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Draped in white, with elegant, white, floor-length linens on the tables, the tent let ‘70s color pop at the Medical Missions for Children benefit. More than 300 attendees got their groove on in bell bottoms, go-go boots and plenty of polyester. Maureen Parker and Angela Beddoe made a splash in colorful mini-dresses, while Robin Malatino, Elizabeth Byrne-Chartrand and Kim Burton rocked jumpsuits. The hostess herself also wore a fabulous jumpsuit with soft green and blue paisley over silver on the bodice, and fly-away legs revealing white satin pants. Kim Vanyo of Khymanyo Studio created the custom design for Margie.
Several of the men sported wide-collared shirts and leisure jackets, including Steve Burton, Chad Perkins and Joseph Zaid. Spotted enjoying a cocktail behind large dark shades were Gloria Ford, Laura Ross, Jerod Hudson, Bill Brahler and Vince Riggi.
Complementing the required disco ball were oversized black and white balloons, more than two-feet in diameter, donated by Kevin Smith of Hidden Gardens. Angelo Mazzone, Lauren Holmes and their Prime team built bright dinner stations around the perimeter. Ally and David Meyers, John Witt, Cari Endres and Janine Robinson sampled lasagna bites, eggplant parmesan, sushi, pot stickers, shrimp tempura and filet. For a sweet treat, there were psychedelic-colored cupcakes and truffle pops that Kate and Andrew Jarosh agreed were divine.
While the band took a much-needed break, the Rotchford’s called attention to the real reason for the party. Images of the littlest patients appeared on television monitors as Dr. Denny Snyder, a Saratoga native and one of the founders of Medical Missions for Children, took the stage to thank sponsors and patrons for their support. Among those in attendance were Elizabeth Jameson of Saratoga Style, Mary Gavin and Ron and Michele Riggi.
Michael Rotchford introduced honoree Bruce Mosler, recognizing his extraordinary contributions of both time and money, before Margie rallied the crowd for the live auction. Her enthusiasm was contagious and motivated Agatha Benton to bid high on a box at the Saratoga Race Course for the Alabama Stakes, complete with a case of wine from Chateau Belle-Vue Winery. Several other packages went for over $2,000 thanks to bidders like Robert Moser, who ended up with a box for Travers. And Reed Hatkoff is on his way to Los Angeles after winning airfare and tickets to “Dancing with the Stars.”
It was back to the dance floor for the “Age of Aquarius” and other favorites. Dennis and Sharon Collins proved why they’ve been chosen to perform with Whitney Houston, Roberta Flack and Beyonce. They kept more people dancing than sitting, and the fun was still going well past 9 p.m. when the event was scheduled to close. Heather Bohm-Tallman stepped away from her crazy booth to capture the disco scene, and even she couldn’t resist a few moves to the tunes.
Other “Solid Gold” dancers included Monica Quaintance, Peyton Horn, Louis Wolfowitz, Leslie LaGuardia, Marcella Jewel, Jill Snyder, Mary Clark and Raul Martinez.
Studio PRIME lit an inferno of success, netting almost $90,000 in support of Medical Missions for Children. The funds raised will assist MMFC’s effort to send teams of surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists and nurses to the most remote and underprivileged communities in the developing world to repair cleft lip and palate deformities, burn injuries, microtia (absence of the outer ear) and head/neck injuries. To learn more, visit www.mmfc.org.
A Thoroughly Elegant Evening
The Saratoga Springs City Center became the center of New York City on Sunday, August 5, as the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation celebrated their annual gala, An Evening for the Thoroughbred. Guests walked the red carpet into a makeshift Sardi’s, complete with caricatures on the wall of the barroom. The team from Mazzone Hospitality circulated with champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres. Prospective bidders like Susan and Shell Evans, Jeff Tarr, Catherine Moraetis, and Brad Weisbord browsed the silent art auction, while John and Leona Velazquez greeted Ambassador Earle Mack.
Just a few short steps from ‘Sardi’s,’ a gated entry welcomed everyone to Central Park. Beyond the garden wall was a life-size mural of the famous city oasis. The setting, created by Fine Affairs, was completed by a soft pretzel vendor and a traditional food cart. Spotted near the center fountain were jockey Edgar Prado and his wife, Liliana, as well as Beth Daly, Jeff Cohen, Jim and Rozie Gagliano, Laura Barillaro, Diane Parker and Ray and Francine Muccio. Lisa Beige, Gary Downey, and Salley and Al Pike enjoyed the park’s bubbly station. Agent Barry Berkelhammer shared stories with trainers Joe Orseno and Ralph Nicks, while their wives, Michelle and Stacy, chatted with Terri Pompay, Angelina Ramlall and jockey Rajiv Maragh. Three generations of the Hancock family, Dell, Debbie and Allison, toasted with Elizabeth Locke.
Back on the Sardi’s scene, Barbara Banke of Southstreet Thoroughbred Holdings, and owner of Kendall Jackson, arrived to visit with those sampling her estate’s Rachel Alexandra red. Relaxing over a glass at the nearby high-top were Dan and Deb Morgan with friends Lori Blaker and Steven Prain. At the next table, Guadalupe and Joe Warren took a break together, while Anthony and Joan Mitola grabbed a seat to catch up with Jeffrey and Elisabeth Raine.
