50 People for 50 Years: Linda Dietz, Board Member & Former Volunteer
As a rider, Linda knows firsthand what time spent with a horse can do for a person’s well-being. “I know that I can go to the barn feeling stressed or depressed or just tired, and all those feelings dissipate after just a few minutes with a horse. Even if all I do is groom.”
While riding one day back in 2010 with friend and Mane Stream Trustee Emeritus, Ralph Tursini, he encouraged her to volunteer at Mane Stream. In the middle of a home renovation and a brand-new business, her initial thought of “Where will I ever find the time?” was a real consideration. But all it took was one visit and she knew this would be one of most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of her life. “The clients, no matter their abilities and challenges, are inspirational. Helping people meet goals, whether through therapy or adaptive riding, is seriously life-changing.”
After a couple of years of volunteering in program, Ralph asked Linda to join the Board of Directors. Over the years, Linda has experienced both the highs and lows at Mane Stream. Linda remembers, “My greatest challenge as a Board member came when I was President of the Board and we were suddenly left without an Executive Director, and I had to step into that role. We were facing a critical time and had to make some tough decisions. It was a lot of work, but I really got to know and appreciate our incredible staff. They came together with our equally incredible board members and together we turned the ship around and managed to sail into calmer seas.”
Linda mentions the incredible staff and the staff feels equally indebted to Linda for the almost daily visits to the office, countless hours utilizing her business acumen, and lending both financial and mental support, all given freely during that year and a half. Ready to hand over the reins, Linda remembers fondly when Mane Stream did eventually find the perfect Executive Director, Trish Hegeman, to replace her.
Over the years, Linda has been extremely generous in so many ways. Can you imagine hosting a BBQ fundraiser for 300+ people at your own farm? Linda has done just that for several years, enduring huge tents, valet parking, and all that goes into hosting one of Mane Stream’s largest fundraisers of the year. Thank you Linda and Red Tail Farm!
Also, very adroit at the microphone, Linda enjoys sharing the stories that bring Mane Stream’s mission to life. She speaks annually at our Equus gala, talking about a former participant and his enduring impact on the organization through the giving pyramid named for him. She and her husband Alvin, often start the donations for the pyramid, leading by example and encouraging others to join them.
As she continues on the Board, Linda feels there is still so much to do. “I think Mane Stream is an amazing place where so many people are helped in countless ways. There are other places that offer some of what Mane Stream does. But no facility offers as much as we do. I want to see Mane Stream grow and expand our offerings to more people. And I want to see more of our community know who we are and support us.”
Linda has so many great memories of volunteering and working with the staff and her fellow Board Members, both past and present. For Linda it has always been about community service and charitable giving, “Good people, and good friends all.”
Thank you for everything Linda!! Where would we be without you?!
