Equine Advocates, a non-profit equine protection organization and sanctuary in Chatham, N.Y., hosted its 12th annual benefit dinner Aug. 1 at the Saratoga Springs City Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
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, according to a release.
Saratoga's Julie and Sonny Bonacio of Bonacio Construction presented Knowlton with the 2013 Safe Home Equine Protection Award. Tedisco was honored with the 2013 Ellen and Herbert Moelis Equine Savior Award, presented by Steve Caporizzo, News10's chief meteorologist and host of "The Pet Connection," 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 Tedisco. "Fortunately we have two words added to our industry also. Those are 'Equine Advocates'."
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, 10 years since Funny Cide became the first New York-bred racehorse to win the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), and 17 years of Equine Advocates rescuing horses in need.
The event's silent and live auctions raised money to support Equine Advocates' mission to rescue horses from neglect, abuse, and slaughter.
"This was our 12th annual benefit dinner and the 12th one held in Saratoga Springs," said Equine Advocates founder and president Susan Wagner in a release. "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."