Written by Staff Writer-Now Moments TIMES
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, Baltimore Peninsula will transform into more than just a backdrop for fashion and sport. It becomes a gathering ground for culture, community, and an undeniable cause. Grandiosity Events’ signature Polo & Jazz affair returns for its ninth year, blending timeless elegance with deep impact — this time, with Baltimore Healthy Start at the heart of the celebration.
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Produced by Susan Smallwood, the dynamic founder and CEO of Grandiosity Events, this year’s festivities unfold with her trademark vision: where luxury is not an indulgence but a statement of audacity, purpose, and belonging. Known for redefining spaces and normalizing grandeur, Susan once again curates a day where attendees step into a world that both dazzles and delivers.
From the moment the gates open at noon, anticipation fills the air. Baltimore Peninsula’s scenic waterfront sets the scene as early guests arrive with posh picnic spreads, ready to take in the day’s spectacle. The red carpet rolls out at 1 p.m., welcoming an array of distinguished guests, community leaders, and familiar faces, including none other than celebrity host Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins of the legendary R&B group TLC. Cameras flash and conversations flow, setting the tone for a day built on both excitement and purpose.
The centerpiece of the day arrives at 3 p.m. when the polo match begins. Horses thunder across the field, their riders locked in fierce, graceful competition. Spectators, many donning their finest hats and summer ensembles, soak in the thrill of the game. Midway through the match, the cherished tradition of divot stomping brings attendees onto the field, a moment that captures the spirit of community as friends old and new cross the grass together.
But beyond the glamour lies a deeper mission. Proceeds from the event will benefit Baltimore Healthy Start, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health outcomes of expectant and new mothers in some of Baltimore’s most underserved communities. In neighborhoods where choosing between rent and diapers is a daily struggle, Baltimore Healthy Start offers critical services that extend far beyond prenatal care. Families receive home visits, transportation to healthcare appointments, child care during parenting classes, GED courses, mental health support, and a sense of empowerment that continues well after childbirth.
With a legacy stretching back to 1991, the organization has been a lifeline for countless families. Their work directly addresses Baltimore’s high rates of infant mortality, providing care and advocacy that has contributed to real progress in reducing disparities. At Polo & Jazz, this mission takes center stage, reminding every attendee that their presence supports more than an afternoon of indulgence—it supports new beginnings for families who need it most.
As the sun begins to dip over the harbor, the energy carries into the evening with the lively after-party. DJ Vytas Reid, an Emmy Award-winning meteorologist turned crowd-favorite DJ, takes over the turntables, ensuring the celebration continues with rhythm and energy. Guests mingle over seasonal cocktails, curated by local favorites, while food trucks and vendors keep the atmosphere buzzing well into the night.
From start to finish, the event offers more than a gathering — it delivers an experience that champions style, community, and meaningful change. Every detail, from the waterfront views to the trophy presentation at 5 p.m., reflects Susan Smallwood’s vision of grandiosity: a space where celebration and purpose coexist seamlessly.
For those traveling in, the Pendry Waterfront Hotel serves as the luxurious host hotel, inviting guests to extend the experience with elegance. And for locals and visitors alike, the day offers a rare opportunity to witness how philanthropy, entertainment, and culture can collide in the most exhilarating way.
As Grandiosity Events marks its ninth year of Polo & Jazz, the message resounds clearly: style and service are not separate worlds. On this day, they ride together.
