When Gwen Salmo saw her youngest child off to college, she knew she was ready to take on a new challenge, but wasn’t quite sure what direction to go in. Luckily for her, she saw a friend in Maureen McCloskey, whom she met while returning books to her child’s high school. In turn, Maureen introduced her to Ray Kelly, whom she met at Oakland Beach during the summer of 2010.
“I didn’t even know what a triathlon was, but because of Ray’s guidance and encouragement, I decided to give it a try!” She will never forget her first swim at Oakland Beach which was very cold and disorienting since she did not own a wetsuit or have prescription goggles.
Gwen’s first race was a Mini Mighty Man and consisted of a 0.25-mile pool swim, a 6-mile bike and a 2-mile run. Inspired, she decided to join Rye Tri Club in 2011, and that same year returned to the Mini Mighty Man and won 2nd place in her age group!
Gaining confidence, Gwen then set her sights on the Westchester Triathlon, the Olympic-distance race that was the catalyst for the creation of the Rye Tri Club. Reflecting on this time, she remembers how amazing it was to be doing the race with so many fellow club members in the same places they would regularly train. From there, it wasn’t long until she took on what is considered to be the third most challenging Iron Man course in the world: Lake Placid Half Iron Man!
When asked which leg of a triathlon is her favorite, Gwen responded enthusiastically with, “SWIM for sure!” That’s no surprise as she, along with her husband Gary and a rotating group of friends, can be found on summer evenings swimming at the very same Oakland Beach where it all started for her.
A Desire to Help Others
Founded in 1978, Friends of Karen is an organization dedicated to providing emotional, financial and advocacy support to children facing life-threatening diseases and their families. Gwen learned about the organization in 1991 through her Chi Omega alumnae sisters and in 1995, she became their Special Events Coordinator, thus beginning what would become a fulfilling career in the philanthropy sector.
“I’ve always found motivation in giving back to my local community. Helping children who have critical illnesses, and their families is especially rewarding.”
On March 12, 2025, Gwen received the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award from the Association of Development Officers (ADO) at their annual Philanthropy Awards Breakfast. While those who know her well are quick to acknowledge that this recognition is well-deserved, Gwen reports back that she found the experience to be humbling.
As part of being honored by the ADO, March 18, 2025, was declared “Gwen Salmo Day“ by Legislator Judah Holstein. As is tradition, the announcement was displayed prominently on the Westchester County Center’s outdoor marquee.
Congratulations to Gwen on her award and for her dedication to service! We are proud and honored to call Gwen a friend and fellow member of the Rye Tri Club!
