David Cassidy in the News
August 28, 2012
By Toga Tattlers
http://www.saratogian.com
If you wanted to spot the top players in horse racing, Denim and Diamonds was the place to do it during Travers Week. They were all under one roof Wednesday night as guests arrived at the Gideon Putnam Hotel to raise money for the Belmont Child Care Association and Anna House.
The Belmont Child Care Association is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to raise the financial resources necessary to maintain a quality child care center, Anna House, for the benefit of working families at New York Racing Association's thoroughbred racetracks.
The Tattlers had their ears open for horse tips as they saw Steve Asmussen and Kiaran McLaughlin chatting with D. Wayne Lukas and Scott Blasi, and they got a chance to talk with jockey Javier Castellano after he arrived. Julien Leparoux was there with his fiancée, Shea Mitchell, and honoree Barbara R. Banke and trainer Todd Pletcher posed for a picture.
Mike and Jill DeAnzeris, Jeff and Lauren Cannizzo, Patty and Jeff Novo and John and Leona Velazquez were there to support Anna House, and David Cassidy even jumped in and played with the Special Creek Bluegrass Band.
Honorary co-chairpersons Paul and JoAnn Oreffice chatted with Suzee and Jerry Bailey, and before guests took their seats the Tattlers spoke with Belmont Child Care Association Executive Director Donna Chenkin.
Virginia Kraft Payson was at a table nearby as George Bolton, who owned Curlin with Barbara Banke and her late husband, Jess Jackson, introduced the honoree, telling guests that Banke "has been a giver in everything she has done in her life."
Michael Dubb, chairman of Belmont Child Care Association's board of directors, took the stage next and told guests, "We are all one big family taking care of our racetrack family." He told everyone how hard the entire board works, crediting Faye Donk for "doing whatever it takes" and Libby Loftus, Laura Barillaro and Marc Keller for their tireless efforts. He spoke of Donna and Stuart Chenkin, telling guests, "This is their passion. Without them there would be no Anna House."
Guests were treated to Stonestreet wines and a delicious dinner from Gideon Putnam, the highlight being an amazing blueberry dessert that looked almost too pretty to eat.
It was soon time for the live auction, and Dubb invited the legendary D. Wayne Lukas to start the bidding. Pletcher worked the crowd, and the bidding action was as intense as a big race on the track.
The event raised an astounding $320,000.
