A Heartfelt Thank You for the Spirits of the Gilded Age Gala Benefiting H.O.P.E.

Nov. 4, 2024 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) would like to extend its deepest gratitude to all who made the Spirits of the Gilded Age Gala a tremendous success. The event, held on Oct. 25 at the historic Canfield Casino, welcomed more than 150 compassionate guests who joined together to support H.O.P.E.’s mission of rescuing and rehoming abandoned and orphaned pets throughout the Capital Region. Thanks to their generosity, the gala raised more than $25,000 that will go directly toward finding “fur-ever” homes for pets in need.

A very special thank you to the wonderful Master of Ceremonies, Steve Caporizzo, Chief Meteorologist at ABC Channel 10 Albany. Caporizzo’s dedication to animal rescue and his generous donation made the evening truly memorable.

In recognition of her remarkable commitment to H.O.P.E., Holly Hawkes was honored with a special plaque for her generous funding of H.O.P.E.’s new 32-acre facility in Stillwater, NY. This future facility, expected to open its first phase in Spring 2025, will vastly expand H.O.P.E.’s rescue efforts. In addition, the facility will feature a dedicated Cat Sanctuary for cats who need a loving, permanent home but are unable to be rehomed traditionally. The organization plans to share more details over the upcoming months.

The gala’s success was made possible by the generous support of major sponsors, including Benson Pet Center, Zoom Room Dog Training, and individual supporters Karyn O’Bryne and Val Kerker. H.O.P.E. would also like to thank its in-kind sponsors, whose contributions elevated the event: West Mountain Ski Area, Batchellor Mansion Inn, Morgan Linens, Kindred Wine Bar, Lyrical Ballad Book Store, Faiella Studios, Benson’s Pet Center and Stay True Photography.

H.O.P.E. is incredibly grateful to its community for its commitment to saving local pets. For more information on how you can help or to learn more about the upcoming Stillwater facility, please visit hopeanimalrescue.org.

Thank you once again for making Spirits of the Gilded Age a celebration of compassion and hope!

Silent Auction Donors: 

• AAA Northway
• Adirondack Experience
• AlpinHaus
• Beth D’Aloia Kahabka
• Bowman Orchard’s
• Caffe Lena
• Caputo’s Pizza
• Chewy
• Common Roots Brewing
• Corbie Mitleid
• Dancing Grain Brewery
• Death Wish Coffee Co.
• DeNatales Restaurant
• Dominika Godette Artist
• Falcon’s Brewhouse
• Francoise Hurley – Saratoga Springs Airbnb
• Ft William Henry Hotel & Museum
• Ft William Henry Haunted History Ghost Tour
• Good Karma Studio
• Hamlet and Ghost
• Handmade Quilt
• Handmade Quilt & Pillow
• Hannaford
• Henry Street Taproom
• Hoffman Car Wash
• Impressions-Blackhorse
• James and Son Tobacconist
• Jones & 50 Wine and Spirits
• KEY Sparkling Water
• Kru Coffee
• KYAK Shak
• Lake George Steamboat Co
• Large Bottle of Steele Pinot Noir
• Lawrence White & Champagne
• Maggie Harding Jewelry
• Malta Farm Gardens
• McCombs Oak Hill Farm
• McKernon Gallery
• Milton Manor Pet Resort
• Morrissey’s Lounge & Bar
• New York Jets
• Orangetheory Fitness
• Posie Peddler
• Proctors
• Putnam Market
• Red Lion Inn
• Revive Salon & Spa
• Ruff Land Kennels
• Saratoga Arms Hotel
• Saratoga Nation Golf Club
• Saratoga Springs History Museum
• Six Bottles of Wine
• Snyder’s Broom
• SodaStream
• SPAC
• Sundaes Best Basket
• The Bunker
• The Equinox Hotel Manchester
• The Fresh Market
• The Gilded Age Production
• The Inn at Saratoga
• The Olde Bryan Inn
• The Reluctant Panther Inn
• This Good Soul Reiki
• Training by Z
• Patti Cakes
• Village Pizzeria
• Wolf Hollow Brewery
• Zeller Schwarts Cat Wine Basket

August 16, 2024

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Prepare to don your finest attire and step back into the splendor of the Gilded Age at the “Spirits of the Gilded Age Gala” on October 25th at the historic and haunted Canfield Casino. This unique event, benefiting H.O.P.E., invites attendees to immerse themselves in a night of spirited fun, food, and entertainment, all in support of a worthy cause: Rescuing orphaned pets and finding their “fur-ever” homes.

