SARATOGA SPRINGS – OK, all you lonely hearts out there. Rather than “bah humbug” the whole thing, pull on sweats and bemoaning the whole concept of Valentines Day whilst downing another pint of Haagen Dazs (or something else), it’s time to plan to do something about it. The good news is while you are doing some good for yourself you have a chance to benefit others – an opportunity to put your (lonely) heart in the right place, as it were. All this is to say that, in anticipation of their March opening at 479 Rowland Street in Ballston Spa, the Gateway House of Peace will be the beneficiary of the proceeds of a bachelor/bachelorette auction hosted at the Paddock Lounge (6 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs) on Thursday, February 27 beginning at 6 p.m. A $10 donation at the door will be appreciated. Thirteen single professional men and women will be walking the red carpet and each come equipped with a donated gift card for you to spend on your date should you win. My crack research team has provided me with thumbnail bios on each, which appear below. What we are not going to do is print their pictures; this would likely cause a stampede in the Paddock and we cannot be responsible. You are free to check out these people on your own, and it says here you won’t be disappointed. You may also “like” Gateway’s Facebook page between now and the event to get more teaser hints, etc. But suffice to say, in my book each and every one of these people are 10’s where it really counts – it’s not easy to put yourself out there, no matter how confident you are and therefore each of these people are worthy of mega-respect and acclaim. Gateway House is a not-for-profit organization serving persons from Saratoga County with terminal illness who are diagnosed with three months or less to live and can no longer safely remain in their homes. Upon obtaining the necessary funding, the home will provide around the clock care in a home-like setting to individuals who need a safe and comfortable place to spend their final days. In addition, at the event a number of silent auction items available include a pair of Red Sox tickets for this spring, which sounds like decent potential “second date” material to me. This year’s auction emcees are Mark Mulholland of WNYT and Bo Goliber of Fingerpaint – both worth the price of admission as well. Here’s a brief look at a “baker’s dozen” reasons to come to The Paddock on February 21. Happy Hunting! Mindy Gilman Mindy is a 23-year old Bartender at The Saratoga City Tavern. She loves music and tries to get as much live music under her belt as she can. When she’s not slinging drinks at the bar, she enjoys target shooting, being on the lake, hot yoga and spending time with her friends. Sean McCleneghen Sean is a 25-year old marketing and finance major at the University of Albany. In his free time, he likes to head north and ski and also enjoys other outdoor activities such as biking and hiking. He’s a huge fan of cheeseburgers, beer and relaxed conversation. Carl Brewer Carl is a 30-year old television features producer who loves live music, running, sports and craft beer. Originally from Central New York, he’s been in the Albany area for the past 5 years and has completed two half marathons with plans for more. He’s a huge fan of his niece and nephews and enjoys hanging with his little sister when he heads home. Alex Roth Alex is a 25-year-old spitfire with a pet pig named Stunner. She has years of experience working with horses on the racetrack and she absolutely loves the racing season here in Saratoga. Alex works at Fingerpaint, making everyone smile and ensuring that the office runs smoothly on a daily basis. She loves music and dancing, being social and having fun with friends. She defines work hard/ play hard! Frank Crocitto Frank is a 39-year old professional. He works for the American Heart Association as Director of Business Operations. He is an avid tennis player, enjoys hiking and does volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. His artistic side shines through as a master sculptor. Morgan Grimes Morgan is a 23-year old sweetie who grew up in a small town atmosphere. She is a bartender at a local Tavern and just graduated from college this past spring. She has a passion for playing all kinds of sports, especially volleyball and softball. She can be described as an outdoorsy girl and loves to swim. Brian Miller Brian Miller is a bartender at the Paddock Lounge. He’s the one with the captivating smile. Some of his favorite hobbies include bowling, lawn darts, cliff diving and hang gliding. Brian also enjoys hot yoga and spending time with his adorable niece. Gretchen Meyer Gretchen is a 34-year old Financial Consultant. She is originally from Manhattan and now lives here in Saratoga Springs. She describes herself as social, ambitious, thoughtful and adventurous. She has traveled all over the world and particularly enjoyed South East Asia. She has hiked Macchu Pichu, and has 2 Masters degrees. He is a member of the Junior League of Albany and loves to volunteer in the community. Her hobbies include hiking, kayaking, golf and skiing. Charlie Hoertkorn Charlie is an ambitious 27-year old. He is co-owner of Caroline St. Pub and Owner of Hometown Contracting Construction Company in Queensbury. Charlie enjoys the Saratoga racetrack, SPAC and the Lake George region. He’s a ski buff and enjoys the companionship of his dogs. Amy Brower Amy Brower is 36 and sassy. She owns a hair salon here in Saratoga and also dabbles in the music business. Some people might say she›s short but those who know her best describe Amy as «fun size». When she›s not busy working, having fun and enjoying life is what she likes to do best. If you’re the lucky guy to get a date with Amy, you›re guaranteed to have an enjoyable time. And, she might even throw in a free haircut!! Walter Sparks Walter is 53-years old. He is a Master Trainer/Career Transition Trainer traveling throughout the US training the military to transition to the private sector. He loves spending time in the gym, golf, outdoors, sports, arts, dining, and wine, good conversation, Saratoga, travel and everything life has to offer. He’s social, outgoing, ambitious, adventurous and appreciates his friends and family. Walter really enjoys someone who can make him laugh. Joanne DiMarco Joanne DiMarco has lived most of her life in upstate New York, graduating from Shenendehowa High School and Paul Smith’s College with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. After a successful career in the hospitality industry, Joanne transitioned into Sales and Marketing. She is currently the Vice President of Select Sotheby’s International Realty. She never lost her love for the restaurant industry and has turned that passion into writing the “Craving” column for HerLife Magazine. Joanne is an accomplished singer and former vocal coach. In 2010, she was chosen as Volunteer of the Year for the March of Dimes of Northeastern NY. In 2013, Saratoga Today Newspaper named her a “Saratoga County Woman of Influence.” Darren De Vietro Darren is a 29 year old who recently relocated here from Connecticut. He owns and operates the restaurant 62 Beekman. Darren has a passion for training at the gym, 5Ks and participating in tough mudder events. He loves horseback riding and owns a retired racehorse, Reggie. He describes his lifestyle as adventurous and likes to work hard so he can live life the way he wants to. For more information on the auction or to make a donation to Gateway House of Peace, visit gatewayhouseofpeace.org.
Friday, 14 February 2014 12:29
