Rebuilding Together Saratoga County’s 14th Annual Dinner
SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Thursday evening, October 12, The Hall of Springs was filled to capacity for a celebration of accomplishment on several levels, as Rebuilding Together Saratoga County held its 14th Annual Dinner. One of the distinctive parts of the evening as how both the dispensers of largesse and ‘sweat equity’ were seamlessly blended into a program with the recipients into a program that was compact, yet packed quite a wallop.
The attendees were able to renew acquaintances during a sit-down dinner, during which the program highlights commanded your attention:
Accepting the 2017 Community Partner Award on behalf of the Saratoga Builders Association was Barry Potoker – poignant, pithy, grateful, two well-received jokes and thank you. There were plenty more honorees this evening…
Event Chair Lisa Mitzen was given special recognition for putting all this together, which appeared to be a pleasant, perhaps off-script surprise, but certainly well-deserved. The Hall of Springs seemed to sparkle a little brighter on this evening, which is no small feat…
The 2017 Volunteer of the Year was given to Jean McLellan by Executive Director Michelle Larkin. Both of these ladies take such a nice photo that I’m running it again! Editor’s privilege, and all that…
Then the Frolish family took centerstage to express their appreciation to all that helped them. A reminder that this audience came together not just to have a party, but to celebrate the process of progress, which is reflected in this passage:
We partner with volunteers year round to ensure homeowners in need can live independently in safe and healthy homes and build healthy neighborhoods through our programs:
• Home Repair provides critical repairs for low-income homeowners, including weatherizing, making plumbing and electrical repairs, patching and painting, cleaning, re-carpeting, siding, and landscaping.
• Safe at Home provides home safety assessments and safety and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners who are older adults or are living with a disability.
• Community Strong provides safe and welcoming spaces for communities to gather through renovation and beautification work for community centers, supportive housing facilities and outdoor community spaces.
– SOURCE: rtsaratoga.org/
But, yes, this evening was as entertaining as it was spiritually nourishing. with good vibes – literally – all around…
To me, a Chris Ward- led live auction is always a treat, and bidders responded to his call for packages ranging from Lake Placid trips to Boston Red Sox games. All in all, a super evening with achievement at its core. And you felt the resolve to do even more.
Arthur Gonick
October 24, 2017
