SARATOGA SPRINGS – And so it goes… we progress to a new phase, in a summer like none other. It seems to me that what happened on Wednesday was of greater significance than perhaps noticed at first glance. I feel that those who organized this year’s iteration of ‘An Unbridled Affair’ – benefiting CAPTAIN CHS – are not getting nearly enough credit that they deserve, for what they pulled off on July 29 at Prime.
Just as we saluted the Children’s Museum at Saratoga back in March (link at end) for innovating the plan – since copied all over – to pivot and take their gala event virtual; so too should CAPTAIN be saluted for busting down the virtual harness we all put our giving spirit in, at least for one sunny afternoon.
Even some of the speakers themselves seemed almost apologetic that this ‘Unbridled’ was not as large as in previous years. And of course, that is true. Due to social distancing, the gathering (completely sold out, BTW, with a waiting list) was nonetheless about 1/4 of the size of previous years’.
And yet….
It is true that under normal circumstances, this is a bigger event. But at the height of a typical summer, it is one of many big events. One of many that combine to make a dizzying summer blur of white parties, ballet galas and the like. One of many.
But today, they were the ONE.
The one that showed the way. Showed how a gala event can be pulled off, respecting all social distancing, mask dictates and the like. How to break through the Zoom screens and enjoy some face-to-face (at a distance) good social feelings.
Because of this, of being the first of many more to come (hopefully), the organizers deserve a ton of credit for reopening that spirit of giving, a core tenet for many in this town.
By doing so, they assure us that this spirit will forever remain Unbridled.
Enjoy the gallery – I admit I felt a little rusty, yet elated, taking these. Thanks as always for smiling at me!
Arthur Gonick – July 26, 2020
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Gallery: ‘An Unbridled Affair’ Benefiting CAPTAIN CHS – Wednesday, July 29
(Link to Children’s Museum’s ‘Gala to Go’ post HERE.)
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