David Cassidy on the Web
'Old Bags' makeover loosens purse strings
August 15, 2008
By: Jeannette Jordan
Inside Saratoga
www.saratogian.com
On Tuesday, a sold-out crowd of 250 dazzling women and a scattering of men alighted on the swanky, newly renovated Saratoga National Golf Course.
Chairwoman Eileen Cornacchia joined forces with Saratoga party guru Michael Panza of Fine Affairs to transform the stately club into a magnificent Manhattan Fifth Avenue shop. Her co-chairs were Anne Campbell, Nancy Kelly and Marlene Okby and junior chairwoman Whitney Douglas.
Sleek white spandex and crisp white linens were used to cover tables and create a clean palate for showcasing the hundreds of high-end handbags offered for sale, all to benefit Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, Race Track Chaplaincy of America, Metro New York Division, and Saratoga Center for the Family.
Panza also used Lucite boxes and clear shelving to create funky displays throughout the room.
The women gobbled up most of the extravagant purses. Some going for as high as $500, while others for as little as $40. Not one of the donated bags was worth less than $100.
It was one of the fun days of the season. Included was a video shown by William Roach, owner of Putnam Wines, about Gainesway Farms and Graham Beck Vineyards, which donated wine for the pairings. "I'm your entertainment," Roach laughed.
Cornacchia founded the trademark Old Bags luncheon in 1998. The luncheon has become a must-go-to event, wherever it is taking place. There are 12 more planned throughout the country this year.
Cornacchia, who came with her husband Joe, welcomed everyone, including "all the brave men who were dragged here today," she said, laughing. "Is this place beautiful? The rose petals on the tables were free. We spent no money." There also was a darling porcelain pocketbook cookie jar in the center of each table. Whoever had a birthday closest to Christmas took it home.
Sheryl Schwartz and Marylou Whitney were honored. Schwartz swept into the club in a dynamic-looking Chado by Ralph Rucci brown leather embroidered coat and black sheath. Her husband, Barry, who is always at the top of the fashion list, was by her side. The always chic Whitney arrived in a stunning satin pantsuit with red jacket and white pants. Her dapper husband John Hendrickson accompanied her.
"These women bring so much class to Saratoga and do so much for the community," Cornacchia said.
Some guests tapped their glasses to quiet the ladies so Cornacchia could continue giving thanks to all that help. For more than an hour, guests sipped wine and devoured the luncheon, featuring pecan crusted chicken and fresh peach shortcake. The afternoon concluded with coffee and cookies on the terrace overlooking the magnificent golf course that was filled with players taking part in an NFL tournament.
"I know the Saratoga race season is a strain on everyone of you, both socially and financially. With that in mind, I wish to thank every one of you from the bottom of my heart for your contributions of underwriting and handbags, and for taking the time to be with me today for this seventh annual Old Bags luncheon," Cornacchia wrote in the program.
"We are so appreciative of the event," said Deb Tomaso, executive director of the Saratoga Center for the Family.
Some sighted were Lou-Ann Verdile, Nancy Ingersoll, April Heller, Lisa Torani, Claudia Pesino, Betty Dorsey, Terry Calkins, Colleen Carlson, Mylea Aldrich, Marie Zinter, Mary Gavin, Deborah Crotty, Carm Grandy, Nancy DiCresce, Nancy Meager, Linda Toohey, Robin Litfin, Peggy Connolly, Lynn Meyer, Cathy Marino and Marilyn Aronson, who bought a gorgeous suede shawl.
From the horse world were Blythe Clay, Faye Schmidt, Virginia Kraft Payson, JoAnn Oreffice, Carol Farmer, Elizabeth Valando, Theresa Behrendt, Peggy Steinman, Donna C. Ward, Sally Hill and Barbara Stevenson, to name a few.
Shoe designer Taryn Rose sat at the main table with the honorees and Maureen Lewi and Mike Okby, husband of co-chair Maureen Okby, and her beautiful niece Kristy Alef, visiting from Michigan.
Sue Cassidy, wife of singer-actor David Cassidy, helped with the raffle drawing. David gave a moving talk at Monday evening's Prevention Council benefit that many remarked about.
Julie Bonacio was eye-catching in a bright green satin strapless dress with a multi-colored feather hat. Bonacio's mom, Janet Carley, also was bursting her buttons over her other daughters Shawna Bannon and Cara Carley. Laura Bonacio, Sonny's sister, and Jill Bonacio, Tony's wife, joined them. Carol Brown came with her sister Martha LaFleur who was visiting from Keene, N.H.
Michele Riggi, always a knockout, was joined by her husband Ron. Marti Carey, Margie Rotchford, Beth Alexander, Deborah and Dennis O'Kain, Suzie O'Cain, Erin Hogan, Holly Sofarelli, Natalie Sillery and Robin Kappler of Amsterdam were there.
