The EQUUS Gala is always the most glamorous event of the year and this year was no exception. Celebrating Mane Stream’s 50th Anniversary made it even more special with the chance to show gratitude and thanks to everyone who made it possible! From the moment the guests arrived at the USET (United States Equestrian Team) on October 1st was like coming home once again.

It has been 20 years since Mane Stream last celebrated at this historic location which was definitely a draw for many of the 250 attendees. Greeted with a glass of bubbly, as guests in festive formal attire walked through the grand arch into the octagon rotunda with fired brick walls and floors, decorated with plaques from international competitions. The Cheers to 50 Years Cocktail hour continued as guests wandered through the aisles of the varnished hardwood stalls with brass finials perusing the selection of silent auction items and live auction experiences. Layered amidst the grandeur were a 50-year timeline and large color posters of riders, therapy clients, and volunteers showing Mane Stream’s mission at work.

When it was time for dinner, guests moved down to the transformed indoor arena. (Who took the groovy party bus?) From the forest of trees and bushes provided by Country Nursery of Chester to the chandeliers and twinkling lights, the stage was set for an evening of dinner and dancing.

To commemorate the visionaries of the past, this year in attendance were Octavia Brown (SHHRC founder), Tracy Cole, Octavia’s 1st rider, Sheri Marino, MA, CC-SLP, the organization’s 1st therapist, and Karen Bocksel, former Executive Director, While additional important industry partners included, Kathy Alm, CEO of PATH Intl. , Adria Peterson, Assistant Executive Director of AHA, Inc., Major George Paffendorf, HRH of NJ Board President, Bonnie Jenkins, Executive Director at the USET, and Maureen Pethick, Communication & Facilities Coordinator at the USET.

After honoring the people of the past, current adaptive rider Anna, took the stage giving a heartwarming and comedic description of how time at Mane Stream is helping her body become stronger which helps to increase her speech capabilities.

Energetic auctioneer, Charles Antin did a fabulous job getting the crowd pumped up and bidding on those previously mentioned live auction experiences. Then it was time for Charles to start off Adam Friedland’s Helping Hands Pyramid. Spurred on by Anna’s compelling story the generous giving of partygoers raised enough funds to support the many programs offered including adaptive riding, therapy services (OT, PT, and Speech-Language), Summer Camp, Horses for Healing for those living with cancer, and the many field trip groups who visit all year long.

The vision and tireless work of the committee co-chairs, Laura Brucker, Emily Maillet Kellogg, and Marianne Walsh Saladino, and the whole gala committee came together resulting in a truly special evening worthy of celebrating the 50-year accomplishment of providing consistent, quality programming for the local special needs community. And take note the dance floor was rocking right up until 11pm!

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THANK YOU to everyone who gave generously this year, especially our Sponsors and Underwriters!

EQUUS COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs: Laura Brucker, Emily Maillet Kellogg, Marianne Saladino

Penelope Ayers, Kristin Brucker, Lora Butler, Erin Chesson, Debra Chipman, Marcella Criscola, Jill Dolan, Dawn Drozjock, Elizabeth Durden, Amy Durling, Carolyn Fahey, Stephanie Glickman, Shelby Godfrey, Sarah Gore, Jazz Johnson, Rachel Kalafer, Karen Kaufhold, Kelley Ketterson, Michelle Lawse, Nancy McCaffrey, Priscilla Miller, Jill Moriarty, Jamie Murphy, Liz Nardone, Trish Reiter, Betsy Parman, Kristen Sameth, Tanya Sameth, Liz Sobel, Maria Takacs, Ali Thebault, Kim Turiansky, Rael Welsh

EVENT VOLUNTEERS

Kyle Boylan, Tina Corcoran, Debi Delorenzo, Juliet Dermody, Tom Dermody, Nancy Grossweiler, Michelle Geise, Grace Harvey, Kerry Scholz, Mary Ellen Yen,