David Cassidy on the Web
David Cassidy Makes it Personal
Friday, August 15, 2008
By Jeannette Jordan
The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS - David Cassidy brought down the house Monday night during the Prevention Council's second annual Dare to Dream Gala at the Hall of Springs.
Cassidy, his wife Sue, and son Beau were the special guests. He delivered an important message. The actor-singer grew up as the child of an alcoholic. He eloquently shared that experience with the crowd of about 250.
What no one knew or expected came when he revealed that he himself was addicted and just finished treatment at the Betty Ford Center. His wife and son joined him on the podium and, with tears and hugs, expressed their gratitude at having been able to share their story and asked for the crowd's ongoing support. They received a standing ovation followed by many hugs and handshakes, until finally, still emotional, they said their goodbyes.
The crowd was buzzing for a long time after, clearly moved for having been witness to this very special moment.
Donna Hays presented flowers to the Cassidys and to Charlie Hayward and his wife Betsy Senior, who were honorary chairmen. Soon after, the place was humming to the music of The Sarah Pedinotti Band.
The silent auction table looked fabulous, thanks to volunteer chairwoman Robin Litfin and her helper Donna Hays. You would never know we were in a tough economy by the outpouring of generous donations by local shops and businesses. The Hall of Springs looked drop-dead gorgeous, thanks to the design skills of Brendan Flanigan of Brendan Flanigan Designs. The food was scrumptious and the non-alcoholic mocktails were the hit of the evening.
Among those in attendance were Prevention Council staff members, all looking like runway models. The council's Executive Director Judy Ekman spoke to the guests about the work of the Prevention Council. Her husband, the Rev. Jay Ekman, was there, meeting and greeting. Board President Brian Backens got a round of applause when he said that the evening raised more than $50,000 to support the council's work.
Hayward told the crowd how impressed he was with the scope of the council's outreach efforts in the community. He was especially impressed with the problem gambling programs that have helped so many youth and families.
Also seen enjoying themselves were the lovely Michele Riggi and her husband Ron, Colleen and Skip Carlson, Jim and Peggy Connolly, Tom and Mia Gallo, and Steve and Barb Ferraro with their daughter Nicole.
At the Cassidys' table were Gary and Jennifer Contessa and Jerry and Darlene Bilinski. Many of local politicians came out to lend their support, as well, including Mayor Scott Johnson and his wife Julie, Assembly Minority leader James Tedisco, Supervisor Matt Veitch and his wife Stephanie, Bobby D'Andrea and his wife Theresa, District Attorney Jim Murphy and his wife Laurie, and Commissioner Ron Kim with his wife Jennifer.
Photographer Paula Symanski of Positive Images Photography provided her services for the evening gratis.
Also seen was Irwin Cohen with the Daily Racing Form, there to support his wife, Gala Committee Chairwoman Marci Willner, and their daughter Samantha Willner. Gala committee member Marge Maxwell was there to oversee the evening, and her glossy, eye-catching programs graced every place setting. Superintendent of Schools Janice White was there with her husband Terrance, along with Chief of Police Ed Moore, Stephanie and Dale Lang, and John and Robyn Kelly.
James and Holly Lee were also among the guests, as was Robert Lindsey, president and CEO of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Robin Ambrosino and husband Dave Hurteau, Patty Rich and Vince Riggi, Dave Litfin, Tonya Beach, Dave Garmley, and were the last ones to leave on another wonderful evening for an excellent cause.