Caricature artist Phil Singer kept the ink flowing as he captured many of the attendees on their way into dinner, including Richard Morell, and Naima and Ara Kradjian. The crowd was definitely reluctant to trade the spirited cocktail lounge for the ballroom. Graham Motion, trainer of 2011 Derby Winner Animal Kingdom, lingered with his wife, Anita, jockeys Maylan Studart and Ramon Dominguez, and Dominguez’ wife, Sharon.
The band soon relinquished the stage and hosts Tom Durkin and Carolyn Conley encouraged everyone to be seated for dinner. Standing in front of the New York City skyline, Durkin started with a story of the first time jackets were removed in the Saratoga Clubhouse following the lead of Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney. He ended the tale with a declaration that, for their own comfort, gentlemen in attendance should also feel free to remove their jackets, because due to a mechanical glitch, the room’s air conditioning was not working. So guests were about to truly experience a summer night in the city!
Conley and Durkin continued their witty repartee, introducing TRF’s Diana Pikulski, who spoke briefly before dinner was served. The highlight of the evening, however, came later as Ogden Mills ‘Dinny’ Phipps was presented with the 2012 Earle Mack Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Champion Award.
Endowed by Ambassador Earle Mack, himself a tireless advocate for the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, the award is given to those who have made significant contributions toward improving the safety and welfare of Thoroughbred horses during and after their racing careers. Ambassador Mack stated, “Dinny Phipps has lived a life of commitment and responsibility to Thoroughbreds. Under his chairmanship, The Jockey Club has taken the lead in moving the industry to deal with the complex issues surrounding retirement of Thoroughbred race horses when their racing careers are over.”
The celebration concluded with a live auction conducted by Fasig-Tipton. Donors of the select Stallion seasons included Darley Stud, Charles Fipke, Hill n Dale Farm, Kenneth Ramsey, Spendthrift Farm, Adena Stallions, Becky Thomas and Walmac Farm.
It was ‘An Evening for the Thoroughbred’ indeed!
Capturing a Vision
On Tuesday, August 7, the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (SCEOC) presented the newest collection of photographs being added to their continuing photo project “Estamos Aqui” (We are Here). Close to 250 guests mingled on the clubhouse porch for VISIÓN, “a look at life behind the scenes.”
Mentored by photographer Skip Dickstein, fifteen Latino immigrants documented their everyday lives, presenting an authentic picture of their experiences in Saratoga County. Upon arrival at the event, the black and white photographs called to attendees and spoke more than a thousand words hung on the lattice backdrops of the porch. Event chairs Cindy Munter and Michelle Paquette wound through the crowd, welcoming friends and thanking supporters like Bob and Cathy Allen, Denise Polit and Lisa Vitiello. They encouraged many to purchase raffle tickets for the framed photograph donated by Dickstein.
At 5:30 p.m., Julie Hoxsie, Executive Director of SCEOC, greeted everyone and spoke about the Latino Community Advocacy Program, the evening’s beneficiary. She then introduced the program coordinator, Krystle Nowhitney, who in turn introduced this year’s photographers, all immigrants, originally from Mexico, Guatemala, Panama and Peru. While every photo said something unique, there were stand-outs that had been pre-selected by jury. Certificates of Honorable Mention were presented to Estuardo Ottoniel Del Cid Marroquin, Juan Aguayo, Exon Castillo Ortego, and Alfonso Rodriguez Garcia. Best in Show went to Eleuterio Martinez Ramirez, a junior at Saratoga High School.
In his program statement, Ramirez said, “I think the world is like a great door of dreams, but opportunity will not find you, you have to find it.” He went on to express his gratitude to those who offer him help.
Following the brief presentation, festivities continued with summer cocktails courtesy of Saratoga Eagle, Chopin and Southern Wine & Spirits. Several congratulated the photographers on their significant accomplishment. Spotted chatting with two honorees were Leslie Benton and Linda LaRou. Others revisited the exhibit, choosing which photographs they wanted to order in prints. Seen were committee members Mary Alice Lee and Tamie Ehinger, as well as Dr. Michael Ortiz and his wife, Julie, Angelo Calbone, Martha MacGregor, Joann Grande, Jen Merriman and Christine Harmon, who was also excited about her own son’s achievement that day. (Troy Harmon’s pop-rock band, NameSake, released their debut album, “Borders & Fences,” on Tuesday.) County Supervisor Joanne Dittes Yepsen dropped in before the city council meeting and caught up with event committee member Martha Strohl.
An array of food was provided by local restaurants including the new Druthers, Maestro’s at the Van Dam, Longfellows, Cantina, Prime at Saratoga National, Elizabeth’s Table, The Olde Bryan Inn, Fifty South, Panza’s, Mama Mia’s and Augie’s. Enjoying the spread were committee member Sue Koppi and her husband, Jeff, Mark and Teri Collins, Dan and Jill Snyder, Laura Paul, Mandy D’Andrea-Whelan, Sheila Pierce and Lisa Sondhof. And speaking of food, there was quite a buzz when Bobby Flay stopped by. He talked with Cathy Masie before posing for a quick photo with Paquette and Munter.
Thanks to lead sponsors like NYRA, Centerplate and The Wishing Well, and countless members of the Honorary Committee, VISIÓN was another great success for the Latino Community Advocacy Program. LCAP addresses the special needs of the Spanish-speaking immigrant population in Saratoga County, with the ultimate goal of promoting economic self-sufficiency to immigrants in the community. The bilingual staff provides assistance by facilitating communication and access to health, legal, and educational services. For more information, visit www.saratogaeoc.org.
