2012 Candlelight House Tour a Success. Thank You!

On Friday December 7, 2012 the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF) brought in the holiday season with the 23rd Annual Candlelight House Tour featuring homes in the Marion Place – Court Street area. The tour was attended by over 300 people and over 150 guests attended the After Party and silent auction at the historic Union Gables Bed & Breakfast. The SSPF board of directors and staff thank the homeowners, house captains, committee members, Corporate Sponsors, donors, and the countless volunteers who made this event possible. We could not count this year’s Tour among our many successes without your help and support.
Thank you to the homeowners who, in the spirit of the season, graciously opened their homes: Beth & Paul Milton, Susan Sharp & John Koella, Chelsea & Joshua Silver, Lisa Bates, Vincent Pelliccia & Carol Cooney, Robert & Ann DeMarco, Shannon & Dave Hungerford, and Mara King. Your beautiful homes helped to kick-off the holiday season in Saratoga Springs in grand fashion. In addition to the homeowners, we thank the House Captains;  Diane & Tom Denny, Kirstin Drabek, Kristina Kline, Judy Hefter, Carol Kurto, Lyn Madden, Nancy Meyer, Palma Pedrick, and Susan Waldron. House Captains worked directly with homeowners, organized house volunteers, and hosted guests during the tour. Their dedication to the event is a key factor in its success each year. We also thank the almost 80 house volunteers for their time and greeting guests with such enthusiasm. In addition to the house volunteers, we thank the committee who created the event and worked so closely with staff; Leslie C. Mechem, Michelle Paquette, Molly McKeown, Kathryn Oppedisano, and event Co-Chairs, Charlene Courtney & Chelsea Silver. Your leadership was integral in making this year’s event a special one.
That board and staff thank the 2013 Candlelight House Tour Corporate Sponsors: Chris Armer with Prudential Manor Homes, Balzer + Tuck Architecture, Bonacio Construction, Inc., deJonghe Original Jewelry, Engineering America Co., Frost Hurff Architects, New York Racing Association, Old Saratoga Restorations, Saratoga Casino & Raceway, Saratoga Home Builders, Silverwood Home & Gallery, and Teakwood Builders Inc. We also thank the members of this year’s Candlelight House Tour Honorary Committee in both the 23^rd Anniversary Circle and Candlelight Circle: Dan & Rita Forbush, Judy Harrigan, Ann S. Quinn, Susan Sharp, Steven & Cheryl Springer, Robert & Lois Vessels, Michael Arnush & Leslie C. Mechem, Geoffrey Bornemann, Laura Chodos, Diana Crookes, Michael & Heather Cushing, George & Tamie Ehinger, James & Cheryl Gold, Thomas R. Frost & Carole Tarantino, Kenneth Grey, Brian McCandless, MD, Alan Richer, Deborah Williams Sawchuck, Holly Schwarz-Lawton, and Charles & Mary Lou Wheeler.
We thank all of the downtown and local businesses, organizations, artists and artisans, and private donors who made this year’s auction happen! In addition we thank those restaurants and vendors who provided food or donated beverages to the event: AM & J Studios, Capital Wine, Albany, Capriccio, Gaffney’s, Little India, Sperry’s, and Sushi Thai Garden. We also thank Panza’s Restaurant and Catering and Mixaritas: Mobile Bar Services for their infinite supply of helpfulness and professionalism during the planning and implementation of the House Tour.
SSPF thanks Saratoga Sweets for their contribution of candy pigs and a beautiful gift basket to our annual Peppermint Pig Hunt, a fond tradition at the Candlelight House Tour. Our winner of the Pink Pig Hunt this year was Linda Kroll, an SSPF member who was thrilled with her win.
Finally, a tremendous thank you goes to Tom & Barbara Fox, owners of the Union Gables Bed & Breakfast who graciously donated the venue for this year’s Candlelight House Tour After Party. Tom & Barbara worked with SSPF staff on several occasions leading up to the event and truly opened their doors to us in countless ways. Guests at the After Party enjoyed viewing the splendidly decorated guest suites, and sipping wine with a nosh near a roaring fire in the wonderfully appointed first floor of the Union Gables.
Thank you again to everyone who lent a hand in this event, SSPF’s largest fundraiser of the year. Your support and dedication have made this holiday season a special one for all of us at the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.