Whitney Box for Kentucky Derby 2011 up for auction this weekend

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- The annual Wine and Food Festival at Saratoga Performing Arts Center this weekend will feature a slate of valuable auction packages, including the famous Whitney box at Churchill Downs for the 2011 Kentucky Derby.

The six-seat box was donated by Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson for the festival, which benefits SPAC's arts education programs and is SPAC's largest fundraiser.

"The box, with a prime location on the finish line, has been in the fmaily of Harry Payne Whitney and Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney for generations," according to a press release from SPAC.

The Derby Box will be auctioned at 4:30 p.m. at the Grand Tasting of the Saratoga Wine & Food and Fall Ferrari Festival on Saturday, September 11 at SPAC. Individuals who are unable to attend may phone in bids to Alyssa McClenning at SPAC, 518-584-9330 ext. 121.

Other items that will be auctioned at the festival include:
 
·         couture apparel from Italian design house, Kiton;
·         two tickets to every SPAC performance in 2011 including Live Nation concerts;
·         a day of professional racing instruction from the pros at Monticello Motor Club;
·         a catered office party for 50 by Ben & Jerry’s;
·         a professional fireworks display for a party or event.

For more on the festival and a complete schedule of the weekend's events, click here.