50 People for 50 Years: Marianne Walsh Saladino, Volunteer, Board Member and Equus - Gratitude Gala Co-Chair
As many know, Marianne Walsh Saladino has been involved with Mane Stream and our fundraising events for years. Over twenty years in fact! She joined the Board of Directors in 2001 and that same year, co-chaired the Equus X gala with Penelope Ayers at Beval Saddlery. They say time flies when you are having fun, and Marianne has enjoyed every moment of being a part of Mane Stream. She has especially loved her involvement with our Equus galas - from Carnival in Venice to Disco Inferno to Sundance and so many more.
Marianne learned about Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center (now called Mane Stream) when she spotted an article in a local paper about the capital campaign to purchase and build our current facility. As a life-long rider, Marianne knew this organization would be a perfect fit for her skill set. She remembers, “One day a week I had a babysitter to watch my daughters Kara and Casey (who were one and two) at the time, and I decided to devote part of that day to SHHRC.” Before long Marianne was asked to be part of the organizing committee for the opening of the new facility in Oldwick, and from there she was asked to join the Board.
As both rider and volunteer, Marianne knows how special horses are. “So, it’s not that I was surprised when I heard a non-verbal rider’s first word was ‘pony’, but I will say that it took my breath away. Or when another rider was told they would never walk, and now they do. All the riders know how special the horses are. Just a common bond that riders share, no matter one’s ability.”
As Marianne’s commitment to Mane Stream grew, her daughters grew as well. For years Kara and Casey would watch lessons, play on the property and help set up events with their mother. “It was never a question if they would volunteer at Mane Stream, it was just a matter of when,” said Marianne. “The girls volunteered because they loved it!”
In 2013, Marianne “retired” as an active Board member and became an Emeritus Director. Recently she served on Mane Stream’s Strategic Planning Committee, bringing a very useful historical perspective to the process. In addition to her other valuable contributions, Marianne does have a true super power as a silent auction display creator. Year after year she swoops in to package baskets and setup the auction tables, making all of the items look fantastic and enticing for potential bidders.
This year, Marianne is once again co-chairing Equus with Laura Brucker and Emily Maillet Kellogg for our 50th Anniversary celebration and we are back at the famous and historic USET. It will be a family affair for Marianne with her daughters and husband attending that evening. “I’m excited for Equus this year celebrating 50 years of Mane Stream. And if past Equus’ are any indication, we are in for a fabulous night! I couldn’t think of a better place or a better mission to support.”
