Eagle Scouts Honor Val DeCesare

We are always so proud of the talented team of professionals that comprise Schrader and Company, but when one of our own receives special recognition for their good works, we just have to share the news.

Senior Project Manager Val DeCesare has been with us for over 24 years, demonstrating his passion and skill for quality craftsmanship in countless clients’ homes. Val has also been generous with his time and talents to the Eagle Scouts over the years, and they recently showed their appreciation for his efforts with this plaque.

Immaculate Conception Eagle Troop 65 had undertaken a project to help the East Glenville Community Care Preschool improve their facilities through the construction of new benches,, shelves, storage cabinets and small easels. Val stepped in to lend his expertise to the venture, ensuring a job well done for the Eagle Scouts as well as the preschool.

Troop member Dylan Drewes who spearheaded the improvement project personally presented Val with the plaque in recognition of his help.

Congratulations, Val! Your community thanks you for your years of thoughtful engagement, and your co-workers are proud of you.

Chef Mark Hannon Dazzles at Inaugural Private Dinner

gourmet soup

On Friday, November 18th we were so pleased to host the first in a series of private chef dinners won by lucky bidders as part of our “Rebuilding a Better Tomorrow” initiative.

At Saratoga Bridge’s “White Gala” in July, we donated a prize package for the live auction that granted the recipient a private dinner and wine pairing for ten in our beautiful showroom prepared by The Lake Placid Lodge’s Executive Chef Mark Hannon, and complimentary concierge service to coordinate guest details and transportation.

Chef Hannon, who has trained and cooked all over the globe from Dubai to Bangkok and worked with such culinary greats as Michelle Bernstein and Michael Demaria, is one of the premiere chefs in upstate New York. He now delights diners with his elegantly prepared, locally-focused cuisine at the most exclusive resort in the Adirondacks.

On the evening of the private celebration, the guests of honor were the Mangino family–owners of successful local businesses Mangino Buick GMC and Mangino Chevrolet. They arrived with their guests to a lovely autumnal table, as prepared by Christine Wheat Special Events. We were thrilled to welcome them into our showroom and offer a true front row seat to such a rare culinary experience.

From there, Chef Hannon took over, captivating the crowd with his thoughtful and decadent menu and wine pairings to complement the carefully chosen notes and flavors of each course.

The event was a rousing success, the company warm and congenial, and the cuisine spectacular.

We look forward to celebrating with the other winners of the private chef dinner packages auctioned over the course of the summer and fall. Chef Hannon and the wonderful Mangino party of guests have certainly set the bar high.

You can learn more about Chef Hannon and The Lake Placid Lodge here. For information on Mangino Buick GMC and Mangino Chevrolet, visit their website here.

And watch this space for more updates on our “Rebuilding a Better Tomorrow Initiative”.

  • chef plating food
  • dessert
  • gourmet soup
  • appetizer
  • Gourmet Private Dinner
  • Gourmet Private Dinner
  • Gourmet private dinner- table set up
  • Gourmet private dinner- set up

Celebrating Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding Together Fundraiser

Volunteers, partners, sponsors and supporters gathered on October 13th to celebrate Rebuilding Together Saratoga County at their annual fundraiser. It was a fantastic night to laud this organization and the meaningful work they do to help our neighbors in need restore and repair their homes.

Held at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga, the evening kicked off with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a lovely dinner and then the live auction. We are so pleased that our donated package of a private chef dinner for ten at the Schrader and Company showroom with Rick Sleeper of the Cock ‘n Bull went to the highest bidder for $1,600.00. The evening raised a total of $75,000.00 for this wonderful organization.

These funds will go on to benefit Rebuilding Together and every homeowner who is helped by their care and attention, like the recent recipient of Rebuilding Together Saratoga County’s services who spoke at the event. This homeowner had long suffered from a chronic illness which left her housebound and isolated. Rebuilding Together worked to provide her with a much-needed ramp. The simple act of being able to collect her own mail for herself gave her a sense of control and independence. Schrader and Company President Ben Cangeleri himself has volunteered in her home doing other various projects to improve the space, and by extension the homeowner’s quality of life.

Her moving testimonial is just one example of how seemingly small home improvements can hugely impact the lives of individuals with disabilities, seniors, veterans, and families in need.

We are proud to support Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and their efforts to restore pride of ownership to our neighbors across the capital region.

To learn more about Rebuilding Together, visit their website.