News > Marylou Whitney

Philanthropist, Socialite, Generous Donor

Marylou Whitney has been an important philanthropist in Saratoga Springs since the 1950s, when she started visiting her late husband Cornelius (Sonny) Whitney's estate on Cady Hill. Dubbed the Queen of Saratoga, Whitney has been contributing her time and resources to make Saratoga Springs the charming city it is today.

Whitney has worked tirelessly on local projects, such as donating millions of dollars to the Saratoga Hospital and National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame. Whitney was an original founder of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and helped endorse the New York City Ballet's summer residency at SPAC. It's not uncommon to see her pitching in or spending $100K on dinner in the name of charity.

As a tribute to Whitney's support of the Saratoga YMCA, she has a pool named after her. Whitney also plays a major role in the world of horse racing — particularly the thoroughbred Retirement Fund. She has also worked very hard to improve the lives of Saratoga backstretch workers, who she described as "the sport's unsung heroes," in her 2011 eclipse award acceptance speech.

In 2011, a rose garden in Whitney's honor has been unveiled in Congress Park. The long-stemmed pink roses were created especially for Whitney and took 10 years to perfect. Her husband, John Hendrickson bred and named the rose after her as a token of his love and appreciation.

Whitney famously threw a lavish themed gala every summer the night before the running of the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Past themes have been Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Wizard of Oz and the Wild, Wild West. Whitney started this tradition when Sonny told her to liven up the town — I think it's safe to say that she went the extra mile.

When Whitney dressed as Glinda the good witch from The Wizard of Oz, a $250,000 emerald came unfastened from her necklace and went missing. The next morning a local construction worker found the gem and dutifully returned it. Relieved that her precious stone was found, Whitney rewarded him with $5,000 and a seat in the private box at the racetrack.

Whitney's annual gala will no longer be held, the couple wants to focus all of their energy on raising money for the backstretch workers.

Whitney's presence in Saratoga Springs has become truly iconic. Her generosity and genuine love for the area are endless. Over the years, her involvement in the community has brought so much to Saratoga Springs and its people. If you're not inspired by Whitney's enthusiasm — wake up, and smell her roses.

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