Guests will be transported to an era of grandeur and mystery, with “spirited” roaming patrons from the 1880s, enchanting entertainers, and live music. Enjoy specialty crafted cocktails and savory food, all set in the hauntingly beautiful Canfield Casino. The evening will also feature a silent auction brimming with exclusive items, giving attendees the opportunity to contribute directly to the care and rehoming of homeless pets.

But beyond the glitz and glamour lies a mission close to the heart of the community. H.O.P.E. (Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist) is dedicated to rescuing animals in need, providing them with shelter, care, and the chance to find loving families. The Spirits of the Gilded Age Gala is more than just a night of entertainment—it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of homeless pets.

Tickets for this exclusive event are available at $120 per person. In addition, Table Sponsorships are available for those who want to enhance their experience while supporting this important cause. All sponsorship levels and benefits are listed on our website. Tickets are on sale now at: https://hopeanimalrescue.org/event/2024-gala/.

“We wanted to create an event that was not only fun and memorable but also meaningful,” says Liz Israel, Acting Board of Directors Chairperson of H.O.P.E. “Every ticket sold, every sponsorship secured, brings us one step closer to giving more pets the loving homes they deserve.”

Join us for an enchanting evening where the past meets the present, and every moment supports a brighter future for animals in need.

For more information, to purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities, or make a donation, please contact www. hopeanimalrescue.org

July 2024

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — Home for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) proudly announces the hiring of Annie Carson as its newly appointed Executive Director who will lead the animal rescue through its next era of growth.

Founded in 2001, H.O.P.E. is a not-for-profit organization made up of animal lovers from Saratoga Springs and surrounding counties. Each member of the organization is dedicated to assisting animals whose owners have passed away or can no longer keep them.

H.O.P.E. gives these homeless pets a second chance for a wonderful life—to be part of a family, to be a therapy pet, or just to be someone’s best friend. Carson is excited to grow and fulfill H.O.P.E.’s mission.

“When thinking about animal rescue, my passion thrives in working with animals and the people who love them,” Carson said. “Giving a voice to the voiceless is my personal driving force. My policy is ‘I will find a way’ and with amazing support, I always do.”

Carson’s passion for animal rescue began at a young age. A Louisiana native, Carson grew up caring for cats, horses, goats, rabbits, and more. She briefly studied pre-veterinary medicine before graduating with a biology and English Literature degree from Louisiana State University.

In 2021, Carson co-founded and served as Director of Donor Relations for a non-profit organization called The Gold Standard Racing and Foundation in Baton Rouge, LA. The foundation was dedicated to shaping the future of the horse racing industry. Most recently, Carson served as a Communications Officer for the New York Racing Association. She is excited to return to her roots in animal care and rescue.

“Annie’s experience with animals and passion for rescue, combined with her extensive background in marketing, project management, and fundraising made her the perfect fit to lead H.O.P.E. into its next chapter,” Liz Israel, acting H.O.P.E. Board President, said. “With her leadership, we will be able to build upon H.O.P.E.’s success in rescuing animals who need it the most.”

Carson will oversee the day-to-day operations of the rescue’s headquarters at the adoption center, currently located at the Wilton Mall, as well as overarching fundraising efforts and donor relations. She will also help shape H.O.P.E.’s community presence through various outreach efforts and marketing events.

“As I take on the role as Executive Director of H.O.P.E., I am excited to watch our community grow and to fulfill our mission,” Carson said. “This is only the beginning for H.O.P.E.; the sky is truly the limit.”

H.O.P.E. has multiple events and announcements planned for 2024. For more information, visit hopeanimalrescue.org.