An Unbridled Affair 2010

CAPTAIN’s Second Annual Saratoga racing season event, An Unbridled Affair was held at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs on Wednesday, July 21st--and, as we’d hoped, the fund-raiser has become one of the most popular and anticipated galas of the Saratoga race meet. At this now-annual event, locals, race fans and racing luminaries came together to celebrate both the good work of CAPTAIN and the role of the racing community in the economic and emotional health of the greater Saratoga region.

This year’s Honorary Chairs were top New York trainer, Gary Contessa and his wife, Jennifer and Linda Rice, the reigning trainer of the Saratoga 2009 meet. The Contessas and Ms. Rice were joined by Hall of Fame trainer, D. Wayne Lukas and Kate Veitch as auctioneers for the live portion of the evening. Jockey Jorge Chavez and other racing insiders including David Cassidy and NYRA’s Dan Silver were in attendance, and found their groove to the sounds of Soul Session, one of the region’s leading bands—ably headed by lead man, the yummy Garland Nelson. Hattie’s Restaurant of Saratoga Springs catered the event this year, presenting a beautiful array of dining options, blending some Hattie’s standards—renowned throughout the dining world since 1938—with some exciting new concepts. The scrumptious fare pleased both the palate and the eye--and kept guests coming back for more of The Good Stuff.

The Silent and Live Auctions were a huge success, and lots of fun for guests. vacations, diamond jewelry and items of art were snatched up by giddy bidders who generously opened their wallets for the youths and families served by CAPTAIN. Funds raised will go directly into CAPTAIN programs and services, and help us continue to improve the lives of your neighbors and members of this community we all call home.

Yes, An Unbridled Affair 2010 was a terrific success: our 2011 Affair is already in the planning stages. Hint: a wise move might be to make a note in your Palms, now...tickets will go fast for the next Affair. Call or email CAPTAIN now to put your name on the guest list for next summer’s event.

Written by Rebecca Varno & Marion Altieri

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