Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stable and Assemblyman Jim Tedisco Honored
Saratoga Springs, NY. August 2, 2013 – Equine Advocates, a non-profit equine protection organization and sanctuary in Chatham, New York, hosted their twelfth annual benefit dinner on Thursday, August 1st at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
The first is Honorees Assemblyman Jim Tedisco and Sackatoga Stable’s Jack Knowlton with Equine Advocates Founder Susan Wagner.
Glenn Davenport Photo
Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stable and Assemblyman Jim Tedisco were honored for their work to ban horse slaughter and dedication to the protection of all equines. Saratoga’s Julie and Sonny Bonacio of Bonacio Construction presented Knowlton with the 2013 Safe Home Equine Protection Award. Assemblyman Tedisco was honored with the 2013 Ellen and Herbert Moelis Equine Savior Award, presented by News10’s popular animal-loving Chief Meteorologist and host of “The Pet Connection” Steve Caporizzo and Herbert and Ellen Moelis, founders of Thoroughbred Charities of America.
“Our industry seems to be missing two words. Those words are ‘owner responsibility,’” said Herbert Moelis while presenting the award to Assemblyman Tedisco. “Fortunately we have two words added to our industry also. Those are ‘Equine Advocates.’”
Herbert & Ellen Moelis, Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, and Equine Advocates Founder Susan Wagner.
Glenn Davenport Photo
Co-chaired by Julie Bonacio and Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Bebe Neuwirth, the theme for the evening was “New York, New York!” The night celebrated 150 years of racing in Saratoga, ten years since Funny Cide became the first NY-bred racehorse to win the Kentucky Derby, and 17 years of Equine Advocates rescuing horses in need. Cathy Grier, a.k.a. NYC Subway Girl, performed, and guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a delicious gourmet dinner provided by Mazzone Hospitality. Silent and live auctions raised money to support Equine Advocates’ mission to rescue horses from neglect, abuse, and slaughter. Popular auction items included the Ultimate Kentucky Derby Experience for Four, the Harbour Town Golf Vacation for Six in Hilton Head, South Carolina, a Tiffany & Co. 18k white gold and diamond horseshoe pendant, an original painting of Funny Cide by Katie Upton, and more.
“We are thankful to everyone who helped make this year’s event so successful,” said Equine Advocates Founder and President Susan Wagner. “This was our twelfth annual benefit dinner and the twelfth one held in Saratoga Springs. We continue to host the event here each year because the town centers around horses, reflecting our shared dedication to and reverence of these inspirational animals.”