Beverly Yunich brought her niece Allison Meyers, Kathe Rose and Thelma Giangreco. Yunich didn't go home empty handed. In fact, there weren't many women walking out without a shopping bag in their hands. After all, that's what it was all about.
Gambling returns to historic casino
Who needs Las Vegas when you have the Canfield Casino in your own back yard? In the 1870s, the casino was the hottest gambling site for high rollers.
On Sunday evening, Linda and Sam Palazzole brought back some of that era's mystique with a night of real casino gambling. The 200 guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a delectable lavish buffet catered by Yono's of Albany and live entertainment by Hamilton Street Jazz Group with Donna Purnomo.
The event, featuring silent and live auctions, benefited the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, New York Branch. The outcome was tremendous. Close to $50,000 was raised.
The center is a private, nonprofit organization established in the United States in 1984. A Congressional mandate led to the establishment of the center by John Walsh of TV's "America's Most Wanted" and others as a result of frustration stemming from lack of resources and coordination between law enforcement and other government agencies. Walsh's son Adam was abducted and killed in Florida 27 years ago.
The center acts as an information resource to help locate and recover missing children; prevent the sexual exploitation of children and keep children safer while in school, in public areas, and on the Internet.
Sam Palazzole, owner of Saratoga Builders, decided to have a fundraiser here. He has been a longtime friend of Walsh's ever since they were roomies while attending the University of Buffalo.
Walsh was unable to attend because he was filming his next show, but did send a video message encouraging guests to help.
After welcoming everyone, Palazzole, presented his wife with a bouquet of two dozen roses. Monday was her birthday. He also introduced Edward Suk, executive director of NCMEC/NY.
"We are very excited to have an opportunity to have a (fundraiser) in Saratoga and the East Side of the state," Suk said. "The goal is to raise awareness and raise funds. The money will be turned back into your own community."
Guests played games of chance run by the local Lion's Club, before heading into the ballroom to feast on everything from Caesar salad to beef tenderloin to desserts.
The din in the room went silent when Veronica Frear of Scotia told her heart-wrenching story. Four years ago, her teenage son Craig Allen Frear left his friend's home to attend a family gathering. He never arrived. "It was so unlike him," she said trying to hold back her tears. "Hope is all that keeps me going. I'll never stop searching."
Once the guests gained their composure, auctioneer Ralph Passanno, Jr., president of Uncle Sam Auctions & Realty Inc., slowly grabbed their attention and the bidding began on an array of items.
Among the high bidders were Dr. Lynwood O'Cain, who bought a 24-inch strand of fresh water pearls for his wife Suzie; and Virginia Kraft Payson, owner of Payson Stud Farm in Hobe Sound, Fla., bought an 18-K gold necklace with diamonds and a white gold necklace with pearls. She attended with her friend David Cole.
David DeVoe won the New York Mets vs. Phillies game package in the owner's box, and a NYRA box at Saratoga Race Course. The Mets' box was donated by Payson.
Other high bidders included Nick and Joyce Codispodi, NCMEC board members in Naples, Fla., and New Jersey, tickets to The Late Show with David Letterman; Nancy Smith, owner of Saratoga Signatures Interior Designs, a gold bracelet with diamonds; and Julie Johnson, wife of Mayor Scott Johnson, a white gold and diamond bangle bracelet.
Guests were seated at tables drapped in white linens centered by vases of red roses created by Jim and Gretchen Squires, owners of Posie Peddler.
Once the activities in the ballroom died down, many guests jumped back into the games of chance before calling it a night.
Sighted throughout the evening were Chief of Police Ed Moore and Sgt. John Catone and Investigator John Kelly, who explained their program of Operation Safe Child; Andy Kelley of the Sheriff's Department Canine Unit, with two of his German shepherds; District Attorney Jim Murphy, whose wife Laurie was having fun at the gaming tables; Leejun and Jim Taylor, chairman of Taylor Made; Margie and Ron Stribley, who gave their neighbors, the Palazzoles, plenty of help; Debbie and Michael Giovanone, owner of Concord Pools; Sally and Jim Hill; Linda and David Tarella; Ron Fazio and friends Marlana and John Barecz; Steven Paul Crystal, president of Velocity Wine Group; Kathy and Charlie DiSanto, who couldn't resist the black jack table; and Donene Honnold and Paul Hoffman of Dee See Stables, who won the Yaddo Handicap Sunday for the second year in a row with their horse Latitude Forty; Mike Bryant of the Secret Service; Vicki Slade; Public Works Commissioner Skip Scirocco; artist Frankie Flores; Dorothy and Jack Knowlton, managing partner of Sackatoga Stables, who were trying their hands at the gaming tables; and Barbara Malcolm of Williamsville, a suburb of Buffalo.
David Cassidy makes it personal
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.
Society columnist Jeannette Jordan's Inside Saratoga runs every Tuesday and Friday during racing season. Send news to inside.saratoga@yahoo.com
