By JEANNETTE JORDAN
Published:
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS -
David Cassidy brought down the house Monday night during the
Prevention Council's second annual Dare to Dream Gala at the
Hall of Springs.
Cassidy, his wife Sue, and son Beau were the special guests. He
delivered an important message. The actor-singer grew up as the
child of an alcoholic. He eloquently shared that experience with
the crowd of about 250.
What no one knew or expected came when he revealed that he
himself was addicted and just finished treatment at the Betty
Ford Center. His wife and son joined him on the podium and, with
tears and hugs, expressed their gratitude at having been able to
share their story and asked for the crowd's ongoing support.
They received a standing ovation followed by many hugs and
handshakes, until finally, still emotional, they said their
goodbyes.
The crowd was buzzing for a long time after, clearly moved for
having been witness to this very special moment.
Donna Hays presented flowers to the Cassidys and to Charlie
Hayward and his wife Betsy Senior, who were honorary chairmen.
Soon after, the place was humming to the music of The Sarah
Pedinotti Band.
The silent auction table looked fabulous, thanks to volunteer
chairwoman Robin Litfin and her helper Donna Hays. You would
never know we were in a tough economy by the outpouring of
generous donations by local shops and businesses. The Hall of
Springs looked drop-dead gorgeous, thanks to the design skills
of Brendan Flanigan of Brendan Flanigan Designs. The food was
scrumptious and the non-alcoholic mocktails were the hit of the
evening.
Among those in attendance were Prevention Council staff members,
all looking like runway models. The council's Executive Director
Judy Ekman spoke to the guests about the work of the Prevention
Council. Her husband, the Rev. Jay Ekman, was there, meeting and
greeting. Board President Brian Backens got a round of applause
when he said that the evening raised more than $50,000 to
support the council's work.
Hayward told the crowd how impressed he was with the scope of
the council's outreach efforts in the community. He was
especially impressed with the problem gambling programs that
have helped so many youth and families.
Also seen enjoying themselves were the lovely Michele Riggi and
her husband Ron, Colleen and Skip Carlson, Jim and Peggy
Connolly, Tom and Mia Gallo, and Steve and Barb Ferraro with
their daughter Nicole.
At the Cassidys' table were Gary and Jennifer Contessa and Jerry
and Darlene Bilinski. Many of local politicians came out to lend
their support, as well, including Mayor Scott Johnson and his
wife Julie, Assembly Minority leader James Tedisco, Supervisor
Matt Veitch and his wife Stephanie, Bobby D'Andrea and his wife
Theresa, District Attorney Jim Murphy and his wife Laurie, and
Commissioner Ron Kim with his wife Jennifer.
Photographer Paula Symanski of Positive Images Photography
provided her services for the evening gratis.
Also seen was Irwin Cohen with the Daily Racing Form, there to
support his wife, Gala Committee Chairwoman Marci Willner, and
their daughter Samantha Willner. Gala committee member Marge
Maxwell was there to oversee the evening, and her glossy,
eye-catching programs graced every place setting. Superintendent
of Schools Janice White was there with her husband Terrance,
along with Chief of Police Ed Moore, Stephanie and Dale Lang,
and John and Robyn Kelly.
James and Holly Lee were also among the guests, as was Robert
Lindsey, president and CEO of the National Council on Alcoholism
and Drug Dependence. Robin Ambrosino and husband Dave Hurteau,
Patty Rich and Vince Riggi, Dave Litfin, Tonya Beach, Dave
Garmley, and were the last ones to leave on another wonderful
evening for an excellent cause.
Society
columnist Jeannette Jordan's Inside Saratoga runs every Tuesday
and Friday during racing season. Send news to
inside.saratoga@yahoo.com
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