McKinney-based equine assisted therapy center ManeGait has named Katharine Weaver as its first director of philanthropy.

Adding Weaver to the nonprofit’s leadership team will help advance ManeGait’s mission to empower children and adults with disabilities to “move beyond their boundaries through the healing power of horses,” the organization said.

With more than 10 years of experience building high-impact donor partnerships, Weaver brings seasoned expertise to ManeGait. While with the North Texas Food Bank, she held senior fundraising and leadership roles, raising millions of dollars annually to support local people facing hunger.

“This role marks an exciting new chapter for ManeGait, underscoring our dedication to deepening our impact within the community,” ManeGait CEO Patricia Nelson said in a statement. “We’re thrilled by the vision, leadership, and passion Katharine brings to our mission and look forward to the meaningful connections and opportunities she will foster.”

Will support $13.2M expansion initiative

In her new role, Weaver will support ManeGait’s $13.2 million expansion initiative, The Beacon Project, designed to address the growing waitlist of over 400 individuals with disabilities. Currently, 150 children, adults, and veterans benefit weekly from ManeGait’s life-changing equine therapy programs, with 30 therapy horses and 1,200 active volunteers annually.

When the expansion is complete in the next few months, ManeGait will become one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the nation, with the capacity to serve twice as many families and volunteers across North Texas compared to the current facility, the nonprofit said.

“Joining ManeGait as the new director of philanthropy is an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for helping others with the transformative power of equine therapy,” Weaver said. “The impactful work being done here, backed by impressive scientific research, provides immense benefit to our riders.”

She added, “Having grown up riding horses, I deeply value the powerful connection between people, animals, and healing. I look forward to advancing ManeGait’s mission through collaboration, strategy, and trust.”

Founded in 2007 by Bill and Priscilla Darling, original partners of the residential homebuilding company Darling Homes, ManeGait offers equine assisted therapy for children and adults with physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities, and for veterans and first responders.

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