TRASK – Thank You

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is grateful to all of those who contributed to making TRASK: Preserving Saratoga Springs Through Art a huge success on the night of June 28, 2012. The historic Canfield Casino was filled with over 360 people, and despite the heat, guests stayed to enjoy a night of food, drink, live entertainment , and most of all, paintings, photography, drawings, and sculpture by local artists.  The event was co-chaired by Elaina Richardson, Yaddo President, and Donna Hassler, Executive Director of Chesterwood. Their support of the event was pivotal to its success. In addition, the City of Saratoga Springs must be thanked for their committed partnership to both the Restoration Campaign.
Proceeds from the event directly benefit the restoration of the Spirit of Life & Spencer Trask Memorial in Congress Park, and the Foundation could not have kicked off the four-year Restoration Campaign without the help of many. First and foremost, the Foundation is indebted to Saratoga Springboard, and all their members, with particular thanks to Betsy Boland, President; Alysa Arnold, Vice President; Serena Savage, Artist & Graphic Designer; and Valerie Collins, Art Show Coordinator.  The efforts of all the Springboard members are greatly appreciated. Their skill-sets, talents, and work ethic produced one of the most unique fundraisers Saratoga Springs has ever seen. The Foundation looks forward to repeating the TRASK event in the future.
In addition to Springboard, the Foundation also thanks the many artists who participated. Over 75 artists submitted work to the exhibition and of the 108 shown at TRASK, the Foundation sold more than half the art work on view. Each exhibiting artist agreed to donate a portion of their art sale toward the restoration of the Memorial.   The silent auction of artwork was the highlight of the night and many patrons left with art celebrating the “spirit of life” in Saratoga Springs.  The Foundation is also grateful to the evening’s judges, Beverly Mastrianni and David Miller, who worked together to complete the difficult task of awarding prizes to the top artists.
Additionally, the Foundation would also like to thank the event’s highest donors: including Michael and Linda Toohey for their $10,000 gift, Katherine and John B. Walthausen, James & Cheryl Gold, Cindy Ball, Cynthia Corbett, and Holly Schwarz-Lawton.  Appreciation is also extended to TRASK sponsors; D.A. Collins Companies, Jay & Alysa Arnold, Steve Tetens, Look TV, Janney Montgomery Scott, Heaven Scent Floral Art, Elizabeth’s Table, Heineken, Gaffney’s, The Living Room, deJonghe Original Jewelry, Longfellows, Beekman Street Bistro, Serena Savage Textile & Web Design, Mixaritas Mobile Bartending, and Miller Printing.
Finally, the Foundation would like to extend thanks to the Restoration Campaign Steering Committee; Cynthia Corbett, James Gold, Holly Schwarz-Lawton, Dee Sarno, Julia Stokes, Jere Tatich, Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco,  and Donna Buckley for their commitment to the Restoration Campaign. The Foundation interns and volunteers must also be recognized for their hard work, commitment, and good spirits which helped make the night a success.