A Successful Night at the EQUUS XXXIII Gala
Mane Stream’s annual fundraising event, EQUUS XXXIII: Meet Me in Montana, brought the rugged elegance of the West to The Ryland Inn on Saturday, October 4, 2025, for a spectacular night of purpose and celebration. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Mane Stream community, the gala was a resounding success, meeting its goal to support the organization’s vital adaptive riding and therapy services programs in 2026.
Thank You EQUUS Sponsors!
Yellowstone Club Member $12,000
The Durden Family
The Greifeld Family
Emily Maillet Kellogg & Kirk Kellogg
The Lipson Family
Red Tail Farm
Spiniello Companies
The Sudler Family Foundation
The Turiansky Family
Big Sky Gazer $8,000
Maureen & Stephen Bezer
The Greifeld Family
The Saladino Family
The Boze Man $4,000
Karen & Steve Kaufhold
Andrew & Genevieve Fairclough
The evening, expertly guided by Co-Chairs Elizabeth Durden and Alyssa Solimine and the dedicated Gala Committee, saw just over 225 guests fully embrace the "polished ranch style" dress code. Women sported sophisticated equestrian prints, fun fringe, amazing jewelry, and a dazzling variety of western-style belts, while the men looked as though they had just walked off the set of Yellowstone.
The beautiful weather allowed the patio festivities to flourish, with the spirit of competition alive at the Ranch Hand Rodeo and the Cuttie Casting area.
Men’s Mechanical Bull Champion:
Joe SeilerWomen’s Mechanical Bull Champion: Rachel Gardner
Cuttie Casting Champion: Kirk Kellogg
The night featured unique, high-spirited entertainment. The Custom Hat Bar was a massive success, swamped all night long by attendees eager to personalize their Western headwear. Guests enjoyed sipping on signature cocktails, visiting the Cigar Bar, and dancing the night away to an amazing mix of music, including a performance by Jesse Bardwell and the Free Union, and an awesome DJ from White Isle Events. The Ryland Inn’s elevated chuck wagon fare was described by all as absolutely spectacularly, tasty, and wonderfully abundant! That’s not your usual gala experience for sure.
A cornerstone of the fundraising was the excitement around the live auction. Attendees eagerly placed bids on exclusive getaways and unique experiences, all expertly orchestrated once again by our charming auctioneer, Matt Newsome.
Though the evening’s true purpose was powerfully brought home by guest speaker Izzy Rita (@izzylivingherbestlife). Her heartfelt words and inspiring journey with Mane Stream served as a poignant reminder of the life-changing impact the organization has on individuals with special needs.
A highlight of the philanthropic evening was the generous response to Adam Friedland's Helping Hands pyramid paddle raise. The inspiring number of attendees who raised their paddles for this direct appeal ensures that funds will be immediately available to benefit all of Mane Stream's programs and their cherished equine companions.
As the evening drew to a close, a profound sense of fulfillment filled the air. Each guest departed with auction items secured, a treat, 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.
Mane Stream extends its deepest gratitude to the entire Gala Committee, all the sponsors, and every guest who attended for making EQUUS XXXIII a truly transformative success.
Garden State Snaps Photo Booth Pics
