Marylou Whitney - Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs

Whitney fell in love with Cady Hill and Saratoga Springs, NY when C.V. Whitney first brought her there in the late 1950s. Often referred to as the "Queen of Saratoga", Marylou Whitney has been instrumental in many philanthropic endeavors to support the town and its residents. As a founder of the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame, Whitney helped raise over $1.5 million prior to the 1986 opening. The Hall of Fame is named after Marylou and C.V. Whitney. Marylou Whitney has been advocating for the Museum since its inception. She is also supportive of the Saratoga Hospital, where the cardiac catheterization lab is named in her honor. Whitney and her husband John also donated $1 million to the Radiation Onocology Center at the Saratoga Hospital. She was a founder of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and she has helped underwrite the New York City Ballet's summer residency at SPAC. Whitney was awarded the First Star on the Walk of Fame for her timeless efforts. She also supports the Saratoga YMCA, having the newly built pool named in her honor. Her presence during the Saratoga Race Meet is greatly sought after for all of the events. She is the Honorary Chair and hosts numerous charities during the season as well.

Whitney suffered a stroke in early 2006, which seriously curtailed her activities in Saratoga during the 2006 meet (late July through early September) when traditionally she is a crucial social figure. While recovering she did manage to stay involved with her charities and supported the town and the race meet as best that she could. She is now back in full force. She and her husband, John Hendrickson, have intiated the Backstretch Appreciation program to benefit backstretch workers while working at Saratoga Race Course. Each night an activity is scheduled for the 2,000 employees such as dinners, bingo, movie, karaoke and a learn English night. Whitney and Hendrickson donate much time and money to this effort.

In the mid-1980s, Marylou Whitney asked C.V. Whitney that for her birthday he install air conditioning in the Canfield Casino. She did not want her guests to suffer the heat at her annual ball. Along with the Whitney Gala each year, the building is used for many fundraisers, weddings and other activities that benefit the community.