SPAC In Conversation: Julie Scelfo
Fighting back against runaway tech to protect our kids' childhoods
Wednesday • Oct 22, 2025 • 10:00am
Hall of Springs
Please join us for curated shopping, seasonal luncheon, and an inspirational talk with award-winning journalist, former staff writer for The New York Times, and media ecologist, Julie Scelfo, followed by a Q&A.
Get an early start to the holiday shopping season while enjoying connection, camaraderie, and community at SPAC.
Tickets – $100 pp.
Make your reservation today! Click HERE or RSVP by phone at 518.584.9330 ext. 142.
Physical tickets are not needed as your name will be on the guest list.
Event Timing at a Glance
| 10:00AM | Doors Open, Boutique Shopping Begins |
| 12:00PM | Luncheon Served |
| 12:30PM | Julie Scelfo, Keynote Speaker |
| 1:00PM | Raffle Drawing |
| 1:15PM | Boutique Shopping Resumes |
| 2:00PM | Event Ends |
Julie Scelfo
Founder and Executive Director of Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA), a grassroots movement of parents fighting back against media addiction. MAMA is creating a world in which real-life experiences and interactions remain at the heart of a healthy childhood. The veteran journalist and mom of three speaks on the many factors that have created an unhealthy, unsafe media environment for young people and how parents can educate themselves and fight back.
Menu
Greeting Station
Sparkling Water and Prosecco
Coffee, Decaf, and Tea
cream, sugar, lemon, honey
Grazing Station
Custom Cheese and Salumi
NY State cheeses, local charcuterie, dried fruits, Forts Ferry Farm honey, nuts, berries
Spreads and Dips
artichoke dip, spring pea hummus, Sicilian caponata, flatbreads, za’ataar pita, grissini, crostinis
Farm Stand Vegetable Crate
selections inspired by the growing seasons
heirloom carrots, radishes, beets, pole beans, pea pods, tomatoes, radicchio, romaine leaf, asparagus, cucumber, peppers
Olives
nicoise, gaeta, castelvetrano, cerignola
Composed Salads
Local Bounty
spring asparagus, breakfast radish, green peas, picked mint, preserved lemon vinaigrette, pressed goat cheese
Ancient Grains
collar city mushrooms, roast baby onions, confit garlic, aged sherry mustard vinaigrette, local thyme
Entrée
Chicken Limone (GF)
pan seared statler breast, cerignola olives, caper berries, artichokes, risotto Milanese, spinach lemon velouté, brûléed lemon
OR
Eggplant Braciole (GF, V, VG)
garlic olive oil roasted planks, lentil, arugula, kalamata, walnut filling, tomato basil sauce, vegan ricotta
2025 Boutique Shopping Vendors
One of a kind and limited-edition clothing for women of all sizes and ages
Saratoga’s Premier Ski & Snowboard Shop
Handwoven textiles, jewelry, art, quilts, wearables, and pottery
Handmade toys designed by Lynnette Manuse, a writer and sock toy maker — she aims to spread joy, bring smiles, and raise the spirits of her readers
Women’s apparel and accessories
Hand crafted, decorated sugar cookies in seasonal fall themes and DIY cookie kits
Claudia Russell’s Homemade Jams & Jellies
Homemade jams and jellies in seasonally decorated boxes, wreaths, and gift baskets
Home decor, wooden cutting boards, trays, charcuterie items, and candles
Hand painted crystal and fine glassware — many items boxed and ribboned for gift-giving
Pre-packaged delicious rum cakes — every purchase helps to educate students and provides important career development opportunities
Artisan crafted fine jewelry in silver and gold with natural gemstones
Colorful, functional, and decorative pottery
Women’s fall and winter accessories, handbags, and jewelry
Classic & timeless hand-crafted contemporary jewelry collections
Apparel, tea towels, stationary, and totes featuring hand-drawn designs, a curated array of artisan and fair-trade gifts, books, and accessories — all purchases help provide meals for children in Upstate NY
Home decor and items, much of it in the Equestrian and Saratoga style — includes tableware, decorative items, linens, and pillows as well as fine stationery, gift wrap, and cards
Clean skincare, wellness, and gifts for women
A fresh and fashion-forward clothing boutique
Custom and handcrafted mini quarter poles, plus horse-themed cutting and charcuterie boards
Shell creations
Creatively crafted and curated home & holiday decor and gifts
The Velvet Passport
Italian leather goods and craft candles
One-of-a-kind ceramic pieces that are functional and sculptural, from local artists as well as those from across the country
Raffle
$5 per ticket/5 tickets for $20
Winner announced at 1PM at event
Basket #1: Saratoga Dine Around
Value: $450
Donated by: Seneca, Rhea’s, Chez Pierre, Thirsty Owl & DZ Restaurants
Forget about cooking! Dine out or order in from your favorite Saratoga hot spots! This basket includes donated gift certificates from our favorite restaurants: Seneca $100, Rhea $100, Chez Pierre $100, Thirsty Owl $50 and DZ Restaurant Group (BOCA, Forno Bistro and Chianti) $100.
Basket #2: Pamper me!
Value: $700
Donated by: Complexions, Bumble B Boutique, Saratoga Tea and Honey
Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness and a Physiodermie organic treatment mask and $100 gift certificate from Faces of Saratoga. Wrap yourself in luxury with a Pretty Rugged Collins Capelet and finish your look with a Faux Fur Tote graciously donated by Bumble B Boutique valued at $335. Top off an indulgent day of “me time” with your favorite relaxing tea experience with $50 from Saratoga Tea and Honey.
Basket #3: J. McLaughlin
Value: $580
Donated by: Elizabeth Rutnik, J. McLaughlin
Saanvi Cashmere Poncho crafted in soft, coffee colored cashmere, perfect for layering!
Mezzaluna Handbag 100% suede, crescent shaped and includes a leather crossbody strap.
Basket #4: Wine Dinner for 2 at Franklin Square Market with curated gift items
Value: $250
Donated by: Franklin Square Market
Enjoy a fabulous 5 Course Wine Dinner at Franklin Square Market in incredible downtown Saratoga! This package also includes a selection of local gifts all from Franklin Square Market.
Basket #5: Kids Get Moving!
Value: $400
Donated by: 2 Anonymous Action Council Members
Two great ways to get the kids outdoors! Take to the slopes with a junior ski or snowboard seasonal rental package provided by Alpin Haus and hit the links with a Costway Complete Junior Golf Set with bag and accessories courtesy of 2 anonymous Action Council Members.
Basket #6: SPAC 2026 Classical Season Passes for 2 with picnic accessories
Value: $520
Donated by: SPAC
Start planning your 2026 summer at SPAC! This package includes lawn admission for 2 to all NYC Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra performances, complete with a cooler and SPAC merch! Upgrade to amphitheater seating for $10 each (some restrictions apply).
THANK YOU
to our Sponsors and Honorary Committee!
as of 9/17/25
Lead Sponsor
Marybeth & C.J. DeCrescente
Platinum Sponsors
Sally Bott*
Carol Firestone
Doris Fischer Malesardi**
Elissa & Justin Smith**
Supporting Sponsors
Globalfoundries
Graney & King Financial Advisors
Graypoint LLC
Keeley DeSalvo – The Savory Pantry*
Elizabeth Sobol
Natalie and Charles Wait*
Community Sponsors
Albany Academy
Maria Harrison**
Sylvia Kravis Phillips
Mallory Massry
Saratoga Dermatology & Medical Spa
Andrea Spungen*
Eileen Whelley**
Honorary Committee
Judy Aronstamm**
Jeanette Borthwick
Susanne Buhac**
Capital Bank
Diane Casano**
Anthony Cirillo
Susan Dake*
Marsha Dolinsky**
Carol Douglas
JoAnn Duquette**
Helen Edelman
Rachel Eisenhauer Beck
Janet Equale
Henry Fader
Isabelle Ferain
Jane Flynn
Rita Forbush**
Judy A. Harrigan, PhD*
Barbara K Hoehn**
Rolanda Jetter**
Patricia Joy**
Harriet Kalejs**
Robin Kappler**
Judy LeCain
Tiina Loite
Karen Macielak**
Pam Magnuson
Stephanie Markowich**
Christine McDonald**
Marcia Miller
Loretta B. Moore
Mary Murphy**
Lisa Queeney-Vadney
Emily Reilly**
Katie Richman
Kristie Roohan
Elizabeth Rutnik**
Melanie Shefchik
Peggy Silberman**
Elissa Smith**
Kathie Swift
Kerry Tomson
Linda Toohey*
Mary Tully
Caryn Tyre
Tamara Valentine
Dympna Weil
Patricia Whelan
Joyce White
Lori A. Whitney**
Mary Jo Wood
*SPAC Board of Directors
**SPAC Action Council/Friends of SPAC
Honorary Committee & Sponsorship Opportunities
For additional information, please contact Maddie McCarthy at 518-584-9330 ext. 142 or mmccarthy@spac.org
Presented by the SPAC Action Council │ Action Council President: Stephanie Markowich
Event Co-Chairs: Emily Reilly, Elizabeth Rutnik, Elissa Smith
SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization.
Donations and proceeds from fundraising events support our work to serve art, artists, and community.