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July 26, 2018Siro’s Cup Silver Anniversary Shines
As has become tradition, the 25th Annual Newton Plaza & Marini Homes Siro’s Cup, a benefit for the Center for Disability Services, was held on July 19, the eve of opening day at the Saratoga Race Course. The Saratoga season was enthusiastically welcomed as more than 1,100 guests attended the silver anniversary of the signature event at Siro’s in Saratoga Springs. The popular fundraiser brought in more than $269,000 to support the Center’s programs and services for people with disabilities and their families. Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson attended as they have nearly every year.
Bouquets were presented to event co-founder Jaime E. Cashier and to Mary Burgess, who has been a member of the Siro’s Cup Committee for 25 years. Co-founder Gregory Smith and 25 year committee member Peter Burgess, Mary’s husband, were also recognized during a brief ceremony.
James Fiorentino created original artwork of Justify securing the Triple Crown as the thoroughbred and jockey Mike Smith crossed the finish line to win the Belmont. Smith’s valet, Harry Rice, graciously accepted the large watercolor on Smith’s behalf because riding commitments kept him in California the night of the party.
Guests could watch a livestream of the award presentation on large video screens and see photos from previous Siro’s Cup parties as well as images of the Center’s students, adult program participants and families.
There was dancing to the music of The Electric City Horns and dishes created by the chefs and staff of Siro’s especially for the occasion. Saati Deli & Catering provided starters and desserts were from The Cookie Factory and Hannaford.
Gianni Russo, the actor who played Carlo Rizzi in “The Godfather,” surprised the crowd by singing with the band and mingling with Siro’s Cup partygoers.
New this year was mobile bidding for an online auction. More than one hundred items featuring sports memorabilia, luxury products, jewelry, pet accessories, art prints, gift cards and more were available.
Siro’s Cup and the Center’s other fundraisers support vital medical and dental services and equipment needs at Center Health Care, mobility equipment for students and adults who have disabilities, communication devices, and renovations at the Center’s fully accessible Clover Patch Camp. The Center for Disability Services, known as the place where people get better at life, also has four divisions: Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center, Life Quality Solutions Incubator, Prospect Center in Queensbury and St. Margaret’s Center, a pediatric and young adult skilled nursing facility in Albany.
