“Moonlight Over Saratoga” cocktail reception to raise funds for Backstretch Employee Service Team and Times Union Hope Fund

Elegant evening event at Saratoga Race Course to feature an exciting live auction

The 11th annual Travers Celebration will return to Saratoga Race Course this summer with an exciting new format  –  a lavish outdoor cocktail party – on Thursday, August 25 from 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Sponsored by Macy*s, Northeastern Fine Jewelry, Hearts on Fire and The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), the “Moonlight over Saratoga” cocktail reception will feature exquisite food stations, elaborate beverage offerings, dancing, and live music from the New York Players outside the Clubhouse entrance to Saratoga Race Course.

All net proceeds from the evening will benefit the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.) and the Times Union Hope Fund.

The centerpiece of the evening will be a live auction, which will commence with a formal presentation at 8:15 p.m. Guests will have an opportunity to bid on a number of premier items, including:

• A beautiful 18k white gold diamond necklace by Hearts on Fire, featuring one carat of the world’s most perfectly cut diamonds and valued at $8,900, courtesy of Northeastern Fine Jewelry.
• A private dinner and wine pairing for 10 at Prime at Saratoga National, courtesy of restaurateur Angelo Mazzone and the Mazzone Management Group.
• A luxury suite at Madison Square Garden for 14 individuals for a New York Rangers game in December 2011, courtesy of Coca-Cola.
• The ultimate Travers Weekend package including a Clubhouse box for the 2012 Travers Stakes and two-night stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites in downtown Saratoga Springs, courtesy of Turf Hotels and NYRA.
• A named race and trophy presentation in the winner’s circle during the 2012 Saratoga meet, courtesy of NYRA.

The live auction will be supplemented with a silent auction, which will be open until 9:30 p.m. The silent auction will feature an extensive selection of luxury items, including:

• A Keurig® Single-Cup brewer and a supply of Dunkin’ K-Cup® portion packs, courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts.
• A pair of front row seats to the Elton John concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Sunday, September 4, courtesy of Live Nation.
• Original prints from famed thoroughbred photographers Barbara Livingston and Skip Dickstein, courtesy of the Times Union.
• A tour of the Hearst Tower and dinner for four at New York City restaurant Sorella, courtesy of the Hearst Corporation.
• Four rounds of golf at Saratoga National Golf Club, courtesy of SNGC.

Cigar rollers from Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe will also provide guests with freshly rolled cigars for $10 each, with all proceeds to benefit the evening’s charities.

The Travers Celebration will include a salute to 2010 Travers Stakes winner Afleet Express and his connections: owners Gainesway Farm and Martin Cherry; trainer James A. “Jimmy” Jerkens; and jockey Javier Castellano

The event will also offer a preview of the field for the 2011 Travers Stakes which may well determine the 3-year-old championship in a battle between Jim Dandy winner Stay Thirsty, Preakness Stakes champion Shackleford, Belmont Stakes winner Ruler On Ice, and Haskell Invitational champion Coil.

The 2011 Travers Celebration is co-chaired by Betsy Senior, co-owner of Senior & Shopmaker Gallery in Manhattan and wife of NYRA President and CEO Charlie Hayward; and George R. Hearst III, Publisher and CEO of the Times Union newspaper.

The event features a new ticket price of $175 per person and $125 for young adults (under 30). Tickets are available for purchase by phone at 518-383-6183 or online at www.traverscelebration.eventbrite.com.

The Travers Celebration has raised $1 million for non-profit organizations in the thoroughbred industry and throughout the greater Capital Region since its inception over a decade ago.

A portion of proceeds from all merchandise sold at the five NYRA Stores at Saratoga Race Course will benefit the Travers Celebration and its charitable partners. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from all Coca-Cola sales on track will be earmarked for both charities.
The Backstretch Employee Service Team is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and service to maintain the health and well-being of employees in the backstretch.

The Times Union Hope Fund, a component fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, raises money and awards grants to after school and summer programs serving at risk children in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties.

The Travers Celebration, the official party of the $1 million Travers Stakes, will take place just two days before the 142nd edition of the “Mid-Summer Derby.” The Travers Stakes will be run on Saturday, August 27. Gates open at 7 a.m. with a special first post time of 11:35 a.m.

For up-to-date information on the Travers Celebration and other special events, please visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.