The start of track season in Saratoga Springs marks the start of weeks of merrymaking partying, and one local nonprofit is looking to harness that spirit for its own soiree.
The Community Action for Parents Teens and Interested Neighbors, or CAPTAIN for short, will again mark the opening of the track with a fundraising gala.
“Last year’s turnout was great. … It is our biggest fundraiser and supports all of our programs … and it continues to gain popularity,” said CAPTAIN Development and Marketing Coordinator Robin Matthias.
This year’s gala, An Unbridled Affair, builds on a racing theme that has been running for four years now. The event will honor thoroughbred champion Seattle Slew and will be held at the Gideon Putnam Resort on Friday, July 20, with festivities kicking off at 6:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a silent auction. It’s also the same day the Saratoga Race Course opens for the season.
CAPTAIN, which is celebrating 35 years of service, was started to address issues affecting the adolescents of that era, including drug use, homelessness and teenage pregnancy — and it is still hard at work at that mission and others.
An Unbridled Affair is an idea born at least in part by famed horse trainer Gary Contessa, although he said he couldn’t take all of the credit in formulating the idea. He heard about CAPTAIN a few years ago through friends and sits on the organization’s board of directors.
“I brought in people from racing to the gala … Saratoga (and the racing season) is what late July and August are all about,” said Contessa.
He also said that he’s honored to be involved with CAPTAIN.
“I’ve seen firsthand how they’ve helped,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder, it’s such a good organization and I wanted to be a part of it. There are a lot of families and children in crisis and what better organization to have to help them? Our children are our families of tomorrow.”
In 1977, Seattle Slew became one of 11 Triple Crown winners in history to have made his mark as a 4-year-old, a rarity amongst thoroughbreds that tend to be 2 or 3 years old when they race.
While the crowned horse died in 2001, his legacy lives on and his owners Sally and Dr. Jim Hill said they are proud to have him honored at the gala and glad of what CAPTAIN does for the community.
“I think it’s fantastic and very, very worthwhile. If kids don’t come along in good order and get straightened out when they start to go off the path in the wrong ways they become adults who continue that. So, I think to help kids and get them through those very difficult years when there are so many challenges … to have good support (in CAPTAIN) is fantastic,” said Sally Hill.
The Hills reside in Miami, Fla. and make the Capital Region their home from May through September in large part so that they can attend the Saratoga meet.
In its inaugural year the gala raised around $15,000. This year the event is expected to raise $50,000 for CAPTAIN, according to Executive Director Sue Malinowski. This year will also feature personal stories told by some who have been helped by the organization.
“We wanted to include the stories because people come out to support us but may not be able to connect or get a good personal flavor about us,” said Malinowski.
Tickets are $125 per person and $90 for those under 35. Artist Brian T. Fox will unveil an original oil painting of Seattle Slew set to be auctioned off.
Last year, CAPTAIN provided over 25,000 units of service, which is considered to be anything from a meal served to helping a family in a crisis situation. With more than three decades of service to the community, their program offerings continue to grow. For more information on the group and the gala, visit www.captainyfs.com.