50 People for 50 Years: Karen Mikita-Kaufhold, Volunteer and President of the Board of Directors
Karen Mikita-Kaufhold leading Dunkin during a Speech-Language session back in the early 2000’s.
It might seem like just yesterday, but Karen Mikita-Kaufhold’s involvement with Mane Stream began over twenty years ago. After leaving a job in northern New Jersey and moving to Hunterdon County, Karen was looking for something to do. While attending a business event with her husband, Steve, Karen was discussing possible volunteer opportunities with a dinner guest who suggested Mane Stream (Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center at the time.)
Karen’s love of horses had prompted her to take riding lessons in the area but she wanted to volunteer in some way, as well. She felt that Mane Stream would be the perfect fit, and was further convinced when she read in local newspapers that the organization was looking for volunteers. Over her years at Mane Stream, Karen has served in many capacities but she started as a volunteer with the adaptive riding and therapy services programs.
One of Karen’s favorite things is the joy of seeing the participants improve in their therapy sessions. She shares, “When I first started volunteering, I worked with a client who could not speak at all. She had a button on her device she pressed that said ‘walk-on’ so when Angela (Mane Stream’s speech-language pathologist at the time) asked her to tell her horse to ‘walk-on’ she would press that button.” Karen’s volunteer schedule changed so she didn’t work with that client regularly but one day she was a substitute volunteer for the same client and the client was able to verbalize the phrase ‘walk-on.’ Karen reflects, “Tears came to my eyes, I realized that wonderful things really do happen at Mane Stream. Seeing the improvements in the quality of life of a participant is so amazing.”
It was not long after Karen joined Mane Stream, that she was asked to be on the Equus gala and Spring Event committees. Karen learned the ropes of setting up for the gala and auction from then-Board Member, Marianne Saladino. After working on the event committees, Karen was approached by Nichola Redmond, Mane Stream’s then-Executive Director, to join the Board of Directors. Karen has held several positions on the Board including: Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Vice-President, and since 2018 has served as President. To this day, Karen is still an integral part of each and every fundraising event.
Although very busy with her Board responsibilities, Karen still finds time to volunteer with our programs and to help with the Annual Horse Show. “I have so many memories of volunteering at the Annual Horse Show, seeing the improved riding skills and accomplishments of the participants. It is such a happy day for everyone. The riders are so thrilled to receive a ribbon as well as having their family and friends cheer them on and celebrate their achievements. I love being a part of that day.”
Looking forward, Karen would like to see Mane Stream continue as a Premier Accredited Center serving the community for many years to come. But most of all, to have a great strategic plan and vision providing the best and newest programs to meet the current and emerging needs of the community. Also, as Board President, Karen feels, “Fundraising ensures the sustainability of existing programs and lays the groundwork for the future. We need to maintain and develop the facility and property to secure a high-quality physical space for excellent program delivery and for the safety of our participants, staff, and horses.” When challenges arise such as the pandemic, which impacted many of the events at Mane Stream, Karen witnessed, “It was so rewarding to see how generous, kind, and supportive our donors are to ensure that we can continue to offer and provide our programs.”
When Karen is not devoting her time to Mane Stream she is busy with agility training and competition with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Since 2007, Karen and her dogs have won several titles with the highest title earned a Master Bronze Jumper with Weaves Preferred title in AKC. As we enter the final few months of our 50th Anniversary celebrations, Karen considers, “I can best serve Mane Stream in the future by continuing to give my time volunteering with program because it takes many volunteers a week to be able to run the programs. I would also hope to continue to serve on the Board in some capacity to continue to help Mane Stream fulfill the mission.”
Mane Stream is grateful for Karen’s continued dedication, service, and ability to see the endless potential at Mane Stream. Thank you, Karen!
