News
May 8, 2018Former Yankees All-Star Nick Swisher at Center’s Aficionado Experience Evening
World Series champion and former Yankees All-Star Nick Swisher, who was an outfielder and first baseman during his Major League Baseball career, will be the sports celebrity guest at the 24th annual An Aficionado Experience, a fundraiser for the Center for Disability Services Foundation, Inc., on Thursday, May 31, at 6 p.m, at Shaker Heritage Society, 25 Meeting House Road, Albany. Swisher will sign autographs for VIP sponsors during a special reception, he will have photos taken with guests for an hour early in the evening and he will mingle with fans during the event. Autographed Nick Swisher baseballs will be available for sale. The evening of fine food and mingling is presented by Northwestern Mutual.
Swisher grew up in West Virginia and played football and baseball in high school. In college, he played baseball for the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Conference. In 2002, he was a first round pick by the Oakland Athletics. He spent time in the minors and made his MLB debut for the Athletics in 2004. Swisher played for the Yankees from 2009 to 2012 and was on the World Series champion team in 2009. During his 11 year pro career, he also played for the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians and Atlanta Braves. Swisher was known for his upbeat attitude and good work ethic. He retired from the game in 2017 and is an analyst for FOX.
Jazz artist Lindsey Webster and her band will perform during An Aficionado Experience. Webster was Billboard Contemporary Jazz Artist of the Year in 2016 and 2017. Her CD, “Back to Your Heart,” was the #1 Billboard Jazz Album and reached #1 on iTunes.
In addition to the VIP reception, photos and musical performance, An Aficionado Experience will feature fine cuisine, spirits, live and silent auctions, a wine pull and an opportunity to win dinner at Provence and a Frank Adams Jewelers shopping spree. Bidding and sales will be mobile this year so guests are reminded to bring their phones.
Previous sports guests at this fundraiser include Bernie Williams (2017), Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez (2016), Tommy John (2015), Dwight “Doc” Gooden (2014), Sparky Lyle (2013), Lou Piniella (2012), Rick Cerone (2011), Roy White and Mickey Rivers (2010), Bucky Dent (2009) and Goose Gossage (HOF–2008).
The Center has a long alliance with the New York Yankees going back to the 1970’s. Past and present Yankees who have participated in Center fundraising events include: Gaylord Perry, (the late) Ryne Duren, Rusty Torres, Frank Tepedino, Goose Gossage, Jorge Posada, Joe Girardi, Bubba Crosby, Scott Proctor, Shelley Duncan, Brian Bruney, Bucky Dent, Brett Gardner, Ron Guidry, Roy White, Mickey Rivers, Rick Cerone, David Robertson, Lou Piniella, Joba Chamberlain, Willie Randolph, Cody Eppley, Sparky Lyle, Chris Chambliss, Shawn Kelley, Dwight Gooden, Graig Nettles, Adam Warren, Tommy John, Didi Gregorius, Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez, Luis Severino, Bernie Williams and Aaron Boone.
Tickets are $175 per person, $325 per couple or $1600 for a block of ten tickets. For reservations visit www.cfdsny.org or text 518Gives to 41444 or call 518-944-2107. #518Gives
