The quintessential hosts, Captain Douglas Dupouy and his wife, Lorna, circulated through their home’s spacious, first-floor rooms chatting with guests. The crowd sipped red and white varietals donated from six local wineries, beer provided by DeCrescente Distributing, and bubbles from Saratoga Water, while nibbling on hearty hors d’oeuvres by Maureen Clancy and students of the BOCES culinary program. (The students assisted as waiters too!) Complementing their dishes were more appetizers donated by Creative Catering and Chef Dale Miller of Sperry’s Restaurant. And to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth, Catering by Zest provided bites of dessert.
In the parlor area, committee member Shannon Kavanagh was seen catching up with Martha Brown. Keeping warm by the fire were Jill Ross, Jackie Gibbons and Jeanine Gannon. Greenfield Elementary teachers Dave Shippee, Jessie Altman and Maryellen Annese chatted nearby with Town of Greenfield Judge Michael Ginley and his wife, Jenn.
Across the grand foyer, a short hallway led to the silent auction room, brimming with 60 items and packages donated by local businesses and individuals. Helping to raise the bids were Chris and Kristin Grosso, Casey and Isabelle Cornell, Derek and Jennifer Zeh, Matt and Jill Ragle, Denise Moffitt, Susan Kilinski, Jen Casavant and Julie Guetti. The highlight of the auction was a one-week trip to Ireland, donated by Global Consolidated Services and valued at $4,500. It went to the Edwards Family for their high bid of $3,800.
Thanks to lively music and camaraderie, few left the party early. Robin and Alan Schwedt sat on the stairs for a bit, taking in all of the action. Keeping spirits high were Charlie Dake, Brigid Kilroy, Tonya Yasenchak, Jeff and Brianna Murratti, Rob and Jami Hawthorne, Jim and Christine Mastrianni, James Graeff and Jane Foley-Graeff.
The gala net $18,500 for the playground project, bringing the total raised so far to just over $65,000. Greenfield Elementary’s current playground was built 25 years ago and is now in dire need of replacement. Together, the families and staff are designing a new structure which they hope to have built in early June if the $150,000 goal is met.
To learn more, and help feed the Dragon, please visit www.greenfieldplaygroundproject.com.
Black and White Beauty
Kids were the cause again on Saturday, March 9, as almost 170 gathered at Saratoga National Golf Club to celebrate the 4th annual Birthday Bash for the Children’s Museum at Saratoga. This year’s Black and White Ball was inspired by the classic children’s story of “Black Beauty,” captured by artist Frankie Flores in original artwork for the event.
The festivities started at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. Heather Bohm-Tallman snapped photos against a bold black and white backdrop before guests proceeded to the second floor of the club to be greeted by executive director Michelle Smith and chair Jenny Witte. Early attendees toasting the museum included board members Martha MacGregor and Jill Shapiro with their husbands, Jason and Todd. Fellow member Beth Gelber mingled with Jeff Farbaniec, both welcoming friends and thanking supporters.
After a stop at the open bar, several made their way to the silent auction, featuring an eclectic collection of 76 items. There was a package for every interest, from gifts baskets overflowing with Saratoga Olive Oil, wine and children’s gifts, to a day at the Saratoga Racetrack and a two-night stay at the Mirror Lake Inn. Spotted shopping among the beer tastings, theatre tickets and sports memorabilia were Bill and Sara Colman, Thomas and Andrea Bryson, Scott and Kelly Shallo, Jay and Trish Cardinale, Adam Feldman, Kelly Fisher, Nick Smith, Kristina Foti and the on-air team of Walt Adams and Heide Kelly from 101.3 The Jockey.
Soon, the mezzanine was humming with party-goers like Honorary Committee members Allison Meyers and Erika Gough, there with husbands David and Matt. Nearby, Shaun Miller and Lea Kananis had snagged a high-top for people-watching, and at the next table, Lindsay and Michael Speranza shared laughter with Wendy Lawrence and Peter Connolly. Joe and Chris Murphy, Lindsay Carr, Jeremiah Rivera, Tom and Lynn Cumm, Donna and Joe Patricke and Ann Marie Flores were also seen.
Black horses of varied sizes and poses were scattered throughout the space, carrying the “Black Beauty” theme from room to room. Inside the ballroom, tables set with black and white linens provided a striking contrast, perfect for the tall centerpieces of gracefully bending white tulips. Admiring the décor, while grabbing a drink from the yet undiscovered ballroom bar, were Phil Robillard, McKenzie Vaughn, Anthony and Jamie Mastroianni, Jennifer Rankel and Adam McNeill.
At 7:30 p.m., staff and volunteers encouraged the crowd to relocate into the ballroom for dinner. The evening continued until 11 when the last of the silent auction items was checked out and final gifts were made to the museum. A special mention goes to the friendly volunteer trio of Jessica DeLoriea and sisters Felicia and Dayna Smith.
In the end, more than $20,000 was raised to help underwrite the proposed Science Center and enhance the museum’s Making Connections autism program. Among the lead sponsors were Lemery Greisler, First Niagara, Fingerpaint, The Fort Miller Group, Saratoga National Bank, Axiom Capital, Blue Shield of Northeastern New York and Keeler Motor Car Company.
“I’m especially grateful to the community for all of the support through sponsorships and silent auction donations,” commented Smith. “And to those who attended and made the event a great success.”
