Saratoga Bridges announces that the Adirondack Trust Company will be a lead sponsor for the nonprofit’s 2014 fundraising season.

For more than two decades, the Adirondack Trust Company has supported Saratoga Bridges and its programs.  As needs continue to increase for people with developmental disabilities and families, the agency must obtain vital funds.  Saratoga Bridges is committed to keeping its crucial services intact for individuals and their families living in Saratoga County.     

Valerie Muratori, Saratoga Bridges executive director, said, “On behalf of the more than 800 individuals and their families that we serve, I am extremely grateful to the Adirondack Trust Company.  As a deeply committed community partner, it demonstrates its charitable support not only by donating financial resources, but by encouraging its employees, colleagues, families and friends to volunteer for nonprofit organizations like Saratoga Bridges. We have been most privileged to receive both.  Private corporate and individual donations ensure we can continue providing vital services such as daily transportation to and from homes to program sites; art materials and supplies for our Creative Endeavors program; family reimbursement; and in-home respites. Our existing revenue streams do not fully fund these services and activities.”

One of the programs supported by donations is Saratoga Bridges Sibshops.

Rory Graham, 12, said this about her experience: “Five years ago, I thought I was the only one who had feelings I kept inside about my brother.  I took things personally and was very hurt.  Then my parents learned about a program called Sibshops Saratoga Bridges was having.  I was nervous, but it was a great opportunity.  When I got to Sibshops, the other kids would say, ‘My brother does that, too!’  It was comforting to know that other kids have the same experiences, and it was really beneficial to have such a strong support system.

“We share things that I can’t talk to my friends at school about because they don’t really get how upsetting, annoying or sometimes embarrassing life with my brother can be.  Now I realize that I’m not alone, that the other Sibshops kids understand and that I’m not the only one feeling the way I do. These kids get it. We have fun, and I like to go and be with a bunch of new friends from different schools.  One of the things I enjoy most is that we can talk in a place that is a safe environment and have fun activities to express ourselves.  Without this opportunity, I would not be as tolerant and accepting of my brother’s behavior.  Sibshops have given me a sense of maturity, perspective and peace of mind.  I am so happy to be a part of it.”  

Here is a full list of Saratoga Bridges Season Sponsors for 2014 and their events:

Lead Sponsors: The Adirondack Trust Company, Constance and Thomas D’Ambra, and Ketel One Vodka

Featured Sponsors: Coca-Cola, Relph Benefit Advisors and Stewart’s Shops

Associate Sponsors: The Bonadio Group, Camoin Associates, Champlain Wealth Management Reinhart, O’Connell & Aronowitz Attorneys at Law, Saratoga Casino and Raceway, and Tarella Financial Group

July 14 – Relph Benefit Advisors presents the 11th Annual J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Golf Classic

Enjoy lunch, complimentary beverages, golf, prizes and a 19th Hole Award Ceremony at the Edison Club, a private golf course located in Rexford.

July 19 – Ketel One Vodka, Mrs. Marylou Whitney and Mr. John Hendrickson, and Michael W. and Stacie H. Arpey present Saratoga Bridges Annual Gala, “The White Party”

Honorary chairs Julie and Sonny Bonacio, gala co-chairs Beth Alexander and Heather Straughter, the Gala Committee, and Saratoga Bridges announce “The White Party” to be held at Fasig Tipton. This event will feature food by Mazzone Hospitality Catering, cocktails courtesy of Ketel One Vodka, HBT Crazy Photo Booth, silent and live auctions, and live entertainment from Gravity.

August 23 – Ketel One Vodka presents the 25th Annual Travers Day at the Races

Held on the most exciting afternoon of the meet, Travers Day at Saratoga Race Course, this event includes premium seating and hospitality with a delicious buffet and beverage service in the Carousel Restaurant.

October 18 – MVP Health Care presents the 14th Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge

This event features a 5K walk/run, 10K run and Kids Fun Run through Saratoga Spa State Park. Each registrant for the 5K and 10K will receive a long-sleeved moisture-wicking T-shirt if registered prior to Oct. 1. Limited to the first 2,000 registrants; no day-of registration this year.

For information on becoming a sponsor or to make a reservation at any 2014 special event, contact Heather Varney at 587-0723, ext. 1266; e-mail at hvarney@saratogabridges.org; or go online at www.saratogabridges.org.

--Jennie