Current Issue

Charity Begins At Home

Susan Landmesser lends a hand and inspires youth to follow in her footsteps.

By Liz Donovan

For philanthropist Susan Landmesser, true beauty comes from within. The Bernardsville resident has spent years working to make life better for both individuals and animals in need. Whether she is adopting an abandoned horse at risk of euthanasia or lending her century-old carriage house for a fundraising gala, Landmesser is always championing a cause. “I’ve been fortunate in my life, and giving back is one of the best ways I can say thank you,” she says.

Landmesser credits her penchant for philanthropy in part to her father, who, as a lawyer, provided pro-bono services to community organizations. After his death from cancer, she became involved with the American Cancer Society, co-hosting its annual benefit gala, which last year raised more than $300,000. She also volunteers with the Upper Raritan Watershed Association and with Integrity House, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation community located in Newark and Secaucus.

To see the individual impact of her efforts, one need only look into her back yard. There, grazing on the lawn are three horses (Kasha, Billy, and Lexie) and a llama (Apollo) — all of whom would have been put to sleep had they not been rescued by Landmesser. Many more animals have been helped through her support of such charities as Mylestone Equine Rescue, St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, and Friends of Homeless Animals. “I wish I could take in every animal in need,” she says. “They don’t have a say in anything, and so many are abused and neglected.”

Now, after more than a decade of charitable work, Landmesser hopes to inspire a younger generation of humanitarians. “I would love to see more young people become philanthropy-minded and learn how rewarding it is,” she says. “Individuals who share their good fortune are much more well-rounded.”

For more information on some of Landmesser's favorite charities, visit mylestone.org ?(Mylestone Equine Rescue) and cancer.org (American Cancer Society).