News
May 3, 2017A Unique Night with Bernie Williams at Center’s Aficionado Experience Evening
Four time World Series Champion Bernie Williams, who was a center fielder for the New York Yankees, and who is a Latin Grammy nominated jazz musician, will be the sports celebrity guest and will play jazz guitar at the 23nd annual An Aficionado Experience, a fundraiser for the Center for Disability Services, on Thursday, June 8, at 6 p.m, at the Pruyn House in Loudonville. Williams will sign autographs for VIP sponsors during a special reception, he and his band will perform for guests during the night, and he will have his photo taken with fans in a special photo area. In addition, signed Bernie Williams photos will be available for sale. The evening of fine food and mingling is presented by Northwestern Mutual.
Williams, who was born in Puerto Rico, has dedicated himself to baseball and music since he was in his teens. No stranger to Albany, Williams played for the Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs, the Yankees’ Double A franchise, and made his first MLB appearance with the New York Yankees in July 1991. A four time World Series champion and a five time All Star, Williams won many other awards in his 16 year career with the Yankees. The team retired his #51 in April 2015. He is a well reviewed, classically trained guitarist who has released two jazz albums. In 2009, he was nominated for a Latin Grammy for his album ‘Moving Forward.” He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music last May.
In addition to the VIP reception, photo booth and the unique musical performance, An Aficionado Experience will feature fine cuisine, spirits, live and silent auctions. Previous sports guests at this fundraiser include 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, Graig Nettles, Adam Warren, Didi Gregorius and Luis Severino.
Tickets are $175 per person, $325 per couple or $1600 for a block of ten tickets. For reservations or to make a donation, text 518Gives to 41444, go to www.cfdsny.org or call (518) 944-2107.
