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The spirit of giving was in full gallop at “The Mane Event: A Sip and Shop for Special Equestrians,” held on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center in Miami’s historic Horse Country.
The festive holiday bazaar once again drew South Florida’s philanthropic and equestrian communities together for an afternoon of shopping, camaraderie, and compassion — all to benefit therapeutic riding programs for individuals with special needs.
This year’s event featured a special presentation by John Harris, managing director, chief wealth advisor of Coral Gables Trust and board member of Whispering Manes, who presented a generous donation check on behalf of the Holloway Family Trust Foundation. The contribution will directly support Whispering Manes’ equine-assisted programs, helping children and adults with disabilities experience the healing power of horses.
“Coral Gables Trust Company is deeply committed to investing in organizations that strengthen our community,” Harris said. “Whispering Manes transforms lives every day through the remarkable connection between horse and human, and we are proud to help ensure their programs continue to flourish.”
Now in its ninth year, The Mane Event has become one of Miami’s most beloved seasonal traditions. The 2025 celebration drew its biggest guest list ever, with notables including Whispering Manes executive director Helen Picard, Dr. Heather Goddard, Amanda Altman, Maile Agilera, Aries Hernandez, Dwight Kuhl, and Sissy DeMaria Koehne.
Guests arrived in their best equestrian-chic attire to enjoy an afternoon of boutique shopping, artisanal bites, and fine wines, while meeting the center’s cherished therapy horses — including Honey, Banjo, Sonny and Chloe. Highlights included a spirited riding demonstration and a fashion show showcasing trend-forward looks from local designers, along with a silent auction featuring exclusive items and experiences.
“The Mane Event is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of community, compassion, and possibility,” Picard said. “We are deeply grateful to Coral Gables Trust and John Harris and all of our sponsors and board members for their extraordinary generosity, which allows us to continue expanding our programs and touching more lives.”
“At Coral Gables Trust, we consider it both our duty and our privilege to support the nonprofit organizations that make our community such an extraordinary place to live and work,” said Don Kress, CEO of Coral Gables Trust. “Supporting non-profits is fundamental to who we are as a company — it’s an expression of our deep roots in South Florida and our belief that success is best shared when it helps strengthen the community around us.”
Proceeds from the event will fund scholarships and facility improvements that enable Whispering Manes to offer affordable, life-enhancing equine therapy to individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges including autism, PTSD, and Down syndrome.
For more information about Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center or to make a donation, visit https://whisperingmanes.org.
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