Wild at Heart Gala Reaches Monumental Success

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

Shadow of Jaguars - $10,000
The Brucker & Welsh Families
Charles Lafitte Foundation
CI Group
The Egginton Family & USA Sport Group
Frerich and Irene
Emily Maillet Kellogg & Kirk Kellogg
The Maher Family & The Murphy Family
Red Tail Farm
The Sobel Foundation
The Sudler Family Foundation

Journey of Giraffes - $5,000
Maureen & Stephen Bezer
The Durden Family
Durling/Sudler/Lucas/Durling/Godfrey
Kathy & Hal Kamine
Karen & Steve Kaufhold
The Marano Family
The Sudler Family Foundation
Julie Yankovich & Rajiv De Silva

Dazzle of Zebras - $2,500
Katherine & Joseph Brucchieri
Melissa & Mike Renfer
Jeanne Rogalin: Midtown Direct Properties | Keller Williams Premiere Properties
The Saladino Family

This year’s theme for EQUUS XXXII, "Wild at Heart," attracted nearly 300 guests who fully embraced the concept, arriving in a vibrant array of animal prints—men included! On Saturday, November 2 a record number of top sponsors enjoyed the VIP lounge, indulging in the martini bar, while attendees eagerly placed bids on silent auction items they aspired to win.

It was indeed a fantastic evening filled with lively dancing to the same amazing band, a Wild at Heart jungle selfie station (grrrr baby), generous donors, and a heartfelt video that captured the spirit of the night. Months ago when we gathered to discuss who should be featured in our new video for the EQUUS Gala, everyone agreed that Owen’s journey was a story worth telling. The touching video showcasing Adaptive Rider Owen Confer and his journey with Mane Stream over the past 14 years resonated deeply, serving as a powerful reminder of the positive impact Mane Stream has had on his entire family. And it made the evening even more special to see Owen on the dance floor all night long.

We are thrilled to share that this year’s gala broke all records! Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the EQUUS committee, sponsors, and dedicated donors, Mane Stream eagerly anticipates providing our vital programs to over 400 participants with special needs in 2025! We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from the entire community. If you were unable to attend you can still support the mission as our Wild for a Cause zoo is still seeking individuals to "adopt" a Lion or a Cheetah for $2,500 each, contributing to the continuing education of our therapists and adaptive riding instructors. Interested parties can contact Trish@manestreamnj.org for more details.

The whole Gala Committee led by the Co-Chairs, Elizabeth Sudler Sobel and Kimmie Turiansky, hope everyone present enjoyed every moment of the evening just as much as they did. This year, it was truly inspiring to witness a larger number of attendees raising their paddles for "Adam Friedland's Helping Hands" pyramid. The funds raised through the pyramid will directly benefit participants in all our programs, our cherished equine companions, and our outstanding staff. Special thanks to Matt Newsome, our incredible auctioneer, for enabling everyone in the room to show their generosity and support our cause.

As the evening drew to a close, a profound sense of fulfillment filled the air. Each guest departed with auction items, chocolate chip cookies, and cherished memories of a night brimming with magic, compassion, and the knowledge that they have contributed to providing Unbridled Possibilities for children and adults with special needs.

EQUUS GALA COMMITTEE
 Event Co-Chairs:  Elizabeth Sudler Sobel and Kimmie Turiansky

Alexandra Allen, Laura Bierfeldt, Erin Chesson, Jen Conway (Backshall), Elizabeth Durden, 
Amy Durling, Courtney Durling, Heather Egginton, Tara Frerich, Robin Gibson, 
Sarah Gore, Alison Irene, Karen Mikita-Kaufhold, Emily Maillet Kellogg, 
Michelle Lawse, Gretchen Lerach, Liz Maher, Priscilla Miller, Jaimie Morais, Karen Murphy, Marianne Walsh Saladino, Tanya Sameth, Chrissy Sudler, Jennifer Sudler, 
Ali Thebault Allen, Rael Welsh, Julie Yankovich

More pictures to come so check back periodically!