Universal Preservation Hall *

Shaken & Stirred raises over $50K

Annual fundraiser supports youth arts programming at UPH

The 11th annual Shaken & Stirred Celebrity Bartender Party returned to Saratoga Springs this May, bringing together local businesses, community supporters, and arts advocates for one of Universal Preservation Hall’s biggest — and coolest — fundraising events of the year.

This year, Bocage Champagne Bar, The Bonadio Group, DeCrescente Distributing Co., Fingerpaint, Hideaway at Saratoga Lake, MLB Construction, and Saratoga Living spent the evening trying to earn the most tips to raise money for youth arts and educational programming connected to UPH and the Collaborative School of the Arts.

MLB Construction won the trophy bringing in the most tips, raising $19,286. Collectively — the event combining cocktails, competition, and live entertainment — brought in $50,815 to help expand access for the arts to children in Saratoga Springs.

Shaken & Stirred has become a signature spring event, known for its energetic atmosphere and unconventional approach to fundraising. While the event centered around friendly competition and socializing, its mission remained focused on supporting arts education in the Capital Region.

Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Collaborative School of the Arts, which provides performing arts instruction, workshops, and career-focused programming for students of all ages. The organization also offers tuition assistance and supports programs such as UPH’s Rock Camp, a summer music program designed to give young musicians hands-on performance experience.

Since launching in 2015, Shaken & Stirred has grown into one UPH’s most recognizable annual events. Organizers describe it as a more relaxed and community-driven fundraiser, blending Saratoga’s hospitality scene with support for the arts. In recent years, the event has drawn hundreds of attendees and raised tens of thousands of dollars for arts programming and scholarships. The 10th anniversary event in 2025 raised more than $94,000, marking a record year for the fundraiser.

For many attendees, Shaken & Stirred represented more than a fundraiser. The event has become an annual kickoff to Saratoga’s social season — one that blends entertainment, philanthropy, and local collaboration while helping support the next generation of artists in the region.