By Erin Gilmore ShowBiz Feature
A
lady,” Betsy insists. “I don’t sit inside and play bridge or domi- nos. I’d rather be out- side in the fresh air, picking dead weeds.” Or mobilizing a
community into char- itable action. Over the last 40
few minutes of conversation it becomes exception- ally clear: there’s only one thing that Betsy Glikbarg is loathe to talk about, herself. She can deftly turn the tables on any conversation with a warm look, a few polite inquiries and a slight nod. And with that, it’s apparent how the matriarch of the Menlo Charity Horse Show transformed a small, one-day family show into the serious competition and major fundraiser it is today. “I’m not a lady’s
fter a
the next! During its evolution, the show has under- gone many changes, but from the beginning Betsy has been the constant. Betsy describes herself as Menlo’s biggest cheer-
leader. All year long she meets with sponsors, or- ganizes prizes, plans the program and manages a crew of show volunteers that is 150 strong. She prides herself on organizing her small army via just five strategic meet- ings per year, which always begin on the hour and never waste a minute.
Family First Menlo’s long-run-
years, she’s spent a lot of time in the fresh air while working on her favorite topic of conversation - the Menlo Charity Horse Show. In 1970, she organized her fellow horsewomen to hold a fundraiser for her local barn, which was in need of a new roof. The one-day show was so successful that it repeated the next year. And the next. And
Ellen grew up riding, but marriage, children and a successful singing career took the place of hors- es. Betsy chuckles a little as she admits that Ellen
Above: Betsy rode up until just a few years ago. Here she is, flanked by club members, riding on the polo field at Menlo in 2001.
ning traditions pale only to the strength of Betsy’s 50-year marriage and ex- tended family. With husband Tom Glik- barg, Betsy raised three children in her hometown of Atherton and now plays willing and able babysitter to eight grandchildren, all of whom live within 15 minutes of her. Betsy’s daughter
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