GallopNYC Celebrates Riders, Volunteers and Honored Guests at Ninth Annual Barn Dance
GallopNYC Board Chair Constance Hunter, Vice Chair Amanda Brashall-Cain, Beatrice de Lavalette and Founder Alicia Kershaw.
Photo by Snap Photo and Cinema
New York, NY — Oct. 25, 2024 — GallopNYC hosted its annual Barn Dance, a night filled with celebration, inspiration and philanthropy, all to support its life-changing therapeutic experiences with horses. The event raised close to $500,000 to support GallopNYC’s programs that serve New Yorkers with disabilities, older adults, veterans and first responders. The funds will also help care for GallopNYC’s cherished herd of therapy horses.
During the event, GallopNYC and Interim Executive Director Alicia Kershaw announced that GallopNYC Chief Operating Officer Jennie Bucove is to lead as executive director. Bucove is an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience launching and scaling businesses, driving growth and solving strategic challenges and is a lifelong horse lover.
Constance Hunter, chair of the GallopNYC board, welcomed attendees and encouraged them to experience the magic of GallopNYC firsthand. “I encourage you to come out to Sunrise Stables and see what happens there every day,” she said. Hunter extended heartfelt thanks to GallopNYC’s legacy sponsor, Centennial Bank, for their unwavering support before introducing Vice Board Chair Amanda Barshall-Cain, who introduced the evening’s first honoree, Beatrice de Lavalette.
A paralympic dressage rider, de Lavalette shared her powerful story of resilience and triumph, having survived the 2016 Brussels airport terrorist attack. Her passion for dressage helped her overcome unimaginable challenges, regaining her life. She has since represented the United States in Paralympic Dressage at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, including the honor of carrying the Olympic flame. "I discovered what GallopNYC does and what it stands for, and I completely believe in everything they do,” de Lavalette said, expressing her admiration for GallopNYC's work.
GallopNYC Board Chair Constance Hunter and Joey Wölffer. Photo by Snap Photo and Cinema
Next, Hunter introduced Joey Wölffer, GallopNYC’s Leading Entrepreneur and Equestrian Honoree. Founder of a Hamptons boutique and sustainable apparel line and co-owner of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Wölffer is also a competitive show jumper and a mother of two. Wölffer, moved by the night’s focus on community, said, “I think this night has nothing to do with me. It’s about the people who have real struggles and are saved by horses, and it’s GallopNYC’s work that really changes their lives.”
Lauren Reischer, GallopNYC board member and former rider, introduced three honorees from GallopNYC’s riding programs: Chase Williams, Saskia Thoonen, and Juan Tirona, whose journeys reflect the healing power of horses. Volunteer Coordinator Marlee Miller introduced the volunteer honoree, Noel Griffin, whose dedication supports GallopNYC’s mission.
GallopNYC Board Member Lauren Reischer, 2024 Rider Honoree Chase Williams and his mother Lisa Robin.
2024 GallopNYC Rider Honoree Saskia Thoonen, Board Member Lauren Reischer, Sophia Thoonen and their mother Ingrid Thoonen.
GallopNYC Board Member Camille Tirona, Rider Honoree Juan Tirona and Board Member Lauren Reischer. Photos by Snap Photo and Cinema
Reischer shared the story of her GallopNYC journey that began when she was only 3 years old and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. “The first time I sat on a horse was the first time I had the feeling of two independent legs,” she said. “It was also the first time that I was able to sit upright on my own. My parents were able to see a future for me, and as a family we committed to riding.” Reischer credited GallopNYC and her connection with horses for her many accomplishments. She was the captain of her equestrian team at Brown University, is now an equestrian professional and works as annual fund director for Vibrant Emotional Health.
The evening also featured an exciting live auction, led by Rachael White Young from Christie’s, which included stays at a Scottish estate and other unique items.The night concluded with spirited square dancing, bringing the community together to celebrate GallopNYC’s extraordinary work.
GallopNYC Volunteer Coordinator Marlee Miller and 2024 Volunteer Honoree Noel Griffin. Photo by Snap Photo and Cinema