Flower and Fruit Mission’s Snow Ball – A Preview
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Our city’s motto is “health, history and horses.”
Let’s focus on health for a second.
Founded in 1904, The Flower and Fruit Mission was established to help support Women’s Health Services at Saratoga Hospital. This committee, always 35 female members for life, has supported Saratoga Hospital for well over 100 years.
The Flower and Fruit Mission has changed with the times. No longer are fruits given to new moms to help rebuild their strength. Long gone are the days when the group of women sat together, crocheting perfect blankets and hats.
Instead, the 35 members of the Flower and Fruit Mission have raised over $1,300,000 to buy new hospital equipment, provide scholarships, aid renovations, and support nurse education.
On December 2nd, The Flower and Fruit Mission will once again kick off the holiday season with the Snow Ball at the spectacular Saratoga Hall of Springs.
The Snow Ball is one of two yearly fundraisers that help to operate the William J Hickey Women’s Health Services at Saratoga Hospital.
This year is especially pivotal, as the Flower and Fruit Mission has pledged $250,000 to a multi-phase expansion and renovation project that will transform the birthing environment, enhance maternity care and elevate the experience for mother and babies.
As a mother of two, I am overwhelmed with the Flower and Fruits member’s dedication and commitment to their goal.
Last year, Saratoga Hospital was the birthplace for approximately 1000 babies.
Families received the services of the Saratoga Midwifery, the skills of Jennifer Lefner, Neonatologist, and the Myrtle Street Obstetrics and Gynecology delivery choice.
The Snow Ball is a black tie optional, palate teasing, drinks pouring, dance party, with a sit down dinner carefully orchestrated at the center.
The New York Players’ incredible band, “Body and Soul” will be playing all night.
The cocktail hour begins at 6:30 with complimentary wine, beer, and soda. You can also indulge on a complementary a glass of champagne at the door and a gin cocktail.
For those of you who enjoy a more specific holiday nip, cash bar will be available.
But really, what’s a drink without a nosh?
Mazzone Hospitality has your answer – providing stellar cuisine such as passed Hors d’oeuvres of seared steak crostini with caramelized onion, goat cheese, and grilled pears. Or how about grilled lamb chop with black pepper spiced mustard sauce?
Each table will have bottles of red and white wine, and the first course will consist of butternut squash bisque with toasted pumpkin seeds and cinnamon Crème fraîche. The bisque will be complemented by a pear salad made of arugula, frisée, goat cheese, grilled onion, honey poached pear and champagne vinaigrette.
You could stop right there, but why would you? Tis the season to indulge!
And indulge you shall. The main course will consist of boneless beef short ribs with parmesan red wine risotto, charred asparagus, bathed in Chianti braising gravy. For those like my daughter, a vegetarian option of butternut squash ravioli with brown butter and sage cream, dusted with shaved Manchego is available.
I will leave the desserts to your imagination, however, I can swear on my ELF on the shelf that they sound amazing!
And, of course, the cherished, long standing tradition of homemade holiday cookies will also be for sale.
This event is a not-to-be-missed holiday ball for a beloved and worthy Mission that has united our community. So put down your holiday list, slip on that gown, lace up your favorite pair of dance shoes and meet someone special under the mistletoe.
But do it quickly. Tickets are $150, and sales will close on November 22nd. They can be purchased Right HERE.
Mandy Mittler
November 17, 2017
