Polo in the Valley: horsepower of a different kind to promote event

The Telethon chief executive said it was the first – and possibly last – time he would drive a $600,000 car.

“It feels magnificent… you can feel the rumble of the V8 with the roof down and I’m just dying to plant my foot,” Mr Mummery said.

Bentley is the new naming rights sponsor of the 2017 Polo in the Valley, initiated by the Prendiville family, which has raised more than $700,000 for Telethon and Youth Focus over the past seven years.

Mr Mummery, of West Leederville, said the money was distributed between Youth Focus and more than 40 charities under Telethon.

“Most importantly, it’s kept in WA,” he said.

Youth Focus chief executive Fiona Kalaf said money raised each year at Polo in the Valley made a huge difference to therapy services available to 12- to 25-year-olds.

“But there’s more than just the fundraising,” Ms Kalaf, of Mt Lawley, said.

“What the Prendivilles and the Polo in the Valley do is raise awareness.

“The Prendivilles have a genuine focus on youth and young people and recognise that the work we do makes a difference now and allows us to make intergenerational change so we can create resilient adults and parents for the future.”