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L-R: Among the many guests enjoying the gala were agency
Executive Director Judy Ekman, District Attorney James A. Murphy
III, special guests Anne and Cot Campbell, and Robert Lindsey,
executive director of the National Council on Alcoholism and
Drug Dependence.
By JEANNETTE JORDAN
insidesaratoga@yahoo.com
Published:
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Saratogian
The sweltering heat couldn’t keep supporters away
from the Hall of Springs Monday night, when the
Prevention Council hosted its third annual “Dare to
Dream” Gala. Special guests were W. Cothran “Cot”
and Anne Campbell of Dogwood Stables in Aiken, S.C.,
who spend the entire race meet here.
A life-size hanging floral tapestry in Dogwood
Stable’s colors was the focal point of the ballroom,
with more than 400 yellow blossoms arranged on a
green background to spell the gala’s theme, “Dare to
Dream.”
Oversized flower arrangements complemented the
architectural drama of the hall, and included yellow
roses and lilies, white and purple alstroemeria,
snapdragons, and gladioli. The florals and decor
were designed by Brendan Flanigan Design, Inc., of
Saratoga Springs and Manhattan.
The Tony Jenkins Jazz Tripp set the stage for the
evening by creating an atmosphere of exceptional
elegance and style. Guests mingled, devoured the
delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, and sampled
creative mocktails while mulling over two huge
tables of silent auction items that were beautifully
arranged by volunteer Janet Folkman.
Anne Campbell, who looked stunning in her cocktail
gown, was very gracious in telling stories about her
life with her husband of 50 years. Cot followed with
a moving speech about his triumph over alcoholism
and the colorful journey he’s been on during the
past 50 years in recovery.
Seated at the Campbell’s table were Joanne Avella
and Peter Bernstein, Greg Montgomery, Paula
Rosenberg, Marcia and Jerry MacDonald, and Paul and
Jo Ann Oreffice. Other nearby guests included Anne
Palamountain and Peter Williams, Todd and Tracy
Pletcher, Jerry Cacchio, Linda Palazzole, Frank and
Linda Alexander and Charles Pigg.
A scrumptious international buffet was catered by
the Glen Sanders Mansion and outstanding gourmet
pizzas were donated by David Britton’s new venture,
Pies on Wheels.
Guests got a kick out of the Foto Magic “booth,”
posing for photos with creative props and
backgrounds and then getting magnetic keepsakes to
bring home. Photographer Paula Symanski provided her
services for the evening gratis, and Park19 Cookies
donated its adorable “Trackers” gourmet animal
cookies to go with the other desserts.
Others sighted were D.A. Jim Murphy and his wife,
Laurie, artist Frankie Flores and his wife,
Ann-Marie, Skip and Colleen Carlson of Saratoga
Gaming and Raceway, The Saratogian Managing Editor
Barbara Lombardo and her husband, Jim, Richard
Ferguson, Prevention Council Executive Director Judy
Ekman and her husband, Jay, and the always lovely
Prevention Council staff.
Gala co-chairs and Prevention Council staff members
Marge Maxwell and Marci Willner worked tirelessly to
make the night another rousing success. Marci’s
husband, Irwin Cohen, of the Daily Racing Form also
was there with their daughter, Samantha.
Other supporters included Saratoga Springs Police
Investigator John Kelly, his wife, Robyn, their
daughter, Morgan, and family friend, Jenette Scourby;
Saratoga Schools Superintendent Janice White and
husband, Terry; Bob Lindsey, president and CEO of
the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug
Dependence, with his wife, Cassandra; Shenendehowa
Schools Superintendent Oliver Robinson; Assembly
Minority Leader Jim Tedisco; Public Safety
Commissioner Ron Kim and wife, Jennie; Public Works
Commissioner Skip Scirocco and wife, Corrine;
Supervisor Joanne Yepsen; Supervisor Matt Veitch
with his wife Stephanie; and Saratoga Springs Lt.
Greg Veitch with wife, Jennifer. Also attending were
Saratoga D.A.R.E. Officer Tony Straus and former
Saratoga Springs Mayor J. Michael O’Connell with his
wife, Betty, their son, Maurice, and
daughter-in-law, Liz.
Lucky door prize winners received two VIP passes to
a concert at SPAC donated by Andy James of
Rensselaer Honda, and three one-of-a-kind bracelets
in Dogwood Stable’s green and yellow colors, made by
Aurora Bella using Kazuri clay art. The bidding on
silent auction items continued throughout the
evening. High bidders took home some incredible
finds. Laura Romeu was the high bidder for a Frankie
Flores artwork and painted tie and a dinner tasting
for four at Fifty South.
Matt Yonkin and Rachel Alderman took home a long
list of items, including a classical dance package
at SPAC, gift cards to Dine and Chez Pierre, and a
membership to the YMCA. Marcia and Jerry MacDonald
were also among the generous donors, picking up four
tickets to a show of their choice on Broadway, a day
in the mayor’s box at the track, and a fun
racetrack-themed sweater from the Clothes Horse. A
two-night getaway at the Mirror Lake Inn went to Suy
Anne Toussaint, and Eric Hamell was the lucky winner
of four tickets to the “Daily Show” with Jon
Stewart.
The charming group of young volunteers helping
guests with their goodies was Laura Siska, Quinn
Carlson, Nicole Ferraro, Brian Ferraro and Jaime
Logan.
The event raised more than $40,000 for the Council’s
vital programs and services throughout Saratoga
County.
Society columnist Jeannette Jordan’s Inside Saratoga
runs every Tuesday and Friday during racing season.
Send news to
insidesaratoga@yahoo.com.
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