The Old Bags Luncheon to Benefit Equine Research

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation will be the beneficiary when Thoroughbred owner Eileen Cornacchia hosts The Old Bags Luncheon™ at the historic Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. on Wednesday, August 7, 2002.

The event, which begins at 11 a.m., features a silent auction of new, gently used and vintage handbags and accessories, donated by some of the racing's most recognizable names and Saratoga's swankiest boutiques.

A luncheon will be served and leading handbag artist Lana Marks will speak about her designs. Among those items already donated are pieces by top designers such as Calvin Klein, Gucci, Valentino, Chanel and Paloma Picasso.

Tickets to the event are $100 per person and a portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible.

The event was created by Mrs. Cornacchia several years ago for a Palm Beach charity she was working with. In just five years, the luncheon has grown to become one of the area's most successful charity events, this year raising more than $300,000 for its beneficiary.

Mrs. Cornacchia is chairing the Saratoga luncheon and Marylou Whitney is honorary chairwoman.

"What makes this event so much fun is for a modest price, women get to enjoy a beautiful lunch with friends, be entertained, shop, and take home a 'fabulous find' for a bargain price," noted Mrs. Cornacchia. "I am pleased to be able to host this event for such a worthwhile charity."

Mrs. Cornacchia and her husband, Joe, on their own and in partnerships, have campaigned numerous stakes winners, including Kentucky Derby winners Strike the Gold and Go for Gin and stakes winners A.P. Valentine and Louis Quatorze.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is the leading private funder of equine medical research devoted solely to furthering the health, safety and soundness of horses. The Foundation currently is funding 23 projects for more than $800,000 and over the last two decades has supported 180 projects at 31 universities for a total of more than $9.5 million.

To purchase tickets, make a tax-deductible contribution or to obtain more information about The Old Bags Luncheon™, contact Nancy C. Kelly, vice president of development for Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, at (518) 226-0609 or by email at nkelly@jockeyclub.com.