SARATOGA SPRINGS -- The 16th annual 'Mayday for Hunger' to benefit the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council was an overwhelming success. Planning and auction committee co-chairs Valerie Keehn and Denise Polit pulled out all the stops to make this the most profitable fundraiser in the EOC's history.
'We wanted to raise the bar for EOC and try to double the $30,000 that was raised last year,' Keehn said. And raise the bar they did -- nearly $80,000 was contributed via ticket sales, corporate sponsorships and through silent and live auctions.
For the first time, the event, which took place last Thursday, was a sit-down dinner and included a live auction. Although the Canfield Casino needed little embellishment, Fine Affairs donated their time and expertise to coordinate the pink, green and gold theme for the silent auction, and the color scheme spilled over into the banquet hall. The color-coded silent auction tables were closed at different times, which generated interest and activity throughout the cocktail hour.
EOC staff and volunteers worked diligently to promote bidding on 70 silent auction items valued at more than $14,000. Those looking for Mother's Day gifts had plenty to choose from -- restaurant gift certificates, massages, flowers, gardening supplies, artwork and jewelry were all up for bid. One of the most popular silent auction items was the ceramic art donated by renowned local artist
Regis Brodie. When the auction concluded,
John and
Alison Muse had emerged as the top bidders.
Two longtime EOC volunteers,
Emily Muller and
Nancy Lester, had a chance to catch up and talk about their experiences in the soup kitchen. Muller was one of the soup kitchen's earliest volunteers, and under her leadership, service expanded from two to six days a week.
While many party regulars such as
Anne Palamountain, A. C. Riley, Barbara Glaser, Dee and
A.J. Sarno and
Bob and
Cathy Allen were in attendance, the planning committee worked hard to encourage new supporters to turn out as well. The most memorable faces present, however, were the ones captured by
Guy Mastrion of Palio Communications. As part of an upcoming marketing effort, Mastrion photographed those who benefit from EOC's services, and EOC board member
Angela French donated production costs to create eye-catching and provocative posters.
While EOC serves those in need year-round, demand for services often increases during track season and, as a result, several partnerships have been developed to better serve the needs of track workers. One of the newest services that EOC is coordinating is an English as a second language program, which will be managed by
Dorothy Nowhitney. Several NYRA officials were in attendance, including
Nick Caras, director of the recreation program for backstretch workers, and chaplain
Humberto Chavez and his wife,
Karen.
Affordable housing is another concern addressed by EOC, and many members of the workforce housing partnership were in attendance, including
Rick Higgins, Brad Birdge and
Dave Roberts. While talking about the housing situation, Higgins, who is searching for a site to develop, commented 'If we don't watch it, we'll be the Aspen of the East.'
Two of the most generous and longest-running supporters of 'Mayday for Hunger,'
Steve Sullivan and his wife,
Yvonne Sinnamon-Sullivan, once again were heavily involved in the planning and execution of the event. Yvonne served on the planning committee and oversaw Longfellows and Olde Bryan Inn staff as they circulated with passed hors d'oeuvres including vegetarian pot stickers, mini quiche, shrimp and chef Patrick Longton's famous seared ahi tuna. The Sullivans have donated the food and serving staff for 'Mayday for Hunger' since its inception.
Dinner began with a spirited competition for a chance to win a day in the mayor's box at the track. Contestants had to correctly guess a coin toss, and after seven flips of the coin,
Gary Donadio of Schenectady was the last person standing. He walked away with box privileges and $500 in betting money, and at the end of the evening he donated his winnings toward the purchase of a new van.
Following dinner, Kathy Kingston of Kingston Auction Company kicked off the live auction of a dozen selected items, including wine, beer and scotch tastings, gourmet dinners and getaway packages to Manhattan and Palm Beach. The items drawing the most interest were the Tuscan villa vacation and the South African safari.
Although
John Murray and
Cathy Holland outbid event co-chair Polit and her husband
Alan Janosy for the safari, Polit was delighted to match their winning bid when Kingston announced that a second safari was available.
Joe O'Hara and
Cheryl Peterson, who were seated with Polit and Janosy, anted up for the Tuscan villa for four. No word on who will be joining them on their trip to Italy.
Having a professional auctioneer definitely played a role in the sharp increase in revenue. Kingston kept the audience engaged with her banter, often chiding bidders -- 'Now don't look at him; look at me' -- as she tried to keep the bidding rolling. And just when everyone thought they had given all they had to give, Kingston asked for more.
The final component of the live auction was an open opportunity to fund a need. The council's van, which is used every day to transport food and goods, needs to be replaced. Attendees were asked to make outright contributions toward the cost of purchasing a new van. Gifts of $1,000, $500, $250 and $100 were made from the floor and $14,400 was collected. To cap off the evening,
Terry Morris of Terry Morris Auto Group agreed to sell EOC a quality used van at a significant discount.
Rick Dunn of Stewart's offered to donate gas vouchers as well.
The Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council provides low-income county residents with opportunities to help themselves become economically self-sufficient. If you need assistance, would like to volunteer or make a donation, call Executive Director Dennis Brunelle, 587-3158.
