Palamountain Scholarship Benefit celebrates its 30th year

A Saratoga Springs summer tradition—the annual Palamountain Scholarship Benefit—is marking its 30th year this summer as a key fundraiser for scholarship aid at Skidmore College.  This year's event, "Polo by Twilight," will take place Tuesday, August 4, at the Saratoga Polo Field, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Serving as chair of this year's benefit is Tamie Ehinger, of Saratoga Springs.

A benefit known for its food
Throughout the years, one of the main attractions of the Palamountain Benefit has been the quality and presentation of the food, all of it prepared by Skidmore's Dining Services.  Under the direction of Executive Chef James Rose, this year's offerings will include six distinctive entrees, a cold seafood display, a wide range of summer salads and fresh fruits, and of course something for the sweet tooth.

Rose points out that he and his staff will draw heavily on products from local farms as well as from the Skidmore community garden, which was launched this past spring on an open lot on North Broadway across from the college's main entrance.  "We try to do our part for sustainability, using local resources as much as possible," he said.

To give a sneak preview—and an advance tasting—of the dishes for this year's event, Rose and his senior cooks will offer a food-preparation demonstration at the Saratoga Farmers' Market on High Rock Ave. in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, July 18, beginning at 9 a.m. 

Auctions add to the excitement
This year's Palamountain Benefit auction will offer dozens of fabulous items, including a share in a thoroughbred racehorse and travel packages. 

West Point Thoroughbreds' stable earned nearly $3 million in purses last year, ranking it among the top owners in the country.  As high bidder on a share in a West Point thoroughbred, you'll have full access to the client side of a state-of-the-art Web site, to the stable area, complimentary admission passes, paddock privileges and—with a little racing luck—a spot in the Winner's Circle.  What you won't have is any overhead for the care and maintenance of the horse. 

Enjoy three nights at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Ariz.  Voted #1 resort spa in Arizona by Travel & Leisure and Fodor's Choice Top 20 Hotels in the World.  Chose from guided nature hikes, wine tastings, art classes or spa treatments—the choice is yours!

Other live and silent auction items include:

• Artwork by Skidmore faculty emeritus David Miller, Frankie Flores, Jill Fishon-Kovachick, and others.
• Vacations to St. Thomas, Maine, and New York City
• Boxes at the Saratoga Racetrack
• Fine jewelry
• Saratoga Springs overnight and dining packages
• Clothing, items for the home, and services such as painting and gardening

Shop for a cause:  on Saturday, July 11, Chico's in Saratoga Springs will donate 10% of all sales to the Palamountain Scholarship Fund.

For those unable to attend the benefit, there is the option of submitting virtual bids, beginning July 7.  The high bidder—in competition with other bidders both online and in attendance at the event—will be notified no later than Aug. 7.  For online bidding go to the website.

The Palamountain Scholarship Fund
All funds raised will go to the Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Fund, created to honor the College's fourth president and his wife for their 22 years of leadership.  Joseph Palamountain served as Skidmore president from 1965 to 1987.

During the most recent academic year, 19 students were able to attend Skidmore with financial assistance from the Palamountain Scholarship Fund.  Financial aid is increasingly important to Skidmore students—and to college students nationwide—as the economic downturn affects households across the country.  Overall, roughly half of Skidmore College students received scholarship support.

What started out as a modest luncheon in 1979, organized by Anne Palamountain, has become a major fundraising event that annually attracts more than 500 guests from near and far. Mrs. Palamountain continues to preside over the event and to play a key role in its planning.

The general ticket price is $125, with a special price of $95 for those under the age of 35.  For more information on the Palamountain Scholarship Benefit go to the website or call 518-580-5671.