An Evening with the Stars Celebrating Mercedes-Benz 140 Years
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — The Saratoga Automobile Museum is proud to announce its Annual Gala, “An Evening with the Stars,” a premier fundraising event celebrating the Museum’s newest exhibition, Mercedes-Benz 1886–2026: 140 Years of Automotive Excellence. The gala, taking place June 13, will bring together automotive enthusiasts, collectors, community leaders, and supporters for an unforgettable evening honoring the legacy of one of the world’s most influential automotive brands while supporting the Museum’s educational mission.
Inspired by the Museum’s landmark exhibition, which traces the evolution of Mercedes-Benz from the invention of the automobile to today’s cutting-edge performance and luxury vehicles, the gala will immerse guests in more than a century of innovation, engineering achievement, and automotive artistry.
The evening will feature a cocktail reception, formal dinner, silent auction, live auction, live entertainment, and opportunities for guests to experience the exhibition while celebrating the Museum’s role in preserving and sharing automotive history.
A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Drive for Excellence Award to Anthony Ianniello in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Saratoga Automobile Museum and his commitment to advancing its mission. Through his leadership, vision, and unwavering support, Anthony has helped strengthen the Museum’s impact on the community, expand educational initiatives, and champion programs that make a meaningful difference. His dedication to the Museum’s Distracted Driving Education Program has played a vital role in promoting safe driving awareness among young people, while his passion for preserving automotive heritage and fostering enthusiasm for the collector car hobby continues to inspire others. “Anthony’s accomplishments embody the values of excellence, education, and community engagement that the Saratoga Automobile Museum strives to uphold and promote said Megan Hennessey, Executive Director.”
Guests will also have the opportunity to explore Mercedes-Benz 1886–2026, an exhibition spanning 140 years of automotive history. The exhibition highlights the pioneering achievements of Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler, and Wilhelm Maybach, revisits Bertha Benz’s historic 1888 journey widely regarded as the world’s first road trip and showcases iconic vehicles that demonstrate Mercedes-Benz’s enduring influence on safety, engineering, luxury, and motorsport.
In addition to celebrating automotive excellence, the gala serves as one of the Museum’s premier fundraising events, supporting educational programming, exhibitions, community outreach initiatives, and the preservation of automotive history for future generations.
“We are excited to bring together our supporters, members, and the automotive community for an evening that celebrates innovation, history, and philanthropy,” said Megan Hennessey, Executive Director. “This event not only honors the remarkable legacy of Mercedes-Benz and Anthony Ianniello’s contributions to the automotive world, but also helps ensure that the Saratoga Automobile Museum can continue inspiring future generations.”
The Saratoga Automobile Museum’s Annual Gala promises an elegant evening of automobiles, community, and charitable giving, all set against the backdrop of one of the most remarkable automotive exhibitions ever presented by the Museum.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, please visit the Saratoga Automobile Museum or contact the Museum directly.
About the Saratoga Automobile Museum
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting automobiles and automotive artifacts. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and community events, the Museum inspires visitors of all ages by exploring the history, innovation, and cultural impact of the automobile.
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