GallopNYC Honors Board Member Constance Hunter at Annual Barn Dance
New York, NY - Oct.13, 2022 - GallopNYC's leadership thanks attendees, sponsors and donors of the Annual Barn Dance, held Sept. 29, at the Tribeca Rooftop. It was one of the most successful GallopNYC events to date and we are grateful for all who helped New York City's premier therapeutic riding program achieve its goal.
If you were unable to attend and still wish to support GallopNYC, click the button below. Your generous support provides scholarships to New York's children and adults with disabilities and veterans who would not otherwise be able to ride.
The evening festivities kicked off as guests gathered and enjoyed the spectacular city skyline views from the venue's rooftop.
Guests moved to their seats and a short program began with the first speaker Alicia Kershaw, founder and vice board chair. Kershaw gave a heartfelt thanks to departing executive director James Wilson for his many years of service.
"James has steered through some difficult times, kept us on a steady course and has built a foundation for our future growth," Kershaw said. "I think it's no exaggeration to say he's one of the most consequential people Gallop has been involved with."
Guests enjoy the New York City skyline during the rooftop cocktail reception. Photo by EQ Media
Kershaw promised to honor Wilson more extensively later but said she couldn't pass up the opportunity to express her gratitude. She also introduced incoming executive director Marcos Stafne, a nonprofit education and programming professional, who has specialized in serving communities with special needs. Kershaw explained that Wilson is graciously staying through a transition. With that, she introduced Wilson.
"GallopNYC has a very simple mission to help improve the lives of New Yorkers." Wilson said. He explained how through the magic of horsemanship and therapeutic riding, the program offers hundreds of riders each week the chance to improve their lives at four locations across New York City. He shared how the program has grown.
"I'm so proud of our achievements, but I'm not surprised because horses are a catalyst for achievement." he said.
Wilson thanked the Gallop NYC donors and sponsors. "Just like our horses help our riders to achieve their goals, your support will help GallopNYC achieve our goals," he said.
GallopNYC Executive Director James Wilson. Photo by EQ Media
Tim Zietara, chief investment officer for Centennial Property Finance, a PATH Intl. certified Instructor and member of the GallopNYC council of advisors, spoke next.
"Horses in New York City is kind of a strange phenomenon in many ways," Zietara said. "Many of the horses donated come from places where they're no longer able to perform what they were (once) able to do. (Yet,) they have an innate feature of being able to connect with people. It's that human-horse interconnection that we utilize at GallopNYC."
Turning attention from the horses to the riders, Zietara introduced and honored six GallopNYC riders for their dedication to the program. The riders included Avril Amaya, Alexandra Avena, Brandon Bristol, siblings Yujin and Eileen Sullivan and senior rider Lois Chiarello.
Carl Bristol, Brandon's father, spoke next. Brandon has been riding at GallopNYC since 2016 and has recently become an independent rider. "GallopNYC is a fantastic organization, and it has changed my son's life," Carl Bristol said. "It teaches him socialization and independence."
"It has changed my life immensely for the better," added Brandon.
Carl and Brandon Bristol. Photo by EQ Media
Tom Bolt, AIG chief risk officer, introduced his colleague and the evening's honoree, board member Constance Hunter, AIG executive vice president, global head of strategy & ESG. He explained that Hunter brought her economic and strategic expertise to GallopNYC during the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic and has been a vocal advocate of GallopNYC's work to change the lives of New Yorkers with disabilities.
In addition, Hunter is the executive sponsor for AIG's employee Resource Group and of Disabilities and Allies, bringing attention to causes like GallopNYC.
"Constance is an accomplished economist and strategist, a talented and experienced executive, and most importantly, a devoted and generous philanthropist and civic leader." Bolt said. "She contributes her time and resources to make our communities stronger and better. The recognition tonight is well-deserved."
James Wilson presents the 2022 GallopNYC Barn Dance honoree Constance Hunter. Photo by EQ Media
Hunter, touched by the honor, thanked Bolt and all her colleagues from AIG and former co-workers and friends from KPMG for attending and supporting GallopNYC. She shared that her cousin was born with cerebral palsy and was wheelchair- bound.
"When she was able to participate in therapeutic horseback riding, she was able to be free." Hunter said. "She was able to be in control. She was being able to be like any other little girl."
Hunter pointed out that one of the advantages of therapeutic riding is that you can never age out. Seniors can benefit as well as children.
"GallopNYC's mission just resonates with me for so many reasons," she said. "Alicia, thank you for starting the organization, bringing together the amazing people and board and galvanizing all of us to work hard."
Constance Hunter gives a heartfelt thank you. Photo by EQ Media
Guests enjoyed dinner, drinks and square dancing. Photos by EQ Media