David B. Silipigno Receives Philanthropy Award According to a statement released by the Arthritis Foundation: “In light of President Obama’s encouragement for all Americans to give back to their communities with a joyful spirit, the Passion for a Cure Ball Committee decided to recognize those who have wholeheartedly contributed to the Capital Region. The selection of our first Spirit of Service Award winner was placed in the hands of our past chairs, John and Christine Colley. They chose to recognize David B. Silipigno for his tremendous work throughout the region.  We readily agreed. David has been a part of many public events within all areas of our Capital District, especially Albany and Saratoga. Besides sponsoring events such as LarkFest, the Tulip Fest and the Northeast Family Chocolate Festival, he has also sponsored everything from Saratoga Shakespeare Company to the refurbishing of Italian Garden statues in Congress Park, to funding the Special Olympics. His foundation helped support many in-need children during the holiday season by not only creating a day of gift-giving and fun for the children and their families, but also opened the festivities up to the public by ending the evening with a grand fireworks display. Most recently, David’s visit to the Northwoods Hilltop Health System in Niskayuna to deliver holiday gifts for over 20 pediatric patients brought on smiles to the faces of children who have not smiled in a while. His involvement in the Arthritis Foundation has been consistent and much appreciated, but the Spirit of Service Award exists to celebrate those who go above and beyond to make the area we all call home a better place. We thank you, David, for demonstrating to us how we can single-handedly benefit our community on many levels.”