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Week of August 23 – August 29, 2013
One Fine Day Maybe naming an event can be a self-fulfilling prophesy. Because this past Tuesday, August 20, offered a glorious summer afternoon, ideal for more than 150 to partake in “One Fine Day,” the Shelters of Saratoga annual benefit. Held on the grounds of Union Gables amid the historic gardens, the scene was set for a delightful party. Guests sipped lemonade and iced tea from mason jars, perusing the silent auction of local gift certificates, artisan jewelry, golf and getaways. Rich Ortiz provided lilting background music suitable for the celebration. Seen soaking up the sun were Sue and John Rogan, Richard King, Gail Grow, Kevin Smith, Kate Calbone, Sandy Foley, Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan and current Mayoral candidates, County Supervisor Joanne Yepsen and Deputy Mayor Shauna Sutton. Lorrie Shilling and Cliff Van Wagner of The Wesley Community caught up under a table umbrella, as Maryrose Thompson, Dolores Stojak and Karen Flewelling sampled sweets near the new pool. Executive director Peter Whitten and board president Stephen Towne mingled from the porch to the patio, expressing their appreciation to friends and sponsors. Under the tent, attendees enjoyed garden party fare offered by
Zest, A Personal Chef and Catering Company. Fresh white linens draped the tables and Posie Peddler’s centerpieces of sunny yellow mums, carnations and daisies, accented with lemons, added summer cheer. At 2 p.m., emcee Michael Veitch captured the crowd’s attention to introduce Honorary Chairs, Mayor Scott Johnson and his wife, Julie. The Mayor remarked, “We are pleased to be the co-chairs of today’s event, joining other community members taking pride in the work of Shelters of Saratoga. The staff and board work tirelessly to offer those in need a clean and comfortable place to stay, while assisting the homeless, through counseling and support services, toward a better future.” Following the mayor’s welcome, Veitch presented this year’s honoree, Humberto Chavez. Chavez has been serving the people of the New York thoroughbred racing industry for the past 10 years through the Race Track Chaplaincy of America NY Division, devoting himself to empower, encourage and equip the people who take care of the horses at all three NYRA race tracks. As nominator Nick Caras, Program Director for the Race Track chaplaincy stated, “He is by far the most single person of influence on the backstretch, and he is also
Photos courtesy of Deborah Neary.
making inroads on the front as well. Humberto is a person of honor.” The mission and primary focus of the Chaplaincy is to address the spiritual needs of the personnel at NYRA tracks. The Chaplain serves as the official minister to all of this unique population with the intent to not only serve spiritual concerns, but also the human necessities. In honor of Chavez, 25 percent of the day’s silent auction was earmarked for the Racetrack Chaplaincy, resulting in a $1,000 donation. Among the very fine supporters were Susan Kress, Richard Wilkinson, Susan Bender, Ellen Endres, Erin Pezzalo, Margot Anderson, Denise Desmond, Mary Lou Wheeler, Kelly Cosentino and Jeremy Ganisin. Thanks to lead donors like Turbine Services, Richard Higgins and Trampoline Design, and a dedicated event committee that included Annie Delano, Tom Green, Kristina Higgins, Michael Hinckley, Brianne Planko, Jerry Matthews and Dee Sarno, this year’s benefit raised close to $20,000 for Shelters of Saratoga. One fine day, no one will be homeless in Saratoga, Warren or Washington County. Until then, Shelters of Saratoga continues to be an invaluable community resource.
Humberto and Karen Chavez
Moira Shortway and Julie Johnson
Lynn Bradley, Sue and John Rogan, Stephen Towne