What happens when you bring together 175 people, over 60 incredible handmade pieces, and a shared love for craftsmanship? Pure magic.
Our inaugural Wine & Cheeseboards fundraiser on November 13th exceeded every expectation. The event sold out, the energy was electric, and together we raised over $30,000 to support Saratoga Joinery's continued growth and operations.
Walking through the shop that evening, seeing every corner filled with neighbors, members, curious newcomers, and longtime supporters—it reminded us exactly why we do this work. This space isn't just about wood and tools. It's about community. It's about creating something beautiful with your hands. It's about belonging to something bigger than yourself.
The silent auction showcased the incredible talent within our community. Our members donated over 60 items, many of them handcrafted right here in our shop.
Dave Floyd and Jim Brockman created a stunning handcrafted cedar Adirondack chair set featuring two chairs with lumbar support and cushioned headrests, plus a matching side table. Matt Geleta built a one-of-a-kind Little Free Library made with premium fumed quarter sawn white oak with cherry accents, topped with a hand-bent standing seam metal roof and fluted rainfall glass doors. Chris Bennett crafted a beautiful mid-century table from cherry wood. And those were just a few of the gorgeous, unique pieces that had people buzzing all night.
Watching the bidding unfold—seeing people recognize the skill and care that went into each piece—was a highlight of the evening.
This event wouldn't have happened without our incredible sponsors:
Walnut Champion: Nell Keeler
Oak Allies: Adirondack Trust Co. & Amsure, Aimee & Gary Dake, Harold H. Hagemann Jr., John & Michelle Haller, Tom & Denise Hengeveld, Mary Gage Los & Mike Los, James Svaasand & Mary Lou Doyle, Jody Terry
Pine Partners: Albany ENT & Allergy, Pam Abrams & Paul Kligfield, Angelo & Kate Calbone, The Catillaz Family, Karen Cavotta, Terri & John Cerveny, Curtis Lumber, Kara & Eric Diem, James P. Gold, Gerard & Jeff, Bob & Jean Hayes, Heidi & Tim’s Place LLC, Courtenay Huff & Perry Rothenfeld, The Kramer Family, Reg Lilly & Lyndell Falconer, Megan & Kerry Mayo, Munter Enterprises, Dan Senecoff & Francesca Bruno, Monique & Chris Smith, Jay & Susan Taylor, and Bob & Janice Waller.
Your support makes everything we do possible.
Plaza Wine & Spirits generously donated the wine that kept glasses full and conversations flowing all evening. Clem Marino provided a beautiful musical backdrop for the evening. Thank you for believing in our mission.
To everyone who attended, bid on auction items, spread the word, or cheered us on from afar—thank you. Your support means we can keep our doors open, continue offering accessible classes and workshops, and welcome even more people into this community.
The funds raised will support our general operations, helping us maintain the shop, offer programming, and continue building this space where anyone—regardless of experience or background—can learn, create, and connect.
We're already thinking about next year's event. (Yes, this is happening again!) But for now, we're soaking in the gratitude and excitement from a truly unforgettable night.
If you missed it this year, we hope you'll join us in 2026. And if you haven't visited Saratoga Joinery yet, come see what all the buzz is about. Your first class is waiting.
With gratitude,
Tori
Saratoga Joinery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies upon the support of the community to keep our blades spinning.
