David Cassidy in the News
Cassidy wows boomers
August 2000
By Jeannette Jordan, Society Columnist
The Saratogian
Kids benefit from track luncheon
Singer David Cassidy loves New York state so much, and Saratoga Springs especially, so he's planning to build a summer home here.
Cassidy, dressed in this season's popular black crewneck T-shirt topped by a shiny beige linen jacket, was surrounded by ''Partridge Family'' fans.
The Las Vegas singer-producer was not only in town to race his thoroughbreds, but to help raise funds at the David Cassidy/KidsCharities.org benefit Saturday, Aug. 12, in the At the Rail Pavilion at Saratoga Race Course.
''I came here once as a child when my mom did summer stock and we went to the Spa (state park) and it was just the prettiest place I've ever been,'' Cassidy explained. ''I've never forgotten it. I've been here at least one day a year for the past 25 years.''
About 200 guests supported the cause with many silent auction items. The day's activities and ticket sales raised $42,524. Auction bidding continues at Yahoo's charity auction site, www.KidsCharities.org.
''You're at the finest racetrack in all of the world,'' Cassidy told the crowd. ''I was born in New York and hope I die here.''
He thanked the many people who made the day possible, including ''NYRA's incredible efforts,'' his wife Sue, and Chairwoman Debbie Avellino of Saratoga Springs.
As guests devoured platefuls of yummy food, Cassidy scurried back and forth from the pavilion to the clubhouse to watch his horse, Lady d'Jour, finish fourth in the first race.
Cassidy also greeted the children playing in the ''Kids Tent'' near the Big Red Spring. All funds from the benefit will be used to support several children's charities.
Cassidy and his wife have a 9-year-old son, and he said he wants to spend as much time as he can with him, adding ''I don't want to be an absentee father.''
His goal, he said, is to continue helping children's charities and spend at least a half-year here and the other half working.
Among the guests of KidsCharities were Richard and Diane Bomze, owners of retired racehorse Fourstardave, who are very involved with the Belmont Child Care Association, one of the charities that benefited from the day's proceeds. Belmont will benefit as well from the Fourstardave Gala slated for Aug. 23 at Canfield Casino.
Also present were Cindy and Brien Hollowood, who were still recuperating from a late night at the racing museum ball; Peter Belmonte; Sen. Tarkey Lombardi and his wife Mary Anne; Lori and John Barnes; Richard and Jackie Saxton with Kate, Rich and Jane Saxton; Terry and Jeff Baker; John Hendrickson, who stopped by to give a donation on behalf of himself and his wife Marylou Whitney; Leisha Farone; Eileen and Joe Cornnacchi; and Joanne Barrie.
