The 2023 holiday ornament, the twenty-eighth in a collectible series, honors Mrs. Marylou Whitney and Saratoga Backstretch Clinic. The signature ornament costs $25. Purchase yours today!
For decades, Mrs. Marylou Whitney was unwavering in her commitment to the backstretch workers at Saratoga Race Course. In 2006, she established the Backstretch Appreciation Program to provide social, educational, and recreational events, including the well-known Sunday dinners, to ensure the workers were “taken care of,” in her own words.
In 2023, her legacy continues with the dedication and opening of the Saratoga Backstretch Clinic. Construction of the building was funded by Mr. John Hendrickson as a tribute to his late wife. Housed in a mobile trailer since 2005, the Clinic has been able to expand its operations in the larger, modern facility that features four private exam rooms, standardized clinical equipment, and an onsite laboratory. Saratoga Hospital operates the Clinic, working in close partnership with the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.).
Mrs. Marylou Whitney was well-deserving of her title ‘Queen of Saratoga’, having led a major renaissance of Saratoga over the years. She supported preservation of and improvements to Saratoga Race Course, the Canfield Casino, and the National Museum of Racing; she was a driving force in the founding of Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC); and she generously supported the missions of numerous local nonprofit organizations, including in countless ways at Saratoga Hospital. Philanthropy can be defined as ‘love of humanity, giving gifts of time, talent and treasure to help make life better for other people.’ Mrs. Whitney demonstrated the true spirit of philanthropy time and time again through her contributions and support throughout the Saratoga region.
This is the twenty-eighth ornament in a collectible series. The artwork for this ornament was created by Joseph Bell, M.D., a member of the Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, a well-known community surgeon and a close friend of Mrs. Whitney. Proceeds support the Cancer Patient Fund of Saratoga Hospital.
Ornaments from prior years may be purchased for $15 each. Limited quantities are available.
You may purchase the entire collection (28 ornaments) for $290.00.
