great work continue but are always well done and a wonderful time. Jeanne and I, along with Baird and Hefren-Tillotson, are proud to support such a wonderful organization and all the fabulous work they do.”
Supporting a Mission That Matters
Every ticket sold, every dollar raised, and every sponsorship secured helps Family House continue providing comfort, hope, and affordable housing to patients and families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. As John Plante, Chief Executive Officer of Family House, has noted, the outpouring of community support at the Polo Match embodies what makes Pittsburgh special: people coming together for a cause greater than themselves.
Join Family House, Baird Private Wealth Management, and thousands of fellow supporters at Hartwood Acres on Saturday, September 12, 2026, for a day of world-class polo, family fun, and giving back. Come for the polo. Stay for the memories. Give for the families who need it most.
Tickets are available at familyhouse.org/polo.
Children ages 12 and under attend for free.
Follow the event on Instagram and Facebook at @FamilyHousePGH, and follow along with #FHPolo26.
