Marylou Whitney Collection Auction to Benefit Saratoga Backstretch Clinic Goes Online
SARATOGA SPRINGS — From diamonds to denim, tchotchkes to chic couture. The Marylou Whitney Collection Auction – which went online for viewing June 17 – offers diverse items from the philanthropic icon who was known as the Queen of Saratoga.
The auction benefits the new building that will be the future home of the backstretch medical clinic operated at Saratoga Race Course by Saratoga Hospital and the Backstretch Employee Service Team.
Special items include a diamond choker necklace that was a birthday gift to Whitney from her husband John Hendrickson, and her pristine 1985 red Jaguar XJ6. Other featured items include designer evening gowns; couture ensembles and cocktail dresses by Bill Blass, Arnold Scassi, and Chanel; evening purses by Judith Lieber Couture and Chanel; fur coats; hats; vintage dresses; and designer scarves by Hermès and Tiffany. Many very affordable and practical items, such as costume jewelry, casual attire, hats, coats, scarves, memorabilia, and furniture, are also offered.
Hendrickson developed the concept of sharing Whitney’s worldly possessions with others, while helping two charitable entities. He donated approximately 1500 pieces that have been photographed and categorized for the auction.
“As I began the difficult task of going through Marylou’s personal items at each of our homes, she seemed to speak to me,” Hendrickson said in a statement. “No one shared her blessings and good fortune more than Marylou. No one was more dedicated to helping charities than Marylou…and so the idea was born. Her spirit of giving will live on—Marylou’s personal items are going for a greater good.”
The website, www.MarylouWhitneyCollection.com, debuted Wednesday, June 17 for preview only, via a link to the auction site. The auction action begins Monday, July 27, at midnight, and continues through Saturday, August 1, at 11.59 p.m. – Whitney Day at Saratoga Race Course. Bidding and “Buy It Now” options will be available.