38th annual Palamountain Scholarship Benefit: Polo by Twilight
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Good day, class.
As you know, this is not a mathematics blog, but some numbers are too incredible to ignore:
– On Tuesday, July 25, The Saratoga Polo Association Fields was once again the site of Skidmore College’s 38th annual event to benefit the College’s Palamountain Scholarship Fund.
– During his remarks. Skidmore President Philip A. Glotzbach noted that the Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Fund, created to honor Skidmore’s late president and his wife for their 22 years of dedicated service and leadership at the College, was indeed robust, standing at just under 10 million dollars prior to this evening’s gala. This translates to well over a quarter-million in donations and endowment investment income on average each year, for 37 years!
– Over those years, more than 350 Palamountain Scholarships have been awarded from this fund to talented Skidmore students, and 22 student scholars were supported this year alone. The Fund provides support for students who, because of financial need, might not otherwise be able to attend Skidmore. Aid from the fund is given annually to financially eligible juniors and seniors whose outstanding academic records and co-curricular service exemplify the unique contribution that the Palamountains have made to Skidmore College.
What this event also does, is give a window into many areas of Skidmore’s excellence. Several bright lights were in evidence this evening, showcasing areas where, to call them ‘excellent’ is almost damning with faint praise. Indeed, attendees were treated to some things where the expression “best in the world” would not be inappropriate.
This is but one example:
It is hardly hyperbole to state that the Skidmore Community likes to eat – and eat well.
Director of Dining Services Mark Miller and his team of pro chefs and students assure that they do. They are multiple defending champs in intercollegiate culinary challenges. And on the big event nights – they truly kick it up a notch… let’s dig in, shall we?
Yes, yes… happy plates, happy people. Now you know why Mark is always smiling… the food, and the overall event was so good that I doubt anyone cared that the rains over the past few days caused the Polo match to be cancelled this year due to yielding turf!
Then we have the pro auctioneer team of Chris and Sarah K.P. Ward. Chris is the MC, Sarah is the point person scribbling bids, at times furiously.
Chris’ wireless mic setup allowed him to stroll through the approximately 100 tables to acknowledge bids, or pop up on stage as needed.
A highlight is always the ice-breaking heads-or-tails game. Hey, it’s a 50/50 chance. Take your shot!
Afterwards, the live auction items featured one-of-a-kind experiences along the lines of your own private island or villa, VIP Broadway and Sports Packages. The numbers flying around were truly staggering.
We await the event proceeds totals, but expect them to be mega.
In sum, this event shows an important life lesson: At Skidmore the staff, Professors and students work very hard. But when it comes time to play, and to celebrate, they do pretty good at that too.
Class dismissed.
Arthur Gonick
July 27, 2017
