On Mon., August 19, 2013, the Saratoga WarHorse Foundation (SWF), an acclaimed therapy program for veterans, hosted a “Thank You to Sponsors” gala at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Tent in Saratoga Springs, NY.
The event, held before the Travers Stakes, featured surprise guest, Tenor Anthony Kearns.
"I was honored to have Anthony Kearns make such an effort to support Saratoga WarHorse and our veterans. The crowd was stunned by his personal commitment and magnificent voice," said Bob Nevins, president and founder of SWF. Nevins said that he appreciated the support of Allison Booth, president and founder of The American Association of Equine Sports Preservation (AAESP) and The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes.
“It was my pleasure to sing and help inspire those helping America’s veterans by pairing them up with beautiful racehorses through the Saratoga WarHorse Foundation,” said Mr. Kearns, who grew up in Ireland and has a love of horses. Kearns previously performed at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Lexington, KY at “A Night at the Pavilion: A Tribute to Kentucky’s Horses” and at the 137th Preakness Stakes.
Kearns, who sang “Danny Boy” and “Amazing Grace,” was introduced by Anne Campbell, owner of Palace Malice, winner of the 2013 Belmont Stakes and the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Palace Malice is running in today’s 144th Travers Stakes.
Said Campbell: “We were fortunate to have Anthony Kearns share his voice with us. I will never forget the poignancy with which he sang and the new meaning the two numbers he performed took on through his rendering. We cannot thank him enough for joining us at the Fasig-Tipton.”
Dinner speakers included Navy Commander Vince Garcia, Sean Clancy, former steeplechase jockey and publisher of The Saratoga Special, and Troy Hubbard, a program alumnus.
Said Clancy, “We left the event inspired by the stories of how horses are helping veterans connect, and by the powerful music of Anthony Kearns.”
Mr. Kearns frequently performs in support of the U.S. military. In 2013, he opened the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. and he was the guest of General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at a Medal of Honor tribute. In 2012, he was featured in a Veteran’s Day PBS Special.
On June 18, 2013, The Saratoga WarHorse Foundation received the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting Local Communities in Washington, D.C. That same day, Kearns sang at the Eternal Flame transfer ceremony to commemorate President John F. Kennedy’s trip to Ireland in 1963. The flame was originally lit by Mrs. Kennedy in Nov. 1963.
“The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes is proud to support the Saratoga WarHouse Foundation, and founder Bob Nevins’ unique program that is improving the lives of veterans of all stripes. We’re equally excited that the uniquely talented Anthony Kearns joined us for this wonderful cause. Nothing like a world-renowned Irish tenor to add the right energy to the program,” said David Walker, president and CEO of The Coalition.
Said Allison Booth, president and founder of AAESP, “Saratoga WarHorse is doing great work bringing American soldiers, wounded from the ravages of war, together with retired racehorses so they can bond and heal. I’m proud to support this tremendous program.”
Kearns’ appearance was arranged by Kirsten Fedewa & Associates, L.L.C.
For more information about SWF, visit www.saratogawarhorse.com.
Source: PR Newswire